By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State 10th Assembly, has pledged commitment to synergize with Local Government Chairmen in the State on grassroot development.
Speaking at the meeting of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee with Chairmen of Councils held at the Assembly’s Complex, Calabar, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, tasked them on human capital development, good governance, accountability and advised them to carry their Vice Chairmen along in running their councils.
Ayambem stressed that the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu is poised to improve the well-being of Cross Riverians, including those in the rural areas and urged for the support of the Chairmen in the actualization of the governor’s lofty plans.
He said: “Our governor is doing a lot to improve the state, he needs the support of everyone. You have a critical role to play in the achievement of the governor’s lofty plans. Please run a harmonious government, carry your vice chairmen and other stakeholders along, ensure proper spread of the appointments approved for you in the Local Government Law.”
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Commitee and Member representing Yala 1 State Constituency, Hon. Odey Brian Wonah said the purpose of the meeting was to enable the Lawmakers familiarize themselves with the LG Chairmen and advise them on regulations and conduct while in office.
Odey congratulated the Chairmen on their victory at the LG elections and urged them to discharge their responsibilities efficiently and effectively adding that his committee will synergize with them to enhance accountability and transparency.
The Legislator also applauded the state governor for providing an enabling environment for the state to thrive.
His words: “I thank our Governor Senator Bassey Otu, for good governance and for providing an enabling environment for all sectors to grow. Governor Otu has achieved a lot, security has greatly improved, we can now sleep with our eyes closed. In infrastructure he has done a lot and welfare too; civil servants and pensioners are smiling because of regular payment of salaries and pensions.”
Other lawmakers including the Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta representing Abi State Constituency; Hon. Okon Owuna, Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, Hon. Samuel Abang Ikom 1 State Constituency, and Hon. Linus Etim Akamkpa 2 State Constituency, all encouraged the chairmen to promote grassroots development, ensure accountability, transparency, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and other best practices while administering their Councils.
In his remarks, the Auditor General for Local Government, Dr. Oden Eni emphasized the importance of effective service delivery at the LG level. He reiterated that accounting records/books must be kept properly by the chairmen and also stressed strict compliance to audit laws, regulations circulars among others.
The Auditor General directed the chairmen to submit audit reports to his office regularly to enhance effective guidance and synergy while discouraging them from taking loans.
Lending his charge, the Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Honorable Yibala Inyang, expressed gratitude to the Lawmakers as well as the Auditor General for the guidance and promised they will abide by the given instructions, while promising the chairmen will avoid anything that will jeopardize the synergy with the House.