AKHA Commitee On LG  Tasked Chairmen TO Prioritize Functional Secretariat, Accountability, Transparency

By Uduak Akai
UYO
The chairman,  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Member Representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Elder  Mfon Idung, has tasked local government chairmen across the state to ensure that their council secretariats remain clean, functional and conducive for effective service delivery, describing the administrative headquarters as a reflection of the quality of governance at the grassroots.

Idung gave the charge during the fifth day of the committee’s ongoing statewide oversight tour, noting that while the execution of impactful projects remains a key responsibility of every council administration, maintaining an orderly and efficient working environment is equally important.

He maintained that good governance is demonstrated not only through visible infrastructure but also through effective administration, accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources.

Reiterating the purpose of the oversight exercise, Idung said the tour is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of local government finances. He stressed that the committee has no intention of shielding underperforming council administrations.


He said explained that high-performing chairmen will be publicly commended, while those who fail to meet their responsibilities will be identified through the Committee’s report.

He also reiterated the Committee’s earlier call on council chairmen to embark on people-oriented projects that have direct impact on their communities, ensure quality execution of ongoing projects, and complete them within stipulated timelines.

The lawmaker commended councils that have demonstrated prudent utilisation of public funds through the execution of meaningful projects, while encouraging others to improve their performance in line with the expectations of the people and the developmental agenda of the State Government.

At Onna Local Government Area, the chairman, Mr Kufre Umoren, said his administration has maximised available resources through projects and intervention programmes in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare. He listed the ongoing construction of a Smart Executive Council (EXCO) Building with a 1,500-seat capacity, offices for supervisors, an EXCO Chamber, conference room and hall, as well as the construction of internal roads within the council secretariat.

He also highlighted the sponsorship of cancer treatment for patients, grading of roads across communities, rehabilitation of community water projects, facilitation of a Zenith Bank branch in Onna, grants of ₦250,000 each to Law School graduates, ₦500,000 each to three first-class graduates of Akwa Ibom State University, scholarships for Master’s and PhD students, and other educational support programmes.

The committee, however, directed the Onna chairman to renovate and improve the existing council office complex while work continues on the new secretariat building.

In Okobo Local Government Area, the Chairman, Mr George Henshaw,an engineer, described himself as a grassroots leader who understands the needs of farmers and fishermen. He said his administration has prioritised human capital development, youth and sports, agriculture, healthcare, road construction, skills acquisition, electrification, grants and bursaries.

Among his achievements are the construction and furnishing of the Pastor Umo Eno Legislative Block, a 300-seat ICT Hub and Computer-Based Test Centre, the Okobo Mini Stadium, the Atak-Oro International Market with 112 lock-up shops and 120 open stalls, and the modernisation of the Obio Ufre Pro Cultural Heritage Complex.

He also listed the rehabilitation of electricity in the council secretariat and several communities, construction of access roads, resolution of the 35-year-old dispute over the 50-Unit Housing Estate, payment of bursaries to 388 students, sponsorship of 30 youths to the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre  (DASAC), business grants for women and monthly stipends for 66 village youth presidents.

The member representing Okobo State Constituency, Mr Bassey Bassey, commended the chairman’s performance and appealed to the state government to extend the airport trunk road to Okobo to provide easier access to the Victor Attah International Airport.

At Nsit Atai Local Government Area, the chairman, Mr Anthony Nyong, listed projects including the construction of a new administrative building, renovation of the council hall, construction of a perimeter fence and main gate, landscaping of the secretariat, rehabilitation of over 60 kilometres of roads across the ten wards, installation and repair of transformers, rehabilitation of solar-powered water facilities, free medical outreaches and more than 70 free surgeries.

He also highlighted the establishment of the Umo Eno Model Farm, distribution of classroom furniture, school bags and 25,000 customised exercise books, refurbishment of official vehicles, sponsorship of athletes to the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, business support initiatives and assistance to persons living with disabilities.

At Uruan Local Government Area, the Chairman, Surv. Iniobong Ekpeyong, described Uruan people as hospitable and clean, adding that his administration has focused on rapid development.

He listed achievements including flood control and interlocking within the council secretariat, installation of solar-powered street lights, procurement of official vehicles for the Council Secretary and Council Leader, ongoing construction of an 800-metre drainage channel and a one-kilometre access road to the secretariat, remodelling of the police station administrative block, renovation of the Chairman’s office and Legislative Chambers, provision of electricity substations in several communities, distribution of 200 free JAMB forms and educational support for students.

The statewide oversight exercise continues with inspections across the remaining local government areas as the Committee compiles its findings.