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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has charged the newly sworn-in local government chairmen and their deputies across the 21 local governments in the state to prioritise grassroots development, service delivery and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Addressing the new local government leaders at the Light House, Awka, Soludo emphasised the immediate responsibility resting on the administration.
He stated that even the minutes spent at the event were already gone and must be accounted for.
He advised the officials to take their oath of office seriously, review it daily as a constant reminder of their obligations.
“Congratulations and my commiserations to all of you as well. I know that when you were applying for the job, you had all manner of aspirations, promises, and expectations.
“Welcome to the world of reality and the clock starts ticking today. The work has already begun. As you begin your journey, it is a call to serve,” he said.
He highlighted the motto of APGA, “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper,” as the foundation of their progressive agenda.
The governor explained that a system is only as strong as its weakest link, hence the need to carry everyone along.
He further acknowledged the dominance of APGA in the state over the past twenty years, which resulted in candidates standing virtually unopposed.
He reminded the incoming leaders that others kept the ladder strong for them to climb, and it is now their responsibility to leave it even stronger.
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On governance standards, the governor advised the mayors to adhere strictly to existing processes, rules, and laws. While encouraging innovation, he stressed that all actions must remain within legal boundaries.
He specifically called for making the local government system more sustainable, pointing out that new laws allow councils to pool resources to manage common payments effectively.
He further instructed the leaders to review the handover notes from their predecessors, carefully evaluating both assets and liabilities amid the humongous challenges ahead.
The full list of the newly sworn-in chairmen and their respective local government areas includes:
Aguata: Kingsley Ezeagu, Anambra East: Ifeanyi Chinweze, Anambra West: Tony Obierika, Anaocha: Paulinus Okafor, Awka North: Thankgod Anago and Awka South: Chinedu Okafor.
Others are: Ayamelum: Mgbechi Igwebuike, Dunukofia: Clement Ozumba, Ekwusigo: Ifeanyi Onuchukwu, Idemili North: Stanley Nkwoka, Idemili South: Oluchukwu Ilogbenam and Ihiala: Anayo Orjiakor.
Njikoka: Ikechukwu Okakpu, Nnewi North: Anazodo Echezona, Nnewi South: Ezeogidi Vangeroge, Ogbaru: Nnamdi Ifejika, Onitsha North: Ibekwe Albert and Onitsha South: Peter Moufunanya.
There are also Chinonso Nwafor – Orumba North, Mufunanya Ikechukwu – Orumba South, and Igbem John Elochukwu for Oyi.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke, SAN performed the swearing-in ceremony.
