Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has sworn in the newly elected Chairmen of the state local councils.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ogun State Governor, South-West, Nigeria Prince Dapo Abiodun has sworn-in Chairmen of the 20 local government areas and their deputies.
Local government elections were held on Saturday in the state, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) winning all the 20 Chairmanship seats.
Abiodun call on them to see their new positions as a call to service to further take dividend of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
He charged them to bring a new vista of development to their various council areas, adding that they should be ingenious in their policies towards bringing the desired change and development to the grassroots.
“we are convinced that a free and fair local government council election is directly connected to the economic development of the local government areas and increased prosperity of our people at that level. In fact, it is an impetus for the wellness, welfare, and wellbeing of our people at the grassroots”.
“I commend you for stepping out to make yourselves available for service and most especially, for the entrenchment of good governance at the grassroots level.
“In addition, you must also appreciate the fact that your victory at the polls is multi-dimensional. It is a combination of the confidence reposed in your individual abilities; the faith the people have reposed in our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) to provide the needed development and ensure individual prosperity for our people at the grassroots. It is a call to service”, Abiodun said.
“From the onset, therefore, it is important that you appreciate the enormity of the responsibility your victory places on your shoulders. The Local Government is not just a tier of government stated in our country’s 1999 constitution, as amended; it is the closest to the people and so much is expected from you. Therefore, your assumption of office must bring a new vista of development to our people at the grassroots.
“You must be inclusive; you must be transparent; you must be accountable; you must be fair; you must be just; you must be equitable; you must obey the rule of law; you must provide good governance; you must be judicious. Above all you cannot afford to turn yourselves to “Mr or Mrs I know it all.”
“You must also understand that you cannot rely exclusively on allocations from the Federal Government. You will have to be creative in generating funds internally and incorporate the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model. But in doing this, you cannot afford to over-burden the people who are the essence and facilitators of your being in power”.
“You should take a cue from our approach at the State level by being cerebral; methodical; systemic and ensure strategic allocation of funds. Let me assure you all that our Administration at the State level, will continue to support our LGAs with funds where and when necessary”.
