C' River LG Chairmen 'll Work To Deliver Dividends of Democracy At Grassroots, Says Forum Chairman, Igri
Judex OKORO
The Cross River State chairman of Local Government Chairmen Forum, Mr Yibala Inyang Igri, has stated that the newly-elected council chairmen will synergise with other levels of governments to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
Igri, who is the chairman of Yakurr local government area, appealed for effective collaboration between the three level of governments in delivering the President Tinubu's reform programmes and Governor Bassey Otu's People First agenda.
He said: "There must be synergy between the three tiers of government in delivering the democratic dividends to the people, especially those at the grassroots.
This synergy will not only accelerate the pace of development at the grassroots, it will also provide for effective coordination and implementation of policies aimed at bettering the lives of the people at the third tier of government.
"I, therefore, enjoin all councils bosses in the country to work in order to reduce the burden on federal and state governments.
"The financial autonomy recently granted councils has placed a moral burden on them to deliver the needed dividends of democracy at the grassroots" level.
"Similarly, in as I much I hate to use the word, council areas in the country have been condemned to work and deliver on their mandate to the people.
"Council no longer have excuses of under performace or non-performance, especially against the backdrop of the recent financial autonomy. For me, I will adopt bottom-top approach in the delivery of dividends of democracy to his people," he stated
Speaking on his role as the state chairman of Chairmen, Igri said: "What I must confess to you is that chair of chairmen is like a class prefect in a class who’s duty is to run around for the benefits of the whole class, who is the first among equals.
"I am just like the nexus which connects the executive in the state and the Local government chairmen.
"My job is not so cumbersome, it is sitting with the government on behalf of the 18 local government chairmen to negotiate the welfare of the third tier of government and make sure that good luck must prevail up to the grassroot and we as apostles of good luck must make sure we render good account.
"Whatever the state and local government agree to do must better the life of our people at the grassroot.
"So being the chair of chairs I see it more like an errand's job than being of service to my people and by representing them as a leader with the mind to serve.
"I didn’t choose myself, it may not be because I was better than other chairmen but maybe they saw me as somebody who has the characteristics of one who can lead in that position.
"I take it as first line charge and if the chairmen of the 18 local government areas work well with the state, it will create a conducive environment for us to operate democratically.
"There’s nothing that will go well if the state is doing well and the local government is not doing well, this will not augur well and spell good prospects for our democracy.
