By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
Governor Bassey Otu has met with the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils of Cross River State in a strategic session aimed at strengthening security, enhancing citizens’ welfare and assessing the progress of his People-First administration as the year draws to an end.
Speaking during a recent meeting at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor Otu said the foremost item on the agenda was the security of all local government areas, stressing that the government must remain vigilant and proactive.
“The number one item on the agenda of this meeting is the security of our local government councils,” he stated. “Number two is the fact that we are coming to the end of the year, and there is a need for every one of our citizens to feel the impact and break out of the middle of the situation, not just the city centers but also all the wards across the state. Number three is a period for self-assessment, to know whether we are on the proper path of the People-First government or not.”
Otu noted that the meeting was strictly focused on these priorities and said there would be limited room for other matters, highlighting the urgency attached to the issues discussed.
Addressing journalists after the closed-door session, Chairman of the Forum of Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Yibala Inyang, described Governor Otu as a “concerned and caring leader” who consistently engages with council chairmen on key governance matters.
While he declined to disclose specific strategies for security reasons, Inyang assured that the modalities agreed upon would be immediately deployed.
On efforts to enhance citizens’ welfare, Inyang said the council chairmen had also deliberated on ways to ensure that residents feel the direct impact of government support.
He explained that consultations were ongoing, as more data and indices were being gathered to finalize the welfare plans to be rolled out before the end of the year.
Responding to a question on self-assessment, the LG Forum Chairman maintained that the councils were on the right track.
He added that the regular engagement between the governor and local government chairmen was a testament to an administration committed to listening to the people and responding to their needs.