Benue, Jigawa govs read Riot Act to new LG chairmen

Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has warned the newly elected local council chairmen in the state to steer clear of land, grazing and forest reserves racketeering or risk prosecution.

The governor,  in a speech he delivered shortly after swearing in the 27 new LG chairmen cautioned them against getting involved in illegal allocation and selling of land, grazing and forest reserves in their respective domains.

“All land, forest and grazing reserves administration and power belongs to governor, my jurisdiction. You didn’t have any authority, until I authoritise you on such matters,” the governor said. .

He also directed the LG bosses to relocate themselves and their families to the headquarters of their respective local councils, stressing: “This not the era of residing in Kano, Abuja or Dutse while you are the chairman of Buji, Guri or Kafin Hausa. You must stay in your area 24/7 as your attention is needed anytime.

“There is befitting local government council’s chairman resident in all the 27 local government area. Renovate it if it is in bad condition. But you most stay with your people in order to serve them very well. I will not tolerates abandoning your people for rampant and unnecessary travellings. Actions would be takes against any one”.

The governor also ordered them to run an open government, as well as carry everybody along, including the councillors, civil servant.

In Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State challenged the newly elected local government chairmen in the state to work towards deepening democratic ideals and values among the people.

He charged them to entertain ideas and constructive criticisms from members of the opposition with the aim of entrenching democracy and good governance.

Alia also enjoined them to uphold the highest standards of governance without fear or favour.

“To you the newly elected chairmen, as you step into these roles, I charge you on a mission of utmost importance. Your duties would require you to work diligently, to provide strategic leadership, and to uphold the highest standards of governance without fear or favour.

“This responsibility demands integrity, foresight, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness and honesty in all their dealings,’ the governor said..

While urging them to build on the developmental foundation engendered by the outgoing caretaker committees, Alia admonished the chairmen to always give ears to the needs of their people in their various LGAs, as well as engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders with a view to fostering an inclusive government towards ensuring a more prosperous future for all.

He urged them to de-emphasise personal gains in leadership, and rather focus on bringing democratic deliverables closer to the people, reminding them that leadership is about service and sacrifice and not personal glory.

“I must stress that no tier of government operates in isolation. Therefore, in light of the newly granted local government autonomy, I urge you to always collaborate with us at the state level in order to implement policies and programmes that benefit our rural communities.

“This is especially that we all share in the same vision of re-writing the narrative of our beloved state and country in general,’ he stated.

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