VOX POP 100 Days In Office: C' Riverians Hail Council Chairmen, Score Them High on Grassroots Development 

Recently, the Local Government Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State marked their 100 days in office. There were those who commissioned projects to account for their 100 days in office. There were those who though did not commission projects, yet offered hope to the people that their respective administrations will touch lives and transform their council areas before the end of their tenure in office.

As the third tier of government, and one, which is considered closest to the people at the grassroot level, our Executive Editor, Anthony Ekpo Bassey, interacted with some indigenes of the state to get their opinions and expectations about the leaders of their respective local government councils.

A respondent, Francis Offiong,said: “I expect the chairman of my council to show strong leadership in taking the people out of the woods. This can be achieved through: programmes for agriculture, education initiative, business and investment seminars for youths. Also, empowerment for women and the vulnerable, should be launched immediately to ensure a change in our narrative as a people.  going forward.”

Another respondent, Agnes Uju
said: “I never had any expectations from my Ogoja Local Government Chairman. It has always been business as usual. They all come and embezzle money and leave when their tenure is over.”

On his part, Charles EneObong
said: “Recently, I visited Marian market to get some food stuffs. I realised that the road side, which the traders normally occupy, was free, and that gave way for free flow of traffic.
 Besides, the refuse dump was cleared, and from my enquiry, I was told that it was mandatory and the routine sanitation will be done every month. On that note, I encourage the Chairman to keep it up.”

Jude Akabom said: “I sincerely congratulate the Mayor of Calabar on his services to the people of Calabar Municipality in this first quota of his administration. I acknowledge the fact that under his pragmatic leadership, he has restored confidence in the administration of the council especially in areas of infrastructure, environment and education.

"However, I still believe more has to be done especially in revenue generation, allocation, security, and stimulating community interest in governance. The Chairman must also ignore the politics of cabalism as this is not healthy...

"My community, Essien Town has never benefited in the developmental project of the council. I would want to see a difference in this administration. Congratulations, to him."

For Barr. Mary Etim, “I wish for more security presence in my community (Essien Town). He should also create employment opportunities because when there are jobs and people are busy, there will be minimum or no vices.”

On her part, Judith Njama said: 
“I’m really hoping that our Boki LG Chairman will prioritise infrastructure development, like fixing our roads and providing clean water, to make our community a better place to live. I’d also love to see empowerment programmes for our youths, such as skills acquisition training and job creation initiatives, to help them become more self-sufficient.

Also, financial transparency is a must. We need to know how our local government funds are being used to ensure that they are truly benefiting our people and our community. With the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming financial autonomy for local governments, I am expecting our Chairman to be more accountable and responsive to our community’s needs.”

Another respondent, Edim Samuel, said: “The only thing I expect from the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, is to join hands in putting up mechanisms for unity among the top Odukpani political stakeholders.”