Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has said his Government would give the newly sworn-in Transition Chairmen freehand to manage the affairs of their local government areas responsibly.
Otti, who said this on Thursday at Umuahia while performing the swearing in ceremony of the LG Chairmen and their Deputies, charged them to strengthen the security architecture in the towns and villages within their domain, especially as the yuletide approaches.
He said:
“While the State would give each of you the freehand to manage the affairs of the council responsibly, it is very important to design your programmes in ways that align with the general development philosophy of the present Labour Party Administration in the State. Our priority at all times must be the security and welfare of the people.
“We are currently working with an amalgamation of critical stakeholders to guarantee the safety of life and property in all parts of the state. So far, the efforts have been very fruitful because as many observers have noted, Abia has become one of the safest places to reside in, travel to or set up a thriving business enterprise.
“Your first task as leaders of the various LGAs shall include strengthening the security architecture in the towns and villages within your domain, especially as the yuletide approaches. As we have said on many occasions, no part of Abia, not an inch, shall be ceded to any group of criminals, whether they are armed robbers, kidnappers or any individual or group, whose actions threaten the peace in our communities.”
The Governor said his government was not reconstructing and rehabilitating roads to score cheap political points, but to achieve its objective of improving the economy of the State by working on the fundamental enablers for economic prosperity, especially in the towns with the most potential for accelerated growth and development.
“Your primary task as mayors and deputies shall be to make the local communities and towns conducive for active production and rapid growth. We expect you to quickly develop holistic frameworks for improving agriculture and light scale production in ways that enhance outputs and attract domestic and foreign investors. As you may be aware, Abia has become the most beautiful bride amongst investors and you would do well to position your LGAs as a top destination within the state.”, he said.
