Ododo swears in LG chairmen, urges accountability

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, on Monday, swore in newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the 21 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the governor charged them to be dedicated to serving the people and remain accountable.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ismaila Isah, disclosed this in a statement in Lokoja, on Monday.

The ceremony was held at the Government House, Lokoja.

The swearing-in followed the successful conduct of the local government election by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

The electoral body declared the All Progressives Congress candidates winners of the 21 local government chairmanship positions and 239 councillorship seats.

Speaking at the ceremony, the governor called for transparency and accountability in the day-to-day running of the affairs of the councils.

The governor urged the new chairmen to sustain the tempo of development at the grassroots by embarking on projects and programmes that would improve the lives of the people.

“There is the need for you to be transparent and accountable in running the affairs of the local governments.

“You must see your election as an opportunity to justify the autonomy of the local government administration by according priorities to matters that have a direct positive impact on the lives of the people at the grassroots,” he said.

He charged them to ensure the security of lives and property and key into signature programmes of the administration in the areas of health, agriculture, social welfare and empowerment initiatives to transform the lives of the people in their respective councils.

Ododo, who described the local government as the most important tier of government and the closest to the people, enjoined the chairmen to carry the people along in their activities and promote the inclusion of all stakeholders.

He noted that the local government administration should not only be seen but must be felt by the people, in line with the policy of his administration to bring governance closer to the people.

Speaking on behalf of others, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, assured of their commitment to complement the efforts of the state government by embarking on projects and programmes that would transform the lives of the people at the grassroots.