The Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Hon. Maxwell Chinweikpe Nwadike, has assured that he will deliver democracy dividends to the people at the grassroots.
Nwadike who spoke while addressing newsmen over the weekend promised to align his work with the Abia State Government’s rebuilding agenda. He affirmed that he would work in accordance with Governor Alex Otti’s vision for the state.
The Obingwa Council Chairman expressed his resolve to evolve programmes that would boost socio-economic development in his Local government area.
He said, “We have since outlined our strategies; I expect that we will run with the vision of the state government and continue the work of the socio-economic transformation of Abia State at the local level.
“I will be focused on the people and translate the governor’s vision by putting infrastructure and people’s development first. I believe that if we don’t get the local government working, all that the governor is doing will not be felt by people in the rural areas because the local government area is the only strata of government that affects the people’s lives at the grassroots.”
Hon. Nwadike maintained that he understood his task of solving the basic problems that have bedeviled the people in the various communities for ages, such as access to water, basic health and education services and effective maintenance of the schools in the area.
“Our people should be able to see the impact of your leadership in the next six months through measurable improvements in the living conditions of the people, especially women, youths, and the vulnerable in the various localities.”
While commending Governor Otti for his laudable achievements in the state, Nwadike assured that he would replicate those gains at the Local level, stating that he would execute programmes that would yield measurable improvements in the people’s living conditions.
“We must develop a framework of effective collaboration to achieve improved outcomes, especially in road infrastructure, education and health,” he said.
The Chairman pledged to fulfill his campaign promises, because “there can be no excuse for poor performance. He promised to adopt a culture of openness, firmness and responsiveness to discharge his duties to drive socio-economic development at the grassroots level.
Speaking on his election victory, Hon. Nwadike declared: “It was a resounding victory for me. The people of Obingwa came out massively and voted for me. So, what I owe them is to deliver democracy dividends as I promised during the electioneering period. I will certainly keep my promises to them. Nothing will stop me from doing that.”
“The challenges are enormous as this is a new office and government. I expected the challenges but the good thing is that I am fully prepared to tackle them.
“The local government is the closest to the people at the grassroots. So, as the chairman of the Obingwa Council, I have to work to meet the needs of the people. I am a grassroots person, and I am always with my people. I know what they want, and we plan that the community must own each project we embark on. They must identify with the project we will execute in their communities.”
He commended his predecessor, Dr Eric Egwuibe, for doing a good job and laying a solid foundation for his administration’s launch.
He said, “We will execute many community projects. Unfortunately, we don’t have a standard market and motor park. We will soon build a standard market, which will help us attract more revenue for the council. We will also build rural roads, provide potable water, and build health centers for our people.
He said further: “We will also work on our education system and complement the state government’s efforts in upgrading our schools. The people can trust us, and there is no going back on the promises we made to them. We cannot afford to disappoint the people.”
The Abia State Governor, Sir Alex Otti swore in 17 newly elected local government chairmen and deputies on Monday, November 4, 2024. These Chairmen were charged with sustaining the State Government’s rebuilding agenda at the grassroots level.
