By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has sworn-in three new Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen for Gboko, Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas, with a call on them to justify his administration’s confidence in their abilities.
Performing the swearing ceremony at the government Makurdi on Saturday, Gov. called on the new Chairmen, Hon Verlumun Avar, Gboko Government Local Area, Hon. Justin Shaku, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and
Hon Victor Iorzaa, Ukum Local Government Area to be accountable and transparent while carrying out their responsibilities.
Chairmen from the three local government area were removed by the Benue State House of Assembly in one of their sittings on the grounds of gross mismanagement and misappropriation of local government Internally Generated Revenue.
Governor told the new Chairmen that, “with your appointments, go and inject vibrancy in the administration of your respective local governments. I view the local governments, the third-tier, as very important in the operations of my administration, and plans to provide social services to the people”.
“I strongly advise you against mismanagement of resources, provide the needed change in your respective local government areas as there is no room for financial mismanagement. My resolve for ensuring accountability and adherence to due process in governance is unshaken”, the governor said.
According to the Governor, “your predecessors are disengaged because of their lack of commitment to their sworn roles and lack of accountability and transparency. Such elements must not be found in you. You must be reputable as people’s lives are handed over to you in your respective local governments”.
Gov. Alia then called on the new Chairmen to be the shining examples of his administration at the local government levels and follow due process in carrying our all works.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn council chairmen, Hon Justin Shaku of Katsina-Ala Local Government council expressed appreciation to the Governor for the opportunity given them to serve.
He pledged their unalloyed support and commitment to the Alia led administration and also promised to ensure massive development is carried out at their various local governments to replicate the transformation agenda of Governor Alia in the state.
