The thirty- one newly elected Akwa Ibom State Local Government Council Chairmen have been sworn into office with a charge to ensure harmonious working relationship for the smooth execution of the state government’s completion agenda.

The state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel gave the charge while administering oath of office to the Chairmen, Monday, 7th December, 2020 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

Governor Emmanuel congratulated the new council helmsmen and urged them to see their election into office as a call to service in a critical time, stressing that they should work diligently, devoid of distractions and divisive sentiments.

“As a leader you will be misquoted, you’ll be misconstrued and misunderstood but you must stay focused and know where you are going. Once you ensure that, you will achieve results”, Governor Emmanuel admonished.

The governor expressed appreciation to the people of the State across party lines, for the peaceful conduct of the October 31 election, affirming that it was the most peaceful since the state creation .

He urged the new council Chairmen to deemphasize party differences and concentrate on what they can do for the people, explaining that the party was just a platform to access the opportunity to serve.

"We have only one state, one government and one people - the Akwa Ibomites, so you are elected to serve and for all of us to steer the ship to see how we can arrive at our completion agenda.”

"Every elected person is a servant of the Most High God. You must realize that and act that way, so I charge you to work towards the completion agenda”, he emphasized.

While urging the Vice Chairmen to maintain the limits of their office and work harmoniously with their principals to bring to bear initiative that will add value to the people, the Governor advised the Council Chairmen to carry theitr Deputies along in the adminstration of the Councils and treat them with dignity .

Governor Emmanuel described as unfounded and misleading, speculations that the state government feeds on local government funds, explaining that the state government has been intervening severally to offset local government liabilities, especially in ensuring that salaries and pensions of primary school teachers and other employees are paid as at when due as well as clearing of arrears.

He restated the commitment of his administration to ensure accountability and transparency, appealing to the youths of the state to desist from propagating tarnishing reports on social media about the state and to desisit the temptation of being used by embittered politicians to discredit the state administration.

The governor announced the reemergence of the Esit Eket Chairman, Mr. Iniobong Robson, as state Chairman of ALGON and urged the Chairmen to ensure speedy constitution of Legislative Councils in their domain.