By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Cross River State Deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has advised chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to take the issues of rural development and security serious as they resume office.
They were recently sworn-in by the State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu.
Addressing the Chairmen in the meeting, he congratulated them on their successful emergence both at the party primaries and local government elections.
He charged them, as Chief Security Officers of their respective local government areas to prioritize security, provision of basic social amenities and rural development as well as the overall welfare of their residents in line with the ‘People First’ mantra of the Governor.
Speaking in an interview after the meeting, the Chairperson, lkom Local Government Area, Pastor Mrs Mercy Nsor, said she is poised to attend to the people’s needs and ensure the development of the LGA.
Also speaking to the press, the Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, said he is not only set to return Calabar metropolis to the clean city that it should be, but will install streetlights in the areas of the city where they are needed and open up streets that have been inaccessible for years.
The Chairman added that to secure the projects, the traditional rulers, youths and members of the community will be involved in these projects and made to see the projects as their own.
On his part, the Chairman of Ogoja LGA, Hon. Chris Agbeh, said he will place emphasis on entrepreneurship and healthcare delivery to ameliorate the lives of the people.
Also present at the meeting was the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor-Felix ldem.