Muhammad Bello who spoke on Friday at the inauguration ceremony of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, stressed that the dwindling economy has affected all tiers of government with the ever increasing obligations.
“Permit me to tell you that serious challenges await you at the Area Councils. The bitter truth is that all the six Area Councils cannot be able to pay staff salaries and other obligations.
“Even though the FCT Administration has gone extra mile to assist the Area Councils, you are better off taking proactive measure to your various councils”.
Muhammad Bello reminded the new chairmen that they made a lot of campaign promises and the people have a lot of expectation on them to deliver.
He advised Chairmen to provide leadership to all the people in their areas, irrespective of party affiliation, tribe or religious inclination, even as he enjoined them to lead with the utmost fear of God and the best interest of the people at all times.
“You are now for all, irrespective of party, religion, tribe, age or gender. So be humble in your leadership and appreciate the role played by all stakeholders towards your victory.”
Muhammad Bello asked the chairmen to ensure accountability and prudence in the management of their councils’ resources, saying: “you must turn around the potentials of your Area Councils into wealth, by boosting revenue and blocking leakages, so that your Councils’ can be financially independent and you will be able to deliver the expected dividends of democracy.”
Those sworn-in were Abdul_Rahman Ajiya-Abaji; Abdullahi Adamu Candido-AMAC; Musa Dikko-Bwari; Adamu Mustapha Denze-Gwagwalada; Abdullahi Galadima- Kuje and Joseph Shazin-Kwali. [myad]
