Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has urged the 21 newly sworn-in local government chairmen and their deputies to focus on grassroots development, service delivery, and accountability. He emphasized that the immediate responsibility resting on their administration is crucial. Soludo advised the officials to take their oath of office seriously, reviewing it daily as a reminder of their obligations. He stated that even the minutes spent at the swearing-in event were already gone and must be accounted for.
Soludo highlighted the motto of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), "Be your brother's and sister's keeper," as the foundation of their progressive agenda. He explained that a system is only as strong as its weakest link, hence the need to carry everyone along. The governor acknowledged the dominance of APGA in the state over the past twenty years, which resulted in candidates standing virtually unopposed. He reminded the incoming leaders that others kept the ladder strong for them to climb, and it is now their responsibility to leave it even stronger.
On governance standards, Soludo advised the mayors to adhere strictly to existing processes, rules, and laws. While encouraging innovation, he stressed that all actions must remain within legal boundaries. He specifically called for making the local government system more sustainable, pointing out that new laws allow councils to pool resources to manage common payments effectively. This, he believes, will help address the humongous challenges ahead.
The governor instructed the leaders to review the handover notes from their predecessors, carefully evaluating both assets and liabilities. This, he said, will enable them to understand the current state of affairs in their respective local governments. Soludo also charged them with promoting transparency and accountability in their administration. He emphasized that the people of Anambra State are looking up to them to deliver on their promises.
The swearing-in ceremony was performed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke. The newly sworn-in chairmen and their respective local government areas include: Aguata - Kingsley Ezeagu, Anambra East - Ifeanyi Chinweze, Anambra West - Tony Obierika, Anaocha - Paulinus Okafor, Awka North - Thankgod Anago, and Awka South - Chinedu Okafor. Others are: Ayamelum - Mgbechi Igwebuike, Dunukofia - Clement Ozumba, Ekwusigo - Ifeanyi Onuchukwu, Idemili North - Stanley Nkwoka, and Idemili South - Oluchukwu Ilogbenam.
Ihiala is now under the leadership of Anayo Orjiakor, while Njikoka has Ikechukwu Okakpu as its chairman. Nnewi North is led by Anazodo Echezona, Nnewi South by Ezeogidi Vangeroge, and Ogbaru by Nnamdi Ifejika. Onitsha North has Ibekwe Albert, Onitsha South has Peter Moufunanya, Orumba North has Chinonso Nwafor, and Orumba South has Mufunanya Ikechukwu. Igbem John Elochukwu is the chairman for Oyi.
Soludo's charge to the new local government leaders comes at a time when the state is grappling with various challenges, including communal clashes and infrastructural decay. The governor's emphasis on grassroots development, service delivery, and accountability is expected to guide the new administration in the 21 local governments. The governor's administration is expected to work closely with the new chairmen to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
Key points
- Soludo charges 21 Anambra LG chairmen to prioritize grassroots development, service delivery, and accountability.
- The governor emphasizes the importance of adhering to existing processes, rules, and laws in governance.
- The new local government leaders are expected to review handover notes from their predecessors to understand the current state of affairs in their respective local governments.
