Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas, charging them to focus on grassroots development, uphold integrity and deliver on the mandates entrusted to them.
The Punch reported that the governor gave the charge on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
Okpebholo described the inauguration as the start of a new phase in local government administration, saying the chairmen must make development and effective service delivery their priorities.
He also described the recently conducted local government elections as free, fair and credible, noting that the turnout reflected increasing public confidence in democratic governance and his administration.
According to the governor, local governments have a crucial role to play because they are the tier of government closest to the people and are therefore better positioned to ensure that government programmes and development projects reach communities.
He noted that the renewed emphasis on local government autonomy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu had increased the responsibilities of the newly elected chairmen.
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our party at the recent polls is a call for more work. You must prioritise grassroots development, shun corruption and justify the confidence reposed in them by the people.
“I charge you to go and work for the people, complement the development efforts of the state government and ensure that the impact of government is felt in every community,” he said.
Okpebholo further warned the new council bosses against corruption, describing public office as a sacred responsibility and an opportunity to serve the people.
He said the success of their tenure would ultimately be measured by the positive impact they made on people’s lives, the challenges they addressed and how responsibly they handled the resources and opportunities entrusted to them.
The governor also tasked the chairmen with strengthening the party’s political structures at the grassroots and mobilising support for President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the state was targeting 2.5 million votes for Tinubu and urged the chairmen to work collectively towards achieving the goal through sustained engagement with the electorate.
“The best way to earn their continued support is through good governance and visible development.
“The people have entrusted you with leadership. Go and justify that trust. Serve with humility, lead with integrity and work with passion,” Okpebholo added.
The governor expressed confidence that the new administration at the local government level would contribute to greater development, peace and prosperity across Edo State.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairmen, the Oredo Local Government Area Chairman, Gabriel Iduseri, thanked Okpebholo for entrusting them with the responsibility of leading the councils.
Iduseri said the chairmen understood the weight of their mandate and were committed to providing transparent and people-focused leadership.
“We pledged our commitment to provide purposeful and transparent and people oriented leadership at the grass-roots.
“We are ready to key into the project SHINE AGENDA of the governor and the Renewed Hope of the president, and to bring development to our various local governments,” he said.
