Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has called on all the newly 20 LG chairmen to provide good governance at the grassroots level.
Abiodun made this call during the swearing in of local government chairpersons who were elected at the state’s local government election conducted last Saturday.
The Governor who noted that the local government is not just a tier of government as stated in the country’s 1999 constitution, as amended, further tasked the chairmen to usher in a new vista of development in their various councils.
While commending the chairmen for stepping out to make themselves available for service and most especially, for the entrenchment of good governance at the grassroots level, the governor noted that “your victory at the poll is a combination of the confidence reposed in your individual abilities, the faith the people have in the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to provide the needed development and ensure individual prosperity for our people at the grassroots”.
“It is important that you appreciate the enormity of the responsibility your victory places on your shoulders. The Local Government is not just a tier of government stated in our country’s 1999 constitution, as amended; it is the closest to the people and so much is expected from you. Therefore, your assumption of office must bring a new vista of development to our people at the grassroots.
“In doing this, you must be inclusive; you must be transparent; you must be accountable; you must be fair; you must be just; you must be equitable; you must obey the rule of law; you must provide good governance; you must be judicious. Above all you cannot afford to turn yourselves to Mr or Mrs I know it all,” Abiodun stated.
He urged the newly inaugurated council bosses not to rely exclusively on allocations from the Federal Government, but be creative in generating funds internally, and incorporate the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, without over-burdening the people, who according to him “are the essence and facilitators of your being in power”.
The governor added, “You should take a cue from our approach at the state level by being cerebral; methodical; systemic and ensure strategic allocation of funds. Let me assure you all that our Administration at the State level, will continue to support our LGAs with funds where and when necessary.
