Cross River state Governor, Sen, Prof. Ben Ayade, Tuesday in Calabar while inaugurating the newly elected local government Chairmen and vice Chairmen, urged them to desist from every form of indebtedness as the council bosses were starting on a cleaner slate having ensured an updated salaries and pension structure before their advent.
“Remember I am giving you councils that are not owing salaries, not owing pension. So I don’t want to hear tomorrow that your are owing.
“We are happy to announce to you that you are coming into office while the governor leaves behind N11.386 billion in your coffers.
“Today marks a great opportunity for the people at the grassroots who have never had direct access to government, to feel the impact of government,”
“You are serving the grassroots, I do not want you therefore, to embark on big projects. I need you to deal with those projects that directly impact on the lives of the people. I need you to deal with boreholes, I need you to deal with culverts, minor bridges that link communities.”
“I urge you to work in harmony with your councillors. There must not be a divided house. Therefore, work harmoniously with the councillors so that together you will serve the people effectively”, the governor stated.
The PDP swept the 18 council Chairmen and councilors during the just concluded local governments election in the state.