Diri insists on LG chairmen living in council areas

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Wednesday said that it was imperative for Local Government Chairmen to reside within their domains and urged host communities to ensure that their communities are hospitable and habitable.

Diri stated this at Ekeremor Local Government Secretariat where he inaugurated projects undertaken by the council.

While commending Dr Bertola Perekeme-led administration of Ekeremor Local Government for the completion of projects initiated by his predecessors and initiating new ones, Diri expressed hope that governance will have a touch of continuity at the grassroots.

The governor urged the Bayelsa people to resist the temptation of pull-down syndrome and unwholesome attacks on perceived political opponents, especially as elections draw closer.

Reacting to challenges and requests presented by Perekeme in his welcome address, the governor directed affected ministries to begin the process of constructing an access road to link the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road at Isampou, construction of a Pavilion at Ekeremor, renovation of secondary school building also in Ekeremor.

He further directed the release of funds to Ekeremor Local Government Council for payment of the 2016 arrears of workers.

Earlier in his address, Perekeme had highlighted challenges confronting the Council but thanked the Diri-led administration for its high-level supervision and painstaking reforms that improved the financial management of Councils which resulted in the execution of projects by his administration, including the new Chairman’s Office Complex which was inaugurated today.

Perekeme said after clearing the backlog of inherited debts, and set aside monies for allowances and severance packages, his administration is leaving behind savings of over N130 million.

The Ekeremor Local Government chairman appreciated the chiefs, women and youth groups and every son and daughter of the area for the opportunity of service to him and members of his team.