Enugu council chiefs pass confidence vote on Nnamani
September 26, 2006

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, has passed a vote of confidence on the administration of the State Governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani.

The Chairman of the association, which comprises all the council chairmen in the state, Mr. Chidi Nwatu, made this proclamation when he led the executive and other members of the association on a solidarity and courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Enugu.

The association expressed satisfaction over the state government’s prompt release of statutory allocations to every Local Government Council in the state as and at when due, and full observance of the rules guiding the Joint State-Local Government Account.

The ALGON Chairman also applauded the Governor for developing the administrative machinery which had helped in spreading social amenities through the already existing Development Centres and in introducing the first ever stakeholder influence in decision-making.

Mr. Nwatu commended the effort, vision and wisdom of the Governor in the creation of Local Government Development Centres which he described as “relay stations” for the Local Government Areas, pointing out that the introduction had brought so much relief to the people in the various localities.

“Prior to the introduction of Development Centres in the state, it was rare to site any government hospital, health centres, health outposts or other infrastructure in remote localities outside the council headquarters. Today, the emergence of an average of three centres of development in each Local Government Area has led to the fast replication of such facilities within them.”, he said.

The association commended the bold steps taken by the State Government in fighting crime and maintaining peace and order in the state, pointing out that the donations of more new Toyota Hilux jeeps and communication equipments to the State Police Command was a clear indication of government’s commitment to public safety.

He said that the association had noted with interest the Governor’s efforts in transforming the face of the state with developmental and mass-oriented projects, mentioning specifically the more than 57 Cottage Hospitals, 7 District Hospitals, rural electrification of over one hundred of fifty communities and 23 deep borehole projects.

In his speech, Governor Nnamani attributed his achievements in the areas of infrastructural development to the support received from the Local Government Councils in the state.

“I wish to place on record our gratitude for the efforts you have made in the development and progress of Enugu State”, he told the council bosses.

The State Chief Executive expressed satisfaction with the performance of the chairmen and their efforts in the areas of healthcare, sports, security, amongst others, stressing that the State Government cannot claim sole responsibility for the successes so far recorded in the state.

“I also have to thank you for the partnership you have demonstrated with the State Government especially in the areas of health, sports and also in the areas of security. I can say clearly that the Government of Enugu State cannot claim full responsibility for the progress we have made in Enugu State”, he said.

Governor Nnamani enjoined the State ALGON to continue to work hard to meet their expected role in the administration of the Local Government Areas and in improving the lives of the rural dwellers.

He also charged them to embark on aggressive mobilization and sensitization of members of the PDP in their various localities for the forthcoming voter registration exercise, primaries and general elections to ensure the victory of the party in the next transitional elections.