Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in 18 newly elected Local Government Area chairmen, following the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in all the chairmanship and councillorship positions contested during the August local government elections.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the formal commencement of the tenure of the newly elected chairmen and councillors, ushering in a new phase of grassroots administration across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Speaking after the ceremony on Wednesday, Okpebholo said the inauguration marked “the beginning of a new chapter in grassroots governance,” charging the newly elected chairmen to place the development and welfare of residents at the centre of their administration.
The governor urged the chairmen to complement the efforts of the state government by implementing policies and programmes that would improve the living conditions of residents and ensure that the impact of government reaches communities across the state.
Okpebholo also cautioned the new council leaders against corruption and abuse of office, urging them to lead with humility, integrity and accountability while remaining committed to serving the people who entrusted them with leadership.
He stressed that the increased autonomy granted to Local Government Areas comes with greater responsibility, noting that the chairmen must use the opportunity to deliver meaningful development at the grassroots.
“With greater Local Government autonomy comes greater responsibility,” the governor said, congratulating the 18 chairmen and urging them to align their administrations with the state government’s SHINE Agenda.
He called on the council chairmen to work closely with the state government in promoting peace, economic development and improved social welfare across their respective local government areas.
The governor reminded the newly sworn-in officials that their positions were a mandate from the people and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through effective leadership, responsible governance and tangible development.
The APC had won all 18 chairmanship seats and the 192 councillorship positions contested in the August local government elections, giving the party complete control of the elected local government leadership across Edo State.