Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has urged the newly sworn-in chairmen of the 17 local government areas in the state to immediately commence work, emphasizing that the local government system is an active partner in the state's development agenda. The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission had declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress winners of the 17 chairmanship and 260 councillorship seats in the council election conducted across the state.
The chairmen and their council areas are John Ogbodo, Nkanu West; Mike Ogbuekwe, Nkanu East; Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, Aninri; Jude Chinedu Asogwa, Nsukka; Caleb Ani, Enugu South; Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Igboeze South; Brendan Emeka Ani, Isi-Uzo; Ibenaku Onoh, Enugu North; Martin Amadieze, Igbo-Etiti; and Innocent Ezeoha, Udenu. Others are Chris Onyekachi Simon, Igboeze North; Chijioke Ezeugwu, Uzo Uwani; Hyginus Agu, Udi; Uche Okolo, Awgu; Beloved Dan Anike, Enugu East; Greg Anyaegbudike, Oji River; and Vitals Ndu, Ezeagu.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Mbah reminded the chairmen that the promises they made during the electioneering period had now become obligations to the electorate, describing the relationship between elected officials and the people as a social contract. He stressed that there is no honeymoon for them, and they should hit the ground running to address the tasks ahead.
Mbah emphasized the strategic importance of the local government system, describing it as the tier of government closest to the people and a critical partner in the state's development agenda. He said the government's objective to eradicate poverty could not be achieved without addressing poverty in rural communities where there is a prevalence of poverty.
The governor urged the chairmen to align their programs and priorities with the broader development agenda of his administration, particularly in education, healthcare, sanitation, agriculture, and poverty reduction. He also charged them to make themselves accessible and accountable to the people, stressing that they must spend their resources responsibly.
On education, Governor Mbah urged the chairmen to go beyond physical infrastructure and focus on measurable outcomes, including literacy, numeracy, and school enrollment. He said they should work to ensure that no child of school age is out of school in their local government areas.
Responding on behalf of the chairmen, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, expressed appreciation to the people of the state and Governor Mbah for giving them the privilege to serve. He pledged the commitment of the chairmen to good governance and expressed confidence that, at the end of their tenure, they would be proud of their contributions to the development of Enugu State.
Key points
- Governor Mbah charges new LG chairmen to eradicate poverty
- Chairmen must align programs with state's development agenda
- Governor emphasizes education and accountability priorities
