LG Commissioner Reiterates Gov. Otu's Commitment Towards Addressing Infrastructural Deficit In LGAs
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Chief Felix Idem has reinterated the committement of Governor Bassey Otu towards addressing the prevailing infrastructural deficit prevalent across Local Government areas the state.
Chief Idem gave the assurance while speaking in Akpabuyo during the ongoing state tour meant to acquaint the ministry heirachy with peculiar challenges at the grasshoot.
The Local Government Affairs Commissioner, assured the present administration will create the enabling environment for grassroot commitment to providing the necessary support towards the realization of the Cross River State Government development agenda in Local Government Areas.
He applauded the heads of Bakassi Local Government Council, Lady Stella Obeten, Akpabuyo Local Government Council, Mr Paul Etim, Calabar Municipal Council, Mr Egim Ubio and Calabar South Local Government Council, Mr Effiom, B. E, respectively, for successful execution of meaningful projects to create condusive working environment.
Idem promised to address the challenges raised by the various Council Heads after due clearance from the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
At Akpet in Biase, Chief Victor-Felix Idem expressed dismay over the dearth of basic social amenities in local government areas, beginning from councils headquarters around the state.
He explained that the tour was conceived to afford the ministry a realistic impression of the situations in the areas to ensure informed choices in terms of policies and programmes formulation on a program of the government.
According to him' We are here basically to feel the pulse of our people.
This will enable us to come up with people-oriented projects and programmes tailored to accelerate economic development, while also addressing the immediate needs and aspirations of our people, in furtherance of our People's First Mantra."
He noted that the familiarization visit will also enable the team comprising the top echelon of the ministry and related MDAs to assess the performances of Heads of Council Administration, HOLGAs.
"This visit is also intended to enable us to appraise the challenges confronting our various councils, as well as the score card of those in charge."
He lame the absence of portable water in the council premises and directed the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Juliana Adalikwu to address the issue with immediate effect.
At Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Councils headed by Elder Ekpenyong Esuabagha and Mr Eyimon Felix, respectively, the Commissioner commended the Council Bosses for their efforts in giving the Councils facelifts, urging them to sustain the momentum.
He stressed that Governor Bassey Otu-led administration is committed to ensuring the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroots through the Local Government Councils to give the people a sense of belonging.
In their separate reactions, Heads of Local Government Administrations (HOLGAs) on behalf of their Staff, lauded the Commissioner and his team for the visit noting that the exposure will acquaint the delegation with the multiple challenges militating against optimum service delivery at the third tier of government.
