MAKURDI – Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday inaugurated the newly elected chairmen of the 23 local government Areas (LGAs) of the state, with a charge on them to engage strategic leadership in the art of governance.
While he urged the council chairmen to de-emphasize personal gains in leadership, and focus on bringing democratic dividends to the people of the state, Alia, advised them to extend an olive branch to members of the opposition.
Governor Alia, who gave the charged while delivering his inauguration speech at the event held at Government House, Makurdi, told the chairmen that they could always count on him for support at all times.
The Governor said, “It is with great pride and optimism that I stand before you today to inaugurate the newly elected 23 LG chairmen in our state. This event marks a significant moment in the life and future of local government administration in Benue, especially as it concerns our people at the grassroots who came out in their numbers to overwhelmingly choose you at the polls.
“I want to specially congratulate the 23 of you and indeed our great party, for your emergence. I also reserve special congratulations to the entire good people of Benue for this victory. Their informed choices and unanimous voices at the polls are a clear indication of their firm belief in the new Benue which our party is determined to build, right from the federal, through the state, down to the local government levels respectively.
“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 is a responsibility that demands integrity, foresight, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness and honesty in all your dealings.
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“I encourage you to build on the developmental foundations engendered by the outgoing caretaker committees. I also urge you to listen attentively to the needs of our people in your various local government areas, and to 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.
“I urge you to de-emphasize personal gains in leadership, and rather focus on bringing democratic deliverables closer to the people. Be reminded that leadership is about service and sacrifice and not personal glory,” he pointed out.
In admonishing the Chairmen, Governor Alia, said, “I must stress that no tier of government operates in isolation. Therefore, in light of the newly granted LG 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.
‘I firmly believe in your capacity to lead and serve with purpose and distinction which in the near future, would translate into positive change in Benue.
“I therefore encourage you to extend an olive branch to members of the opposition parties by entertaining ideas and constructive criticisms aimed at entrenching democracy and good governance. You must always be guided by the principle of a free market place of ideas.
“You (chairmen) can always count on my support and that of my entire administration,” he stated.
