(NAN) The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday warned local government chairmen in the state against using their office for personal gains.
Aiyedatiwa, while speaking during the inauguration of the chairmen and vice chairmen in Akure, tasked them to listen to the voices of their people and to feel their pains.
The swearing-in of the 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen was performed by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the local government election was held on Jan. 18.
Aiyedatiwa used the occasion to remind the chairmen of the oath of office, saying it was not a formality but a solemn promise to serve the people with integrity, honesty and transparency.
The governor reiterated that the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created last year, had come to stay since they were the creation of the law to further bring government closer to the people.
“It is a fundamental constitutional procedure which imposes on you the burden of leadership, selfless service, altruism and a sacred responsibility to deliver on the manifesto of our party, including your campaign promises to improve on their lives.
“It is never a privilege for personal gains or self-aggrandisement but a commitment to serve the people who had freely surrendered their sovereign will to you. This social contract should be inviolable.
“The expectations of our people are very high and you cannot afford to disappoint them. To whom much is given, much is expected.
“As servant-leaders, you must be prepared to innovate and be driven by passion for the welfare and prosperity of our people.
“You must be deliberate about the development of your local government areas.
“In discharging your duties, you must ensure collaboration and synergy with the legislative Councils, as well as the career public servants and be accountable to the people in whom sovereignty resides,” he said.
Speaking, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Mr Gbenga Fasua, expressed his excitement on the opportunity to serve his people.
“My administration will focus on infrastructural development; ensuring that our communities witness significant progress in road construction, public facilities and other critical projects,” he said.
Similarly, the Chairman of Akoko North-East Local Government, Muhammed Mutiu, assured residents of his determination to succeed in office.
“We are here to make a difference. My leadership will be people-centred, with a strong emphasis on infrastructural growth and economic empowerment,” he stated.(NAN)
