Makurdi, Oct. 7, 2024 (TheGavel) – In a significant political event, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Monday, October 7, 2024, swore in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen. The ceremony, held in Makurdi, followed the announcement of the results from the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), which confirmed a clean sweep for the All Progressives Congress (APC). APC candidates secured all 23 chairmanship seats, along with 276 councillorship positions in the local government elections held the previous Saturday.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Alia emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, urging the new chairmen to prioritize the needs of the people they serve. He reminded them that while the autonomy of local governments is crucial, it comes with great responsibility. “No tier of government works in isolation,” Alia said, stressing the need for collaboration between the local councils, state, and federal governments to ensure effective service delivery.
The governor charged the newly elected officials to demonstrate strong leadership, uphold the highest standards of governance, and deliver on the promises made during their campaigns. He further emphasized the importance of staying connected with their communities and maintaining a presence in their respective areas of assignment to bring tangible democratic dividends to the grassroots.
Governor Alia also praised the APC for its serious approach to governance and warned the chairmen not to disappoint the electorate who voted overwhelmingly for their victory. “This event marks a significant moment in the life and future of local government administration in Benue, especially for the people at the grassroots who came out in large numbers on Saturday to choose you at the polls,” the governor remarked.
He reiterated that leadership is about service and sacrifice, urging the chairmen to always work in collaboration with the state government to implement policies that benefit rural communities.
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected chairmen, Mr. Dennis Guda, the Chairman of Vandiekya Local Government Area, expressed their commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. Guda pledged loyalty to the APC, promising to uphold the party’s constitution and work closely with the state government to ensure the success of their administration.
The ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for local governance in Benue, with the expectation that the newly elected officials will bring meaningful change and development to their communities. (NAN)
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