In continuation of its oversight visits to Councils across the state, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has visited Ika South and North-East with a charge on authorities to do more to improve quality of lives and infrastructure in their localities.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Chukwudi Dafe in his remarks during the visits, advised the local administration to strengthen their connection with the people to promote good governance at grassroots level.
Hon Dafe, who represents Ukwani Constituency in the House, said that regardless of the interventions of the federal and state governments, local government councils remain the closest tier of government to the people.
He explained that any form of failure to engage the citizens effectively could pose serious challenge to governance, and emphasized the need for the authorities to align with the “Renewed Hope for More” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Dafe accompanied by other members of the committee, including Alfred Martins, Oboro Preyor, James Augoye, and Augustine Uroye, restated the commitment of the Delta State House of Assembly at promoting peace and good governance in the state.
Urging the Chairmen to keep faith with their electioneering promises to the people, the Lawmaker said all documents received from the councils will be painstakingly scrutinized to reconcile revenues collected with projects executed.
Stating that all findings will be documented and transmitted to the Governor through the Speaker, Hon Dafe stressed that the oversight visit is a constitutional assignment aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, and not meant to witch-hunt anyone.
He disclosed that the Committee would take further steps to meet with the Local Government Commission, Heads of Personnel Management, and Treasurers of Councils to deliberate on critical issues affecting local government administration.
Dafe stressed the need for improved security to encourage socio-economic transformation and development across communities, noting that it is a core duty of the councils to safeguard lives and property.
He said the House would consider amendments to the Local Government Law to further enhance governance at the grassroots.
Chairman of Ika South, Jerry Ehiwarior, commended the committee for the oversight visit, saying that such would help authorities improve in areas of weakness.
He highlighted some of his administration’s key projects to include the completed Orogodogo Bridge, the Alihame Modern Market and the 1.15km Abude Road with two side drains.
On his part, the Chairman of Ika North-East, Monday Odigwe, said his administration focused on people-oriented projects and lauded the oversight exercise of the Lawmakers which he described as first of its kind to the area.
He later took the Committee Members on a guided tour to inspect some projects embarked upon by his administration, including the ongoing administrative complex, the newly completed and operational Ebuowa Motor Park, and the 1km Upper Effeizemor-Hero Road with two side drains.
The oversight visits continues