ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, on Monday officially inaugurated the 17 newly elected local government chairmen.
He urged them to prioritize the “Abia first” agenda to drive socio-economic progress in their respective areas.
The elections, held last Saturday, resulted in 15 council heads from the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and two from the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
The inaugurated chairmen include Timothy Iheke (Aba North, ZLP), Anyanwu Obilor (Aba South, ZLP), Okereke Ezearo (Arochukwu, ZLP), Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Bende, ZLP), Dr. Anthony Nwaubani (Ikwuano, ZLP), Innocent Uruakpa (Isialangwa North, ZLP), Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu (Isialangwa South, ZLP), and Chinedu Ekeke (Isuikwuato, ZLP).
Others include Maxwell Nwadike (Obingwa, ZLP), Eleanya Oju-Kalu (Ohafia, ZLP), Chidi Christian Agu (Osisioma, YPP), Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Ugwunagbo, YPP), Chibunna Akara (Ukwa East, ZLP), Pastor Dike Nwankwo (Ukwa West, ZLP), Smart Ihuoma (Umuahia North, ZLP), Chinwendu Enwereuzo (Umuahia South, ZLP), and Sunday Afuruike (Umunneochi, ZLP).
In his address titled “Development and A New Philosophy of Leadership,” Governor Otti outlined his expectations for the chairmen, emphasizing the need to tackle longstanding issues within their communities.
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“While you may have emerged from different political platforms, the agenda remains the same: Abia first. We have set the pace at the state level, and I expect you to continue this work of socio-economic transformation from your various LGAs,” he stated.
Governor Otti emphasized that priority should be given to critical services and infrastructure. “Your task is to solve the basic problems that have bedevilled our people in the various communities for ages.
“Access to water, basic health and education services, effective maintenance of Truck C roads, and rapid response to security threats in your communities should rank very high in your order of priorities,” he said.
He added that within six months, residents should see measurable improvements, especially for vulnerable groups, including women and youth.
On Sunday, the Abia State Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) had issued Certificates of Return to the elected chairmen at the commission’s headquarters in Umuahia.
During the ceremony, ABSIEC Chairman Professor George Chima encouraged the chairmen to support Governor Otti’s vision for holistic representation and good governance in Abia.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Chinedu Ekeke, the Mayor of Isuikwuato, pledged that the chairmen would work in alignment with Governor Otti’s vision for Abia.
Meanwhile, Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu, Mayor of Isialangwa South, assured his constituents that he would deliver the benefits of democracy through initiatives in health, agriculture, infrastructure, and empowerment for women and youth, acknowledging Governor Otti’s exemplary efforts in the state and committing to replicate them at the local level.