Gov. Otti Inaugurates New LG Chairmen, Challenges Them On Developmental Issues (Photos, Video)

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has sworn-in the newly elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors of the 17 LGAs in the State, with a charge on them to address the various developmental challenges confronting their LGAs.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet of the Government House Umuahia on Monday, Governor Alex Otti said that though the Mayors emerged from different political platforms, the whole agenda remains the same which is putting Abia first, government house rakes said.

It added, “We must do our best to bring a permanent closure to certain challenges that have held our communities for ages.

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“There are a few challenges that we must effectively tackle in short and medium terms including access to portable water, quality basic education, electricity for homes and businesses, affordable transportation, quality road networks including safe and secure neighbourhood”.

Governor Otti, who said that the new Council functionaries are expected to take full responsibility in the development of their areas warned that they should not fail Abians as there should be no excuse for low performance.

“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”.

The State Chief Executive stressed the need for them to reach out to various stakeholders in their Councils as well as work together with those that contested with them as long as they have good ideas that would bring development to the state.

“One thing I will encourage you who will take over the executive seats across the 17 LGAs is to begin to reach out to our friends who did not make it”.

“Bring everyone together and make it known to them that you are willing to listen to their developmental ideas and work with that.” Gov. Otti advised.

Governor Otti congratulated them on their emergence and appreciated ABSIEC for conducting a free and fair election as well as thanked other contestants for their spirit of sportsmanship.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke described their emergence as a rare honour to serve the people of the State.

He said that they are mindful of the enormous task ahead of them but assured that they would perform accordingly as they are going to follow the template of Governor Alex Otti.

The Mayors and their Deputies include;

1. Aba North – Timothy Iheke (Mayor), Christian Chijioke (Deputy)

2. Aba South – Anyanwu Obilor (Mayor), Azubuike Nwankwo (Deputy)

3. Arochukwu – Okereke Ezearo (Mayor) , Ngozi Nwafor (Deputy)

4. Bende – Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Mayor), Ngozi Anya (Deputy)

5. Ikwuano – Dr Anthony Nwaubani (Mayor), Awuwa Lucky Chibuikem (Deputy)

6. Isialangwa North – Innocent Uruakpa (Mayor), Ahamdi Ahamba (Deputy)

7. Isialangwa South – Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu (Chairman), Vivian Obilor (Deputy)

8. Isukwuato – Chinedu Ekeke (Mayor), Ifeanyi Njoku (Deputy)

9. Obingwa – Maxwell Nwadike (Mayor), Destiny Isiguzo (Deputy)

10. Ohafia – Eleanya Ojuu Kalu (Mayor), Eme Iro (Deputy)

11. Osisioma – Chidi Christian Agu (Mayor), Victor Ugochukwu Nwogu (Deputy)

12. Ugwunagbo – Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Mayor), Ugochukwu Ukaegbu (Deputy)

13. Ukwa East – Chibunna Akara (Mayor), Thelma Ekeke (Deputy)

14. Ukwa West – Dike Nwankwo (Mayor), Joel Udo Nwankwo (Deputy).

15. Umuahia North – Smart Ihuoma (Mayor), Chinwe Odoemelam (Deputy)

16. Umuahia South – Chinwendu Enwereuzo (Mayor), Enyinnaya Nwosu (Deputy)

17. Umunneochi – Sunday Afuruike (Mayor), Igbo Chukwunenye Innocent (Deputy)