Five local government chairmen in Rivers State have bagged best LGA chairmen award, with Reginald Ukwuoma of Etche emerging the most best performing council chairman within 100 days in office.
The council chairmen include, Hon. Theodore Georgewill, Akuku Toru LGA, Hon. Tamuno Williams, Okrika, Hon. Mrs. Maureen Tamuno, Ogu/Bolo, Hon. Oron Nte Ereforokuma, Andoni, while Hon. Reginald Ukwuoma, Etche LGA, bagged the most best performing council chairman of Rivers State.
The award was presented to them by the Niger Delta Assessment team a non government organization NGO based in Niger Delta Region at L. A. King stadium road, Obio/Akpor LGA Rivers State on Saturday 12th November, 2011.
In his address, the leader of the Niger Delta Assessment team, Mr. Emmanuel Nkweke who was overwhelmed by the large turn up of people at the ceremony, disclosed that the assessment team was comprised of reputable professional bodies and civil society organizations across the Niger Delta Region.
They were honoured for having delivered part of the campaign promises to those who elected them, within their 100 days in office, in this second tenure of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
The team assessed and appraised the project performance of each of the council chairmen in the state to ascertain completed projects undertaken by the council chairmen within their 100 days in office.
According to him, despite some schools of thought who argued that 100 days assessment for council chairmen may not be enough for the project performance, the team went ahead to assess them because a journey of a thousand miles begins with bold step.
He said it will serve as road map and pointer to the direction in the life of any administration since the very essence of election was for development, adding that 100 days performance assessment was indeed very significant to both those in power and the electorate.
Mr Nkweke pointed out that council chairmanship is not a reward of status after election, but a call to serve, emphasizing that the council chairmen that are honoured have distinguished themselves among their equals with outstanding performances.
Comrade Nkweke noted that the emergence of the awardees was largely informed by their recognition that change is necessary in every system of governance.
He commended Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on his developmental strides across the state, especially in education, health, construction of roads, security and peace among others, stressing that the assessment team went round the 23 LGAs in Rivers State without harassment or intimidation which proved that the state is peaceful.
Comrade Nkweke who is also “Mr. Vote Count” noted that the award given to the five LGA chairmen are well deserved due to there performances, disclosed that the team did not write any advance letter to the chairmen before the assessment and that some chairmen in the 23 LGAs of Rivers state went into hiding when they noticed their arrival because they have nothing to show.
In his address, His Lordship, Bishop (Prof.) Chidi Ehiriodo, the chairman of the occasion, said he strongly believed in the saying, that to whom much is given, much is expected.
He expressed joy for being identified with a progressive and positive gathering such as the epoch making event.
Bishop Ehiriodo commended the five chairmen for their performance, noting that their colleagues who could not made it would feel challenged and that whatever legacy they leave in office goes into their records and so they must not relent in their performances.
Presenting the award to the 5 chairmen, Bishop Ehiriodo congratulated them for the award, adding that they are worthy to receive it.
In their separate speeches, the council chairmen, Barr. Reginald Unkwuoma, Hon. Theodore Godwill, Hon. Tamuno Williams, Hon. Mrs. Maureen Tamuno, who was represented by her vice chairman, Hon. Adokiye Iyaye, thanked the organizers for the honour done them.
They highlighted their various achievements in office and stated that the award bestowed on them would make them do more. ####
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
