Gov Otti swears in Abia LG chairmen, tasks them on development

Abia State Governor Alex Otti, on Monday, swore in Abia 17 local government chairmen elected last Saturday with a charge for them to run the LGAs with the vision of ‘Abia first’ and continue the work for the socio-economic transformation of Abia from their various LGAs.

The mayors are Timothy Iheke – Aba North. (ZLP), Anyanwu Obilor – Aba South (ZLP), Okereke Ezearo – Arochukwu (ZLP), Uwabunkeonye Bassey – Bende (ZLP), Dr Anthony Nwaubani – Ikwuano (ZLP), Innocent Uruakpa -Isialangwa North (ZLP), Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu – Isialangwa South (ZLP), and Chinedu Ekeke – Isukwuato (ZLP).

Others are Maxwell Nwadike – Obingwa (ZLP), Eleanya Oju-Kalu – Ohafia (ZLP), Chidi Christian Agu – Osisioma (YPP), Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara Ugwunagbo. (YPP), Chibunna Akara – Ukwa East (ZLP), Pastor Dike Nwankwo – Ukwa West (ZLP), Smart Ihuoma – Umuahia North (ZLP), Chinwendu Enwereuzo – Umuahia South (ZLP) and Sunday Afuruike Umunneochi (ZLP).

It is instructive to note that Governor Otti’s party, the Labour Party (LP) did not win any local government area during the LG poll.

In his speech titled, “Development and A New Philosophy of Leadership”, Otti tasked them “to solve the basic problems that have bedevilled our people in the various communities for ages”, adding “While you may have emerged from different political platforms, the agenda remains the same: Abia first. We have since laid the marker at the state, my expectation is that you will run with the vision and continue the work of the socio-economic transformation of Abia from your various LGAs.

“As I had also said, your task is to solve the basic problems that have bedevilled our people in the various communities for ages. Access to water, basic health and education services, effective maintenance of Truck C roads and quick response to security threats in your local communities should rank very high in your order of priorities.

“Our people should be able to see the impact of your leadership in the next six months through measurable improvements in the living conditions of the people, especially women, youths and the vulnerable in the various localities.”

The Abia State Electoral Commission, ABSIEC had on Sunday, presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected Mayors of the 17 LGAs in the State; 15 ZLP and two YPP winners.

Presenting the Certificates of Return at the ABSIEC headquarters in Umuahia, the Chairman of ABSIEC, Prof George Chima charged the Mayors to align themselves with the good job Governor Alex Otti is doing in the state, adding that what Abia needs is a holistic representation and good governance.

Responding on behalf of others after the swearing-in, the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Chinedu Ekeke assured that they will work in line with Otti’s vision for the state.