Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has charged Local Government
Caretaker Committee Chairmen to use the opportunity to serve as a
stepping stone to climb the political ladder.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday after
the inauguration and swearing in of new Local Government Caretaker
Committee Chairmen, Governor Wike regretted that in the recent past,
some appointees have preferred financial benefits to service.
He said because most Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen
usually misplace their priorities, it is difficult to recommend
them for higher service their terms in office.
The governor said: ” If you think this is the end of your political
careers, then do as you wish in office.
“However, I advise you to serve in ways that will help you build
your political careers. Use your appointments to serve the entire
people of your respective local government areas “.
He advised the Council Chairmen to focus their attention on payment
of salaries and cooperate with security agencies to maintain
security in their local government areas.
He informed them that they have no right to charge arbitrary levies
and taxes, pointing out that the Local Government Areas have been
restricted to the collection of Tenement Rates.
Governor Wike added that there is no room for the misappropriation of
resources on the part of the Caretaker Committee Chairmen as steps
have been taken to ensure that they are responsive to the needs of the
people.
Of the 23 Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen sworn in by
Governor Wike, 10 were newly appointed while 13 Caretaker Committee
Chairmen were reappointed.
Two women Mrs Gloria Omereji (Emohua) and Mrs Daisy Tamunoene (Ogu/
Bolo) were also inaugurated.