In line with its constitutional mandate, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has visited Burutu, Udu, Isoko North, Isoko South, Aniocha North and Aniocha South local government respectively, to oversight the councils.
Led by its Chairman, Hon Chukwudi Dafe, the Lawmakers restated their commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, good governance and equitable spread of democratic dividends across communities in the state.
Speaking against the backdrop of views expressed by his colleagues, Hon Dafe admonished the Council Chairmen not to concentrate physical infrastructural development to the local government headquarters but rather ensure a wide distribution of projects across wards.
Dafe who represents Ukwuani Constituency in the House and three times local government Chairman, stressed the need for the Councils to align their programmes with the transformational strides of Governor Sherrif Oborevwori, whose policies, he said, have positively impacted on Deltans.
He explained that the major essence of the oversight visits is to strengthen governance at the grassroots, in accordance with “Renewed Hope for More” mantra of Mr President and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Flanked by members of the Committee, including Honourables Fred Martins, Oboro Preyor, Ferguson Onwo, Emmanuel Sinebe, Austin Uroye, Isaac Anwuzia and James Augoye, the Lawmaker commended the Chairmen for progress made so far in their two years and two months in office, but said there were still much to be done considering the improved revenues to the Councils.
Hon Dafe warned Heads of Personnel Management, HPMs and Treasurers in the Councils against conducts that undermine fiscal discipline, saying that provisions of the law do not exclude them from prosecution to answer for their actions.
He said relevant local government laws would be amended to make governance at that level more transparent and responsive to the yearning and aspirations of the people at the grassroots.
The Committee Chairman emphasized that the 8th Delta State Assembly, under the leadership of Rt Hon Dennis Guwor, will continue to engage the Councils at all times to promote peace, unity and prosperity in the state.
Hon Dafe urged the Chairmen to maintain good working relationship with the legislative arms of the Councils as such would further strengthen good governance in the local government administration.
The Chairman of Burutu local government, Dr Julius Takeme and his counterpart in Udu, Chief Vincent Oyibode, highlighted gains and challenges of their administration in the last two years and two months and commended the lawmakers for the visit.
For their parts, the Chairmen of Isoko North and South, Elder Godwin Ogbrugba and Hon Voke Warri, said much progress were made in the councils under their respective leadership, stressing that they only embarked on projects that have direct impacts on the people.
Chairmen of Aniocha North and South, Hon Emmanuel Chinye and Pastor Jude Chukwuwike, said despite monumental achievements recorded thus far, they are determined to make more progress in line with the development strides of both the federal and state government.
In all the local government visited, the Lawmakers were taken on a guided tour of projects executed by the Councils under the present administration.