Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has cautioned newly-elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 25 local governments in the state against overtaxing an already burdened populace reeling under the painful effects of the current economic hardship.
Oborevwori gave the charge while swearing-in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 25 local government Areas in Asaba, the state capital on Monday.
He, however, charged them to improve on their Internally-Generated Revenue, (IGR).
He told them to address the recurring problems of insecurity, poverty, unemployment and environmental decay in their various local government areas and also tasked them to avoid profligacy typified by wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyles.
While advising them to embark on viable infrastructural projects, he said they should ensure modesty, fiscal discipline, prudent management, judicious allocation of resources and excellent service delivery.
He also explained that it was necessary for the chairmen to stay close to the people by operating from their area headquarters.
Performing the administration of oath of office on the chairmen and their deputies, he told them to shun the unhealthy practice of running the local governments from offshore, especially Asaba and Warri.
“To the elected local government council Chairmen, I urge you to reciprocate the huge mandate that has been given to you by giving preference to the needs and aspirations of your people with a view to delivering good governance.
“As the third tier of government closest to the people, you need to improve the environmental sanitation in your communities. Our urban centres are riddled with filth as a result of improper waste disposal and poor sanitation habits of our people.
“I would like to see you step up in this regard by devising proper waste disposal measures, while embarking on an aggressive public enlightenment campaign to educate our people on good sanitation habits,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, (DSIEC), for conducting free, fair and credible elections and to the security agencies for ensuring peace and security throughout the exercise across the state.
Responding on behalf of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, Chairman of Oshimili north local government council, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, expressed appreciation to the governor and leaders of the PDP in the state for the opportunity given to them to serve at the grassroots level of governance.
He commended the electorate in the various local government areas for endorsing their candidature through the electoral mandate given to them at the polls, and assured that they had adopted the MORE Agenda of the Governor and would not betray the confidence reposed in them.
The newly elected Chairmen are Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, Aniocha North; Jude Chukwunkwike, Aniocha South; Dagidi Andaye, Bomadi; Julius Takeme, Burutu; Augustine Ogedegbe, Ethiope East; Christian Onogba, Ethiope West; Monday Odigwe, lka North East, Jerry Ehiwarior, lka South; Godwin Ogorugba, Isoko North; Warri Ovoke Friday, Isoko South; Vincent Osilonya, Ndokwa East; Obi Nzete, Ndokwa West; and Isaiah Esiovwa, Okpe.
Others are Innocent Esewezie, Oshimili North; Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, Oshimili South; Isaac Aguanah, Patani; Bright Abeke, Sapele; Vincent Oyibode, Udu; Jaro Egbo, Ughelli North; Lucky Avweromre, Ughelli South; Possible Ajede, Ukwuani; Anthony Ofoni, Uvwie; Festus Ashima, Warri North; Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Warri South and Sylvester Oromoni, Warri South West.
Don’t overtax an already burdened populace – Oborevwori to Delta LG chairmen