by By Elijah Ugani
The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade has cautioned 18 local government chairmen to avoid unnecessary trips outside their councils to enable them stay back home to deliver on their mandate.
Ayade gave the caution while swearing-in the 18 local government chairmen and their vice in the state today 2nd June at the Exco chambers of the governor’s office in Calabar, the cross river state capital.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP had cleared the entire 18 council areas and also produced all the councillors.
“I want to urge you to avoid unnecessary trips outside your local government areas, you need to stay with your people to enable you appreciate their challenges as well deliver on your mandate”
The governor disclosed that he has left behind N11.386 billion as take off fund for all the 18 local government chairmen and stressed that they had no reason not to perform.
“Remember I am giving you councils that are not owing salaries, not owing pension. So I don’t want to hear tomorrow that your are owing.
“We are happy to announce to you that you are coming into office while the governor leaves behind N11.386 billion in your coffers.
“Today marks a great opportunity for the people at the grassroots who have never had direct access to government, to feel the impact of government,” the governor told the new chairmen.
He further implored them not to engage in grandiose projects but concentrate on simple projects that directly impact on the lives of the people.
His words: “You are serving the grassroots, I do not want you therefore, to embark on big projects. I need you to deal with those projects that directly impact on the lives of the people. I need you to deal with boreholes, I need you to deal with culverts, minor bridges that link communities”
The governor advised the chairmen to work harmoniously with their councillors so as to effectively serve the people.
“I urge you to work in harmony with your councillors. There must not be a divided house. Therefore, work harmoniously with the councillors so that together you will serve the people effectively”
In a chat with the chairman of Obudu local government council, Mr. Bonny Eraye Ewhe, the hometown of Governor Ben Ayade, the chairman noted that he will concentrate more on agriculture as he will unveil his plans as streamlined in the agenda of his administration.
He used the opportunity to thank the governor and pledged his commitment to serving his people.
