From TCNEWS
The Assistant Secretary Southeastern region of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Rev. Dr. Blessed Amalambu, has enjoined the newly elected Chairmen in Abia State to be intentional about enhancing the standard of living of the people at the grassroots and ensure that all projects embarked upon complied with global standards.
Amalambu, who interacted with our correspondent in Umuahia, shortly after the swearing in ceremony of the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in the state, enjoined them not to embark on projects to score political point, but to carry out projects based on NEEDs assessment, enhancing the standard of living of the citizens.
He urged them to guard against enthroning the concept of godfatherism and engaging the services of sycophants and praise singers, who have betrayed the concept of democracy at the grassroots.
He pointed out that for the country to be great again, leaderships at the third tier of Government must not jettison self decipline and honesty, pointing out further that accountability and transparency remains the hallmark of integrity.
Amalambu, who is also the Abia State PFN chapter Secretary, who appreciated the Federal Government and the Supreme Court for the autonomy granted to the Local Government, recalled that for years, local governments in Nigeria have struggled under the heavy hand of state governors, who, wielding significant control over local councils, thereby undermining their autonomy.
According to him, their control manifested in the dissolution of elected councils, the appointment of caretaker committees, and the manipulation of local government funds through the State Joint Local Government Account.
Amalambu, who observed that the over-centralization of power perpetuated inefficiencies and corruption, also pointed out that these practices stifled local governance, inhibited development, and disenfranchised citizens at the grassroots level.
He maintained that Nigeria is a blessed country, of which the Western world can also affirm but decried that the problem of the country lies on leadership.
He enjoined the newly elected LG Chairmen and Councillors to carefully structure their leadership style, bearing in mind that the people at the grassroots are expecting them to effect policies and decisions on how to develop their areas.