Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has sworn in the newly elected local government chairmen with a charge to collaborate with security agencies and nip crimes and criminalities in the bud.
Governor Ortom who made the call yesterday while swearing-in new Council chairmen at Government House, Makurdi, lamented the rising crime wave of insecurity and crisis in different parts of the State saying the security challenges were the bane of development in the state.
He urged the new Chairmen to work in harmony with security agencies as well as traditional rulers, community leaders and other reputable leaders in their councils to nip all form of criminalities in the bud.
He insisted that they must adopt the saying that prevention is better than cure in handling security matters.
Governor Ortom encouraged service delivery advising the chairmen to give their people quality service knowing that there is always the day to give account of their stewardship.
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“You must bear in mind that the days of playing politics are over. Now is the time to concentrate on giving the electorate quality service because that is the reason for giving you their mandate.
“By this swearing-in, democratic governance has been fully enthroned. We cannot claim to be democrats if we practice what is at variance with democracy, its tenets and ethos. I enjoin you all to participate freely, support and contribute your efforts in sustaining same for our collective good.
“I urge you therefore to view your election and swearing – in as an opportunity to contribute your quota in turning around thrives of your people with good leadership based on laudable policies, programmes and projects that you execute. However, in the light of dwindling Federal Allocation, there is the the imperative to look inward for survival.
“Note also, that COVID-19 pandenic has ushered new protocols in our social relationships with others such as physical distancing, regular hand washing with running water and soap or using alcohol based sanitizers, covering of the mouth while coughing and so on. It is only with your support as well as living hygienic, careful and altruistic lifestyles that we can keep Coronvirus at bay. I urge you to embrace the new protocol brought by the ways of life and encourage your people to do same,” Ortom said.
