Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has inaugurated the 17 mayors elected in last Saturday’s council election in the state even as his ruling Labour Party failed to secure a seat.
At the event at Government House, Umuahia, the capital, Otti warned the mayors that they should not fail the people as there would be excuses for low performance.
He explained that though the mayors emerged from different political platforms, the whole agenda remains the same which is putting the state first.
“We must do our best to bring a permanent closure to certain challenges that have held our communities for ages. We must tackle them in both short and medium terms.” he said.
He listed them access to potable water, quality basic education, electricity for homes and businesses, affordable transportation, quality road networks including safe and secure neighborhoods.
“We have to embrace the fact that we are in leadership to solve problems, uplift people and use the privilege of government to give everyone a chance to live”.
“Bring everyone together and make it known to them that you are willing to listen to their developmental ideas and work with that.” the governor added.
Congratulating them, he lauded the state’s Independent Electoral Commission for the conduct of the poll in which the Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party won two and 15 seats respectively.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the mayor for Isuikwuato local government, Chinedu Ekeke noted that their victories were a rare honour to serve the people of the state.
“We’re mindful of the enormous task ahead of us and assure you that we will perform accordingly as we’re going to follow your template,” noted.