Criticisms Emerge Over the Use of “Mayors” for Local Government Chairmen in Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has addressed the recent controversy surrounding the use of the term “Mayors” for the local government Chairmen and Deputies in the 17 LGAs of the state. The Governor clarified that the term “Mayor” simply refers to elected or appointed Chairmen for cities or councils, emphasizing that the use of this term should not spark unnecessary debate.
The clarification comes in the wake of criticism directed at the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Victor Ikeji, by a former Commissioner for Information in the State, John Okiyi Kalu. This criticism stemmed from an instance in which Ikeji addressed the public with national and state flags mounted behind him.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Umuahia during the 3rd edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” Governor Otti stood by his decision to address the appointees as Mayors, citing the dictionary definition which denotes a person elected or appointed to lead a city. He reiterated that the appointed LGA Chairmen would have autonomy in managing the resources available to their local governments. Otti emphasized that the era of treating local government areas as mere money-sharing centers is over in Abia State.
Furthermore, Governor Otti disclosed the return of several donor agencies that had previously left the state. He highlighted that the state has commenced paying counterpart funds and receiving funds from some of these donor and multilateral organizations. Otti also clarified the alleged sacking of Permanent Secretaries, stating that they were only retired.
The Governor addressed accusations of bypassing due process in appointments and contracts, affirming that all actions taken by his administration followed the appropriate protocols. He lamented the spread of falsehoods by the opposition, particularly regarding allegations of protocol breaches.
Despite the majority of members in the Abia State House of Assembly belonging to the PDP, Otti stressed that this composition has not impeded the flow of actions in his administration. He asserted that his administration continues to enjoy the support of the state legislature, irrespective of party affiliation.
Governor Otti also acknowledged the concession of government-owned farm settlements, rubber plantations, and rice fields to private individuals by previous administrations. He assured the public that his administration is actively addressing this matter as well as investigating the allocation of government lands to individuals.
In closing, Otti reiterated that contractors who received funds for road projects in the state but failed to fulfill their obligations would be held accountable for the utilization of the funds.
The statements made by Governor Otti reflect a commitment to transparent governance and the diligent management of public resources for the benefit of the citizens of Abia State.
[Keywords: Abia State, local government, governance, Mayor controversy, transparent administration, public resources, governance accountability, government accountability, due process, opposition, state legislature, donor agencies, multilateral organizations]
