Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has tasked leaders of community development unions to uphold and enforce good leadership in their respective communities across the state and Nigeria at large.
Governor Otti gave the charge on Wednesday when he received a delegation of the Abia State Association of Igbo Town Unions, led by its President General, Chief Sir George Mgbeorurukwe, at the Government House, Umuahia.
The Governor decried the situation where individuals of questionable character still occupy leadership positions in some communities, stressing that such practices are unacceptable.
“We won’t come out and say that we are not interested. As the Chairman, you need to get interested. We don’t want thieves, drug dealers, or fraudsters leading town unions. If your leader is a thief, he will teach people to steal. If he’s a drug addict, he’ll shield criminals. The Bible says righteousness exalts a nation,” Otti stated.
He emphasized that his administration will ensure only credible individuals occupy leadership positions in development unions, noting that government will rely on the association to verify and endorse authentic leaders.
“I challenge you to go back and ensure that communities bring forward well-meaning individuals who will provide the kind of leadership that we all will be proud of. You can go and make your money, but you cannot aspire to lead when your character and means are questionable. That’s the way our parents raised us, and we must return to those values,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti further urged the unions to provide credible intelligence to the government and security agencies to help tackle crime, drug abuse, and insecurity in rural areas.
He noted that in some communities, drug abuse has fueled violence, robbery, and kidnapping, but insisted that strong community leadership can help curb such vices.
On the union’s request for land to build its secretariat, the Governor approved the allocation of a parcel of land and directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, to work together to provide the site.
He also instructed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir Uzor Nwachukwu, and his Senior Special Assistant, Mrs. Magdalene Agupusi, to strengthen collaboration with the unions and ensure regular engagements.
Earlier, Chief Mgbeorurukwe expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his achievements in Abia State, describing his emergence as an answered prayer. He pledged the union’s support for the Governor’s re-election and commended him for restoring pride to the people of Abia.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Mr. Ekwuribe and Mrs. Agupusi.
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