Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has urged newly inaugurated local government chairmen and other council officials to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in their duties. He gave the charge during the flag-off of a three-day capacity-building workshop in Abakaliki, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. The workshop aims to equip the officials with the necessary skills to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Governor Nwifuru warned the officials against using their positions to pursue quick wealth through illegal means, stressing that public office is a trust that must be exercised in the interest of the people. He emphasized that their actions today will determine the legacy they leave behind and cautioned them against allowing anyone to mislead them into doing what is wrong.
The governor advised the council officials to remain focused and resilient in the face of criticism, stressing that their primary responsibility is to serve the people at the grassroots. He urged them to retrace their steps whenever necessary and place the collective interest of their people above personal gains. Nwifuru warned that those who allow themselves to be pressured into wrongdoing could eventually regret their actions.
Governor Nwifuru also emphasized the importance of conducting themselves in a manner that would preserve their integrity beyond their tenure. He urged them to make decisions that would leave positive legacies in their respective local government areas. The governor stressed that whatever they do with public funds must be lawful, transparent, and accountable.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Igwe, also spoke at the workshop, charging the participants to create and sustain a working atmosphere free from all forms of corruption. Igwe urged them to make accountability and transparency integral parts of their administration, ensuring that their actions align with the expectations of the people they serve.
The workshop was described as timely and beneficial by the Chairman of the Ebonyi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Helen Aduga. She noted that it would deepen the officials' understanding of their responsibilities. Similarly, the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Coordinators' Forum, Chidi Ogbonna, described the training as educational and capable of strengthening grassroots governance.
The Ebonyi State government is taking steps to ensure that local government officials are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively serve the people. The capacity-building workshop is part of the government's efforts to promote good governance and accountability at the grassroots level. By doing so, the government aims to ensure that public office is used for the benefit of the people, not for personal gain.
Key points
- Governor Francis Nwifuru warns local government officials against misusing public office for personal gain.
- The Ebonyi State government organizes a capacity-building workshop to equip local government officials with necessary skills.
- Officials are urged to prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability in their duties.
