From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Saturday, sworn in newly appointed caretaker committee chairmen for three local government councils in the state.

The governor while speaking during the inauguration, enjoined the new appointees to promote good governance and be accountable and transparent while carrying out their official responsibilities.

The newly sworn Council Chairmen includes; Verlumun Avar for Gboko LGC, Victor Iorzaa, Ukum LGC and Mr.

The inauguration of the council chairmen was after the three former council chairmen were sacked by the governor as a result of misappropriation of local government Internally Generated Revenue and gross misconduct.

However, the governor said with the appointment of these new ones, they would re-inject vibrancy in the administration of local government councils in the State.

He said local government being the third tier of government, is critical to the operation of his administration since it plays a major role in the provision of social services to the people.

The governor, who cautioned the council chairmen against mismanagement of resources, admonished them to provide the needed change in their respective council areas, saying that there is no room for financial mismanagement.

He expressed his administration’s readiness to ensure accountability and adherence to the due process in governance, saying the chairman must be guided by the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability at all times and expressed confidence in the ability of the Chairman to lead and serve with distinction.

“Your predecessors are disengaged because of their lack of commitment, lack of dedication, lack of responsibility and accountability and transparency.

“These are things you can never do, you must not have those elements.

You must stay transparent, you must be reputable, people’s lives are handed over to you in these local governments.

“You are supposed to protect them, you are not supposed to be the ones moving out there creating more chaos or more crises.

“Rather, you must be seen as the true leaders who are working for the people and on their side. You are not sent out to create division that is not what Benue needs. We need a unified force, the state needs oneness, and a common goal of purpose.

” We need to up our game for development and growth in the state, we need to give people that true service, the government works so hard that everyone one will thrive in their businesses.

“You are the primary mechanic to help people realise the government’s contribution in their lives and lives of their local government. These are troubling times for the entire nation, we have lots of inflation and food insecurity.

“In the state, the government is trying to get people back to their farms, the IDPS are to be in safe hands until they return to their ancestral homes. Be the shining examples and follow due process in carrying out all works”, Alia stressed

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn council chairmen, Justin Shaku of Katsina Ala Local Government council, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity given them to serve.

He pledged their full support and commitment to the Alia-led administration and also promised to ensure massive development is carried out at their various local governments to replicate the transformation agenda of Governor Alia in the state.

While acknowledging Benue people for their show of support to the Alia administration, Shaku pleaded with them to continue to rally round the administration to enable it actualise their plans for a better state.