Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has formally sworn in the 13 newly elected Local Government Area council chairmen, marking a significant step in the state’s local governance. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki on Sunday. The event was attended by key stakeholders, government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries from across the state, all gathered to witness this momentous occasion.
Governor Nwifuru emphasized the importance of local government autonomy, highlighting that it would be both financial and administrative. This move is seen as a step towards empowering local governments to function more independently and effectively. He charged the newly elected chairmen with the responsibility of ensuring that they take good care of stakeholders and appointees of the government, including ward councilors and traditional rulers, in order to maintain the peace and unity of the state.
“You are now autonomous both financially and administratively, and I want to assure you that myself and my wife, including all the stakeholders in the state, are with you,” Nwifuru stated. He further urged the new chairmen to be mindful of their actions and words, noting that every statement they make would be closely scrutinized. He warned them that any misuse of their autonomy could lead to severe consequences, including the possibility of not completing their two-year tenure. “If this your autonomy will make you not to stay two years, there be it, because I will fight dirty and wouldn’t talk and that’s the highest form of fighting where somebody will be fighting and wouldn’t be talking,” he added.
The governor’s speech was direct and forthright, underlining his expectations for the local government chairmen. He urged them to focus on what truly matters for the development and growth of their communities. “Take care of those things that make our state beautiful,” he said, referring to the stakeholders. He cautioned the chairmen not to be swayed by social media, particularly Facebook, stressing that decisions should not be made based on social media posts. He made it clear that any action taken against the stakeholders would be seen as an affront to his office. “If you act based on Facebook post and fight any of them, that’s when you are fighting the governor,” he warned.
Nwifuru also highlighted the critical role of the chairmen in fostering inclusivity and empowerment. “Your job is to service the stakeholders and the stakeholders are the youth, the elders, and the women; empower them and make them comfortable,” he stressed. He urged the chairmen to prioritize the well-being and development of these groups, as they are essential to the overall progress of the state.
In addition to these directives, the governor emphasized the need for infrastructural development. He pointed out that Ebonyi State is still in the process of building its infrastructure and called on the chairmen to be prudent and assertive in managing their resources. He urged them to focus on projects that would have a lasting impact on their communities and contribute to the state’s growth.
The governor also addressed the issue of traditional rulers, cautioning against the imposition of unsuitable candidates on communities. He warned that the era of appointing traditional custodians who lacked deep knowledge of the community’s traditions or were unsuitable for the role, such as being married to one wife or being a catechist in the church, was over. Nwifuru emphasized the importance of selecting traditional leaders who are deeply rooted in the community’s culture and capable of leading effectively. He cautioned communities to avoid involving individuals who do not possess a deep understanding of the traditions and customs, as this could have negative consequences for the state’s growth and development.
The newly sworn-in chairmen were also encouraged to promote transparency and accountability in their administrations. The governor stressed the importance of good governance practices and urged the chairmen to be role models in their respective local governments. He reminded them that their actions and decisions would have a direct impact on the lives of the people they serve and that they must prioritize the welfare of their constituents above all else.
In response to the governor’s address, various stakeholders expressed their support for the local government autonomy initiative. Comrade Chinedu Ogah, the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South federal constituency, praised the move as a positive development for the state. He noted that granting financial and administrative autonomy to local governments would enable them to operate more effectively and deliver better services to the people.
The representative of the national president of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chairman Abubakar Buba, and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Ogodo Ali-Nomeh, also commended Governor Nwifuru for implementing the local government autonomy law. They described the approval of local government autonomy as a good omen and a significant step towards strengthening local governance in Nigeria. They expressed confidence that this development would lead to improved service delivery and greater accountability at the local government level.
The swearing-in ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to work together for the betterment of Ebonyi State. The governor, stakeholders, and the newly elected chairmen all pledged to collaborate in order to achieve sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for all residents of the state. The event marked a new chapter in the state’s governance, with a focus on decentralization, empowerment, and community-driven development.
As the newly sworn-in chairmen begin their tenure, they are expected to take on their roles with a sense of responsibility and dedication. They are now tasked with the challenge of implementing policies and programs that will drive progress and foster unity within their communities. With the support of the governor, stakeholders, and the people of Ebonyi State, the chairmen are poised to make a significant impact in their respective local governments, contributing to the overall growth and development of the state.
