By Jonathan Ugbal
With less than six weeks left in their administration and those of council Chairmen and Chairpersons, Cross River Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu has concluded a performance and evaluation tour of the 18 Local Government Areas in the State.
The performance tour commenced early in April with Professor Esu visiting several projects initiated, completed, or continued by the current Chairmen and Chairpersons whose tenures will elapse on June 5, 2023, one week after the Governor and his Deputy exit office.
Esu also carried out a quasi-audit of the finances of the councils as well as the structures of the All Progressives Congress, APC, CrossRiverWatch gathered.
The last council he visited was Biase midweek where he commended the Chairperson, Mrs. Ada Charles Egwu for her performance. Esu hails from Agwagune community in Biase.
He inaugurated three out of several projects carried out by Mrs. Egwu’s administration – the Akpet central market and motor park, the Primary Health Care Center, Okurike, and the modern market, Okurike where he said the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration has brought succor to the people via the Local Government Councils.
He urged the people to protect government facilities in their domains, to encourage the government to deliver more dividends of democracy.
Mrs. Egwu on her part said her ability to work stemmed from a good relationship with the State and relevant stakeholders. She listed some projects and programs embarked upon by her administration including the;
Construction of Biase market/motor park with Motorized Borehole, lockup shops, open shades, abattoir, perimeter fencing, culverts, drainage system, etc at Akpet Central.
Construction of an ultra-modern Traditional Rulers Council Chambers, in Ibogo.
Completion of modern market with solar-powered lights, lockup shops, and open shades at Okurike village.
Reconstruction of Divisional Police Headquarters, Akpet Central.
Reconstruction of the DPO’s Quarters of the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters, Akpet-Central.
Construction of a six-classroom block with a head teacher’s office at Ukwopeyere Village.
Reconstruction of Primary Health Care Center with modern hospital beds, forms, and solar light at Okurike village.
Reconstruction of NYSC and principal’s lodge, Okurike village.
Grading of Akpet- Ukwopeyere Road.
Rebuilding of an Ultra-Modern Civic Center, Ipene (ongoing).
Renovation of the Council Chairman’s lodge and office, Council Headquarters, Ibogo and,
Constituency Human Capacity Development, among others.
“While I acknowledge the immense efforts made by the Ayade-led administration in meeting the yearnings of the people, we recognize that each tier of the government has a role to play, and I resolved to do my part, to fulfill the mandate given to me by the people of Biase Local Government Area,” Egwu said.
“The projects were initiated and embarked upon to help the rural dwellers enjoy the dividends of democracy and have a sense of belonging,” she added and assured that the ongoing projects will be completed before the expiration of her tenure in office.
