In a recent address at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno urged newly elected local government chairmen and their deputies to properly understand and apply the concept of autonomy within their councils. His remarks followed the local government elections, where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in 30 local governments, leaving only one, Essien Udim, to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Eno emphasized that local governance should not operate in isolation, advocating for collaboration and synergy among the various levels of government to ensure the expectations of the people are met effectively.
Governor Eno reassured the local government chairmen that they would receive funds directly, thus granting them a level of autonomy in financial dealings. However, he cautioned that this financial independence should not lead to neglect of shared responsibilities, such as the payment of teachers’ salaries and other essential services. The governor reiterated the importance of ongoing collaboration, aiming for good governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people. He indicated that an effective governance structure requires alignment of actions and policies with the state’s broader governance agenda, known as the ARISE Agenda, stressing the necessity of unity in purpose among all governmental tiers.
Moreover, the governor admonished the elected chairmen against relocating to urban centers, highlighting the importance of their presence in their local government areas. He insisted that their autonomy requires them to reside within their jurisdictions to better serve their communities. This call-to-action reflects the governor’s dedication to ensuring that local governance remains rooted in the communities they represent, fostering direct engagement with citizens and making governance more personal and relevant to the people’s needs.
In his remarks directed to the newly elected opposition chairman from Essien Udim, Eno emphasized the importance of nonpartisan governance. He urged the chairman to focus on the responsibilities towards constituents rather than party affiliations, expressing the view that true governance should transcend political divisions. By fostering a spirit of cooperation, Eno expressed hope that the newly sworn-in chairmen would collectively work towards improving the state and advancing the interests of all residents, regardless of political affiliation.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Akaninyene Tommy, the returning chairman of Eket Local Government, spoke on behalf of the newly elected chairmen. He expressed gratitude for the support received during the elections, attributing the success of the PDP to the commendable performance of Governor Eno’s administration. Tommy affirmed their commitment to reflecting the governor’s achievements on a local level, envisioning a governance approach that mirrors the state’s accomplishments and builds on its foundational successes for the betterment of their communities.
In summary, Governor Umo Eno’s address to the newly sworn-in local government chairmen highlighted the themes of collaboration, shared responsibilities, and a commitment to serving the people beyond political party lines. His emphasis on the importance of local governance being anchored within communities and the need for alignment with state objectives underlines his vision for a cohesive governance framework in Akwa Ibom State. Eno’s insistence on the chairmen’s presence in their localities and the spirit of cooperation, even extending to opposition members, signifies a pragmatic approach to governance that seeks to deliver the expected dividends of democracy to all citizens.
