November 04, (THEWILL) – Senator Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, has charged the newly elected council chairmen in the state to serve diligently.
He also tasked them to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the ‘People First’ governance approach.
The governor gave the charge while swearing in the 18 newly elected chair persons which comprise three women and fifteen men and are all members of the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Otu in his speech highlighted key priorities for the new leadership to include community development, addressing infrastructure needs, and improving public services at the grassroots level.
“Your victory is a call to action to serve the people of Cross River and deliver on your promises with integrity.
“We have a goal as a state, and it is important to align with this goal. We want to build our Gross Domestic Product (GDP); we want to attract investment. We want our people to live better.
“So, it is not a ceremonial office; it is serious business.
“As the closest tier of government to the people, the core mandate of every local government council is the provision of basic amenities.
“The accomplishment of this task shall be a litmus test for the huge confidence the electorate repose in you and a referendum on your capacity to deliver on your campaign promises”, the governor said.
Governor Otu also mandated the new leaders to resolve to bring government nearer to the people as this is inviolable to the present administration.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of Obudu local government area, Hon. Udiandeye Peter assured the Governor that the current crop of leaders at the local level will not rest on their oars in the task of bringing democratic dividends to the grassroots.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
