ENUGU — Most event centers in Coal city were agog yesterday as friends and family of the Peoples Democratic Party gather to celebrate the inauguration of the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen and their Deputies.
The inauguration ceremony conducted on Thursday at the Okpara Square by the Governor of the state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was well attended.
Assuring the elected officers of his continual support, the Governor advises, “As you celebrate, note that you have now transitioned from Party (PDP) flag bearers to Public Servants. I remind you that there is work to be done.”
Citing Section 14 Subsection 2 b of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Governor charged the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the 17 LGAs in the state to prioritize security and welfare of the people as they discharge their duties in their various LGAs.
“You must strive to activate the rural economy and improve security of your neighborhood.”
“As Chief Security Officers of your Local Government Areas, you must be vigilant and facilitate the deliberate and proactive gathering and sharing of intelligence amongst security agencies to inform their counter-terrorism initiatives.
“There must be a sustained strategic engagement of all stakeholders in security; the Traditional Rulers, Presidents General of Town Unions, Neighborhood Watch Groups, Forest Guards, Youths and Road Transport Workers within your area of jurisdiction are important security stakeholders,” Ugwuanyi emphasized.
Ugwuanyi then charged, “All Local Government Council Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen must reside in their constituencies, amongst the people that have given them the opportunity to superintend over their affairs.”
Praying for the new Chairmen and Deputies, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese Bishop Callistus Onaga, represented by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo, adviced,“My dear beloved Chairmen, now the campaigns are over, the chips are down. You must stamp your feet on the sands of history. Bend down to work. Go back to your respective local government areas and stay there to work. Be responsible and accountable to your people.”
“I ask God to bless you. Remember you are still children of God. Do not abandon God; do not abandon the people; they are the people who gave you power; listen to them; work for them; pray with them,” Bishop Obodo charged.
Meanwhile, Barr Peter Okonkwo, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, has called on the elected officers to be dedicated to their duties and display exemplary leadership qualities that would justify the overwhelming mandate given to them by the people of the state.
Okonkwo advised them to make probity and accountability the watchwords of their administration, stressing that his Ministry will live up to its mandate of evaluating their performance.
Dignitaries at the ceremony include; the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Raymond Ozoemena; the former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and his wife, Dorothy; The Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi; Senator Chukwuka Utazi of Enugu North Senatorial District and other members of the National Assembly; the State Chairman of the PDP, Augustine Nnamani; Senator Ben Collins Ndu; Senator Hyde Onuaguluchi; members of the State House of Assembly and State Executive Council (EXCO); State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Edeh; Traditional Rulers, youth and women groups, amongst others.
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