Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has inaugurated caretaker committees to pilot the affairs of the 23 local government areas in the state until new councils are elected.
Alia stated, during the ceremony at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, that the decision was backed by Section 21(3), sub-sections (1) and (2) of the state’s Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2012.
He stated that the caretaker committees were for 21 of the 23 local councils because the nominees for Agatu and Oju local councils had yet to be confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
“I stand before you today to inaugurate the chairmen and members of local government interim councils by Section 21(3), subsection (1) and (2) of the Local Government (Amendment) Law 2012, as enacted by the esteemed Benue State House of Assembly.
“Today, we are witnessing the birth of a new era, an era of progress, unity and prosperity for the people of Benue State.
“As we embark on this new chapter, as Government we recognize the immense responsibility that lies upon our shoulders. Our primary duty is to serve the people, to be their voice, and to advocate for their needs and aspirations,” he said.
He charged the new chairmen with ensuring that the people’s concerns were heard, their rights were respected, and their lives improved.
He expressed confidence in the committee members’ abilities to thrive in their new roles and challenged them to serve with distinction, to rise above constraints, to break down barriers, and to bring beneficial changes to the state.
