GOV. Ortom Swears-in 23 Council Chairmen in Benue

By Aviashima Toom

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Monday swore in the 23 elected council chairmen in the state with a charge on them to live with their people in their various localities in order to serve them well.

The event which took place at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, the Governor, while congratulating the council chairmen, said their election was a proof of the trust the people have in them and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which they must justify.

He also charged them to view their election as a call to serve the rural majority and contribute their quota in turning around the lives of their people through purposeful leadership based on laudable policies, programmes and projects.

According to him, based on the dwindling economic fortunes, team work and looking inward would serve a great deal as the new crop of leaders take charge at the council levels, stressing that they should work closely with security agents, traditional rulers and community leaders to safeguard their domains.

He said that, the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state is still in force and they should also work closely with Livestock Guards to sustain its implementation.

He stated that although the Coronavirus pandemic had greatly devastated the global economy and affected public finances negatively, the council chairmen should give priority to payment of primary school teachers, local government staff, traditional rulers and other statutory obligations.

Council Chairperson of Vandeikya Local Government, Mrs. Kukase Garba, while responding on behalf of her colleagues, said they were highly indebted to the people for the trust to lead them and pledged total commitment to duties and responsibilities, even as they appreciated Governor Ortom and the PDP for providing a platform for them to serve.