Jeff Oguike
Staff of the unified local government service have been called upon to see themselves as vehicles to achieve development at the third tier system.
This advice was given by the chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Azubuike Nmerukini, JP, at Ogale, Headquarters of Eleme Local Government Area, as part of the commission’s tour to councils in the state.
Chief Nmerukini said that they should be prepared at all times to offer vital suggestions to council Chairmen on how to fast track development at the grassroots.
He further advised the workforce to be active team players with the political class to put smiles on the faces of the rural populace.
The Chairman assured staff that the present commission would promote staff welfare and reward hardwork and stressed the need for staff to be serious with their jobs.
Speaking, the commissioner in charge of Eleme Council in the commission, Chief Allen Mbadiwe Ewoh, JP, lauded the staff for their impressive turn out to receive the commission.
Chief Ewoh who described local government staff as the bedrock of democracy, called on the workforce to support the chairman to spread dividends of democracy to the people.
The council chairman, Mr. Orji Ngofa expressed confidence that the commission as constituted with experienced hand, would perfect the needed change to turn around the system for the better.
Mr. Ngofa advocated for greater autonomy for the third tier government to effectively perform their function as the government that was closer to the people and said that the council had always made provision for staff welfare.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Local Government Administration in the council, Mr. Blessing Wodike, had said that the council sponsored staff to periodic seminars and workshops, in-service training at both the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and the State College of Health Science and Technology and in-house Information Communication Technology training in which over 100 staff have been trained.
Mr. Wodike disclosed that the council had approved its procurement plan for the year which includes new Mega Ultra Modern Secretariat Complex, Road Construction, Skill Acquisition Programmes and a World Class Business plaza in partnership with NDDC. ###
