Guardian

THE reason for the delayed local council election in Abia State has been attributed to paucity of funds by Governor Theodore Orji.

Governor Orji said while swearing into office the new transition chairmen and their deputies for the 17 local councils of the state on yesterday that the polls would hold as soon as the funds become available. He, however, added that sanity must first prevail in the local council system before the elections will hold so as to enable elected officials function appropriately.

He explained that while funds were being awaited, transition officials were appointed in accordance with the relevant state laws to prevent vacuum in the system.

He directed the inaugurated officials to make payment of workers’ salaries their topmost priority, identify ghost workers, shun corruption, as well as utilise funds available to them to work for the grassroots.

The governor further asked them to emulate his practice to leave legacies while in office by building/establishing what he called log-lasting projects.

Chairman of Umuahia-North Council, Mr. Chukwudi Ndumele, on behalf of the new officials, pledged to run their councils as stipulated by the governor and thanked him for considering them worthy for the appointment.