Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, says plans are underway to inject an economic lifeline in the Local Government system to enable the third tier
of government to deliver on long term and short term rolling plans.
Governor Emmanuel stated this during the inauguration of Transition Committee Chairmen for the Local Government Councils at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
He said that in view of the prevalent economic situation, the state would inject economic stimuli to reduce the hardship in the system and directed the Ministry of Finance to commence disbursement of Small and Medium Enterprise loans to the people to boost their businesses.
He charged the newly sworn – in Council Chairmen to deliver quality services in their respective Areas and proof their mettle by deploying a high level of probity in the administration of the councils.
“You have been given a chance of a lifetime, run with it, let your talents and skills show, show the people that the choice we had in you was not misplaced. Consider this moment as a platform that can lead you to other possibilities”.
Speaking further, the Governor noted “The office you are sworn in today should not be seen as a clutch for immediate gratification, or one where you would engage in conspicuous excesses, let it remain true to its foundational principle which is predicated on service to the people. If you provide selfless service you will be rewarded and such satisfaction can never be quantified. Let this be your guiding principle”.
He observed that true leaders emerge during hard times an urged them to key into the state’s economic blue print for the wellbeing of the citizens stressing that the appointment is a lifetime opportunity for the Committee members to showcase their leadership potentials and congratulated them on the appointment.
Governor Emmanuel expressed satisfaction with the caliber of persons selected to pilot affairs of the third tier of government and called on the people to lend their support to the transition administration pointing out that some of the retained members had performed exceptionally in the just concluded administration and that a job well done gives opportunity for more responsibilities.
The Governor therefore directed the Transition Committee Chairmen to also inaugurate members of the Committees in their respective council Areas comprising eight members per Council.
Eleven former Transition Chairmen were lucky to be reappointed while four women made the list in a bid to justify the thirty percent affirmative action of political inclusion of the female gender.