Local Government Affairs Commissioner Salutes Tinubu, Otu Over Independence Celebrations
....Outlines His Ministry's Focal Points
By Edem ITA, Calabar
The Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Cross River state Chief Victor Idem has congratulated the state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and his deputy Rt Hon Peter Odey on the auspicious occasion marking the 63rd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.
Speaking with The Beagle News in Calabar on the backdrop of Nigeria's 63rd Independence Anniversary, the Commissioner on behalf of the management, Heads of Local Government Administration, HOLGAS, and staff of the Ministry Chief Idem also facilitated President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shetimma on the historic milestone.
Chief Idem called for sacrifices and patience from Nigerians in general and Cross Riverians in particular as the new administrations at state and federal levels explore stringent measures to guard against looming economic catastrophe orchestrated by lopsided economic policies inherited from the previous administration.
He expressed optimism that the robust synergy between President Tibunu and Governor Otu culminating in the appointment of Cross Riverains into key offices at the Federal level will boost federal intervention projects capable of stimulating socio-economic advancement with a direct positive bearing on the lives of the citizenry, in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He lauded Governor Bassey Otu for the "People First Mantra" noting that the concept has portrayed the Governor as a compassionate servant leader poised to change the narratives of Cross River through the execution of people-oriented programs and the evolution of humane policies vital to driving investments traffic to the state.
On his targets for his office, Chief Idem stated that his ministry is working assiduously to promote optimum service delivery at the local government level while boosting its revenue-generating capacity in a bid to reposition the third tier of government towards achieving its core mandate.
"We have a crop of seasoned technocrats at the helms of affairs at the Local Government councils, known as Heads of Local Government Administration. Together as a team, we are chanting a new way forward to guarantee that the local government councils deliver on their core mandate".
"We are tackling the challenge of revenue leakages, poor staff morale arising from stagnation, non-implementation of promotions, and lopsided elevations contrary to the public service rules, and this ugly trend has killed motivation, merit, and competence in the local government service. We are committed to reversing the anomaly. The Governor is a grassroots politician and a stickler of due process.
"We are gradually settling in to address the issue. We believe in the bottom-to-top approach. We need to streamline the operations of our local government councils to complement the state government agenda by accelerating the attainment of the socio-economic agenda of Governor Bassey Otu. That is our ultimate goal".
The Local Government Affairs Commissioner prayed for divine wisdom, favor, and guidance for Governor Otu to enable him to succeed given the enormous task ahead.
