Alia swears in Benue LGA chairs, asks them to provide strategic leadership

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue state, has charged the newly elected LGA heads to demonstrate accountability, transparency and fairness in all their dealings while in office.

On Sunday, Richard Tombowua, chair of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), declared all 23 candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the chairmanship seats in the LGA elections.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration ceremony for the elected LGA heads, Alia directed them to provide strategic leadership, and uphold the highest standards of governance without fear or favour.

He added that they should listen to and address the needs of the people at the grassroots, and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders at the local level.

“Your duties would require you to work diligently, to provide strategic leadership, and to uphold the highest standards of governance without fear or favour,” Alia said.

“This is a responsibility that demands integrity, foresight, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness and honesty in all your dealings.

“I also urge you to listen attentively to the needs of our people in your various local government areas, and to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders with a view to fostering an inclusive government towards ensuring a more prosperous future for all.”

He called on all the LGA heads to collaborate with the government at the state level to implement policies and programmes that are beneficial to rural communities.

The governor also encouraged them to extend an olive branch to the members of the opposition parties, and give room for ideas and constructive criticisms aimed at entrenching democracy and good governance in the state.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Dennis Guda, chair of Vandeikya LGA, appreciated the governor, the leadership of the APC and the entire people of the state, for giving them the mandate to preside over the affairs of the councils.

He assured the governor of their readiness to work with governor and relevant stakeholders for the overall progress of the state.