Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, has charged Council Chairmen of the 27 LGAs in the state and other Council officials on judicious use of funds coming into their respective areas for grassroots development.
The Governor gave the charge while declaring open a three day retreat for elected LGA Council officials on effective local government administration.
He said the retreat is an opportunity for the elected council officials, mostly, the Council Chairmen to have sober reflection on their journey towards attaining their expected goals.
Uzodinma added that it is necessary for public servants to periodically engage in active training to aid them actualize their administrative mandate to the electorate.
The Governor observed that the Local Government is the first arm closer to the people and acts as a beacon of even development in the rural areas, adding that it is the major reason why the elected council officials must ensure they deliver on their mandate.
He advised the Council Chairmen to engage stakeholders in their respective areas in the decision making process and ensure that policies are actualized through a transparent and participatory process.
“I have often observed that some officials get elected into office without any kind of template to drive a vision for performance, some just believe that the election is an end in itself and not a means to an end.
“That is why they leave office without adding any tangible value to the system. However, when you have a valuable and vision-driven roadmap, it becomes very easy for you to achieve your sustainable goals. Public office, whether elected or appointed, is a noble calling”he said.”
The number one citizen of the state further advised the Council Chairmen to avoid creating an opportunity for the opposition to capitalize on and criticize his administration.
“As elected council chairmen, councillors and appointed local government officials, your sacred mandate is to showcase the alluring benefits of democracy to our people.
Among them must include transparent, open, and accountable governance processes.
“Through your conduct and actions, you must make the grassroots appreciate why democracy is the best form of government.
To achieve this will mean that you must follow due democratic process in all your actions. Public funds must be judiciously appropriated for public good”.he further said.
Uzodinma warned that every Council Chairman and Councilor must stay in his or her area, maintaining that any elected official not residing in the constituency amounts to abandonment of office and necessary constitutional processes shall be applied to declare the office vacant.
He added that both the traditional rulers and presidents general of the town unions have a duty to watch closely the performances of the elected council officials, saying their reports will be taken seriously.
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