By Amos Aar
GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia of Benue State last Saturday swore in three new caretaker committee chairmen for Gboko, Katsina-Ala and Ukum local government councils in the state, and charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by being accountable and transparent in the discharge of their duties.
Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the governor on Media & Publicity/Strategic Communications, Bridget Kyado, confirmed that the inauguration took place on Saturday at Government House, Makurdi.
The newly inaugurated caretaker chairmen include Hon Verlumun Avar, Gboko; Hon Victor Iorzaa, Ukum, and Hon. Justin Shaku, Katsina-Ala.
National Record had reported on February 20, 2024 how three caretaker council chairmen were sacked by the Benue State House of Assembly following the recommendation of the governor over alleged mismanagement and appropriation of local government Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Addressing the appointees during the swearing-in ceremony, the governor said their appointments were meant to re-inject vibrancy in the administration of local governments.
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He added that local government being the third tier of government is critical to the operation of his administration since it plays a major role in the provision of social services to the people.
The governor, who cautioned the council chairmen against mismanagement of resources, admonished them to provide the needed change in their respective council areas saying that there is no room for financial mismanagement.
Alia also re-echoed his administration’s readiness towards ensuring accountability and adherence to due process in governance.
He further advised the council chairmen to be guided by the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability at all times and expressed confidence in the ability of the Chairman to lead and serve with distinction.
“Your predecessors were disengaged because of their lack of commitment, lack of dedication, lack of responsibility and accountability and transparency.
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“These are things you can never do; you must not have those elements. You must stay transparent, you must be reputable, people’s lives are handed over to you in these local governments.
“You are supposed to protect them, you are not supposed to be the ones moving out there creating more chaos or more crises. Rather, you must be seen as the true leaders who are working for the people and on their side.
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“You are not sent out to create division, that is not what Benue need. We need a unified force; the state needs oneness and a common goal of purpose.
“We need to up our game for development and growth in the state; we need to give people that true service, the government works so hard that everyone will thrive in their businesses.
“You are the primary mechanics to help people realise government’s the contribution in their lives and lives of their local government.
“These are troubling times for the entire nation, we have lots of inflation and food insecurity. In the state, government is trying to get people back in their farms, the IDPS are to be in safe hands until they return to their ancestral homes.
“Be the shining examples and follow the process in carrying out all works”, the governor charged.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn council chairmen, Hon. Justin Shaku of Katsina-Ala LGC expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity given them to serve.
He pledged their full support and commitment to the Alia-led administration and also promised to ensure that massive development is carried out at their various local governments to replicate the transformation agenda of Governor Alia in the state.
While appreciating Benue people for their show of support to the Alia administration, Shaku pleaded with them to continue to rally round the administration to enable it actualise their plans for a better state.
