Abia State Governor Alex Otti has sworn in the 17 local government chairmen elected last Saturday.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, where Governor Otti urged the chairmen to govern with an “Abia first” mindset and to drive the socio-economic transformation of the state from their respective local governments.
The newly sworn-in chairmen are: Timothy Iheke (Aba North, ZLP), Anyanwu Obilor (Aba South, ZLP), Okereke Ezearo (Arochukwu, ZLP), Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Bende, ZLP), Dr. Anthony Nwaubani (Ikwuano, ZLP), Innocent Uruakpa (Isialangwa North, ZLP), Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu (Isialangwa South, ZLP), and Chinedu Ekeke (Isukwuato, ZLP).
Others include Maxwell Nwadike (Obingwa, ZLP), Eleanya Oju-Kalu (Ohafia, ZLP), Chidi Christian Agu (Osisioma, YPP), Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Ugwunagbo, YPP), Chibunna Akara (Ukwa East, ZLP), Pastor Dike Nwankwo (Ukwa West, ZLP), Smart Ihuoma (Umuahia North, ZLP), Chinwendu Enwereuzo (Umuahia South, ZLP), and Sunday Afuruike (Umunneochi, ZLP).
The Abia State Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) had presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen on Sunday, with 15 representing the ZLP and two from the YPP.
During the swearing-in, Governor Otti encouraged the chairmen to remain committed to the socio-economic development of Abia.
“As I had also said, your task is to solve the basic problems that have bedevilled our people in the various communities for ages. Access to water, basic health and education services, effective maintenance of Truck C roads and quick response to security threats in your local communities should rank very high in your order of priorities.
“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,” he said.