Governor Alex Otti of Abia has sworn in 17 newly elected local government (LG) chairs, with a charge to sustain the state government’s rebuilding agenda at the grassroots level.

Mr Otti, who gave the charge while speaking on Monday during the ceremony at Government House, Umuahia, urged the chairs to evolve programmes that would yield measurable improvements in the living conditions of the people in the next six months.

“We have since laid the marker at the state; my expectation is that you will run with the vision and continue the work of the socio-economic transformation of Abia from your various LGAs.

“As I had also said, your task is to solve the basic problems that have bedevilled our people in the various communities for ages,” said the governor.

He urged the chairs to prioritise access to potable water, education services, and basic health and quick response to security threats in their respective local government areas.

Mr Otti also expressed the readiness of the government to partner with the chairs to drive their coordinated development agenda for the betterment of the citizens.

“It is imperative that we develop a framework of effective collaboration to be able to achieve improved outcomes, especially in the areas of agriculture, security, road infrastructure, education and health,” he said.

The governor charged the chairs to strive to fulfil their campaign promises because “there can be no excuse for subpar performance.”

He commended the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) for conducting free and fair local government polls.

Mr Otti also commended the political parties and candidates that participated in the exercise for their show of sportsmanship, disposition to service and discipline.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the chairman of Isiukwuato Local Government Area, Chinedu Ekeke, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Abia.

The LG presiding officers include: Iheanacho Wabara (Ugwunagbo), Timothy Iheme (Aba North), Anthony Nwaubani (Ikwuano), Maxwell Nwadike (Obingwa),  Smart Iheoma (Umuahia North), Sunday Afuruobi (Umunneochi), and  Chidi Agu (Osisioma).

Others are Innocent Uruakpa (Isialangwa North), Eleanya Kalu (Ohafia), Chibunna Akara (Ukwa East), Dike Nwankwo (Ukwa West), Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Bende), Okereke Ezearu (Arochukwu), Chinedu Enweruzo (Umuahia South), and Obilor Anyanwu (Aba South).

The governor also swore in the deputy chairs of the 17 LGAs.

(NAN)