By Esseh Ikora, Uyo
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state, has warned the 31 newly elected Local Government Councils Chairmen in the state not see their new office as a platform for immediate gratification but a platform for service to the people who elected them.
He gave the warning while swearing in newly elected Local Government Councils Chairmen in the state at Banquet Hall, Uyo, in the state capital.
In his words,”Let me also state here that the office you have just been sworn into today, should not be seen as a platform for immediate gratification, or one where you would engage in conspicuous consumption to the detriment of the people who had sent you in the first place to represent them.”
He advised the Chairmen to remain true to government’s foundational principle which is predicated on the unwavering commitment to rendering service to the people.
The governor acknowledged that, the country is experiencing economic challenges, but pointed out that,”the business of the people must continue, your obligations to them must be met, our fidelity to their well-being must not be broken and the faith they have in us must be nourished and nurtured- in short, our adherence to the principles of the Social Contract remains an abiding article of faith”.
He reminded them them that the people have reaffirmed their faith and loyalty of the electorates in them and urged them not to fail them but to keep their faith alive with superlative performance .
Emmanuel noted that the people have elected them to represent their interest, and to interpret the vision and governing principles of governance in the state.
” You must not fail them. You must deliver for them and impact their lives. As Local Government Chairmen, you are the direct voice, the echo-chamber of the peoples’ issues and concerns, please endeavour to listen to them and work to meet their demands to the best of your ability.
“Leadership is not about excuses or cop-outs; leadership is not about leaving the problems of today for tomorrow, leadership requires healthy doses of decisiveness and being proactive. Let this be your guiding principle.
He enjoined them to provide selfless service to the people as that is the only way they would be celebrated and continue to soar, warning further that,”if you sacrifice the people’s trust, you name will stand condemned in both the people’s court and in the court of public opinion.”
He reiterated they were not on a course for applause but on a journey that is measured on solid delivery of service to the people. Stressing that once you are able to achieve that, the people will in turn give you standing ovation for meeting them at the intersection of their needs.
“Let me on behalf of the Government and the people of the State congratulate you on your successful election as Chairmen of your respective Local Government Areas at the December 2, 2017 Local Government Council polls.
“Permit me also to congratulate Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) for the great job they did, in ensuring a free, transparent and peaceful election.
“The Commission’s spectacular achievement has been celebrated nationally through the sterling reports by the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) , Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the Independent Observers , all celebrating the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election.”
The governor expressed appreciation to the people of Akwa Ibom State for reaffirming their faith in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the political party that has brought great developments to this State.
“The message of their love and faith in he Party was sent loud and clear to the world, that this State is, and will remain the bastion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” the governor noted
