To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected, Paul Omeruo Urges Ikwuano Mayor, Nwaka, Others
Col. Barr. Paul Omeruo (Rtd), former Military Administrator of Kogi State has urged the Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Mayor Osinachi Nwaka to keep the fire aglow, saying, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with famousreoorters.com, on the weekend, in a telephone conversation, the illustrious son of Ikwuano wailed that the entire Council had been in shambles for decades and thus required total overhaul.
“This is only achievable if a true son of the soil who feels and understands the yearnings of the people, presides over the Council.
“You have started on a good note. And with your landmark achievement within the first two days of your arrival especially the revival of the borehole water which had gone moribund for years. It is commendable because we have had both elected and transition chairmen over the years, who never batted an eye at providing a healthy environment for the staff. So I commend you.
“And I urge you to maintain the pace because the restoration of our dear Council and its surrounding clans lies solely on your shoulders.”
Continuing, he reminded the Mayor and President of New Era Foundation (NEF), of the zeal of the Governor, which he maintained was to lighten up every nook and cranny of the State through good governance, while charging him not to derail.
“The government of Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, as we all know, has not come to enrich itself, therefore, I implore you and every other Mayor of the various councils to help the Labour Party (LP) to change the narrative by restoring sanity in governance.
“You have not gone there to enlarge your wealth but to work and because the Governor wants to deviate from the norms that lasted for many years, he has appointed you and your colleagues from across the State to achieve our long desired State.”
Moreso, he used the medium to commend Nwaka for deeming it necessary to hold a town hall meeting with President Generals of various communities in the Council, pointing out that it paved the way for the Mayor to hear from the ‘horses’ mouths’, on where the shoe pinches most.
Omeruo who warned against mismanagement of funds meant for the development of the Council, advised the Mayor to ensure that the money allocated to the council is maximally utilised to give all the clans the anticipated facelifts.
“I thank God for the choice of responsible and vibrant young men like you to represent our Local Government Councils. I want you to significantly restore the faith and hope of the people in our government.”
Meanwhile, he stressed that the essence of establishing a Local Government Authority was to enable the government impact positively on the masses, noting that such results can only be actualised magnificently through the Council heads either elected or appointed.
“The Local Government is expected to improve on the lives of the people at the grassroots. This is no longer time for the sharing of funds meant for the development of areas under the local government.
“You have not gone there to amass more wealth but to work and bring smiles on the lips of the masses in line with Governor’s aim, hence he chose you and others all in a bid to make a difference. The present government wants to create a special impression different from the perceived normal tradition of sharing of funds originally meant for the development of the area.”
On the newly established law on the autonomy of the local government, he said:
“Now that it has been established in the House of Assembly that the Council will be allowed to have full
authority over funds allocated to the council, I urge you to carry out developmental projects that will assist the common people. Provide adequate security at the various market areas, and by so doing, you will have ended up achieving two things: securing the markets and empowering the youths.
“While rebuilding the market places, you should also provide decent lavatories for traders and portable water. You may not be able to tar roads but you can create access roads for people to transport their farm produce to the markets.”
The former Military Administrator who also advised Mayors of other Councils across the State to endeavour to follow the footprints of the Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, explained that the latter was in a hurry to rescue the entire State from her age long backwardness instigated by previous governments.
He, therefore, enjoined all the Mayors to embark on execution of basic projects that will be of immense benefit to the masses.
“Carry out projects that will enable the poorest of the poor to benefit from the government since the government cannot do everything for all.” He concluded.
