Agboje Chuks
The Ika South Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior has assured the good people of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria of a robust leadership, and inclusion
Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior who was the immediate past commissioner for Power and Energy, and a community leader disclosed that his administration will pursue the aspiration of the people of Ika South, bringing about a robust and all inclusive leadership, just as he assured of his willingness to fight the insecurity ravaging the land of Agbor
He reiterated that, it would be easy to actualise the agenda of the people of Ika South Local Government who massively gave him their votes to emerge the council boss in the just concluded July 13th local government council elections because of his administrative expertise
Speaking in same vain, the Ika Ekuku Agbor born community leader, and philanthropist, insisted that his administration would focus on the key areas of concerns just as he appreciated the people for their holistic support
Emphasizing his claims, Hon. Jerry, itemized his agenda as follows;
“1. SECURITY
It is sad that insecurity has become a very serious challenge for us. Until recently, our people move about both day and night without fear. Today, we do not only fear for the safety of our properties/investments but our lives. “
“The people are kidnapped in their farms, working places and homes. Those kidnapped are forced to pay ransoms before they are released after exposure to brutality, exploitations and other inhuman treatments in the kidnappers’ den. Not many are lucky to return home alive. “
“This nefarious crime has forced our people to abandon their farms and other sources of livelihoods. Our people are thus exposed to hunger and poverty.”
“We cannot sit back and allow criminals to control our lives. Ika South Local Government Council under my watch will find a lasting solution to this sad commentary.”
“ I will mobilize the traditional institution, community leaders, youths and all forms of security apparatus to secure our homes and farmlands. Our people who are suspected to be collaborators will be fished out with the full weight of the law applied.”
2. *MAINTENANCE OF URBAN AND RURAL ROADS.
“I am glad that the conditions of our roads have improved in the last years though many remain impassable. The roads are needed to transport farm produce from the hinterlands to urban markets. When the roads are bad, the cost of provision of goods and services increases. “
“While promising to facilitate construction of both urban and rural roads, I will ensure that the existing ones are maintained. The Works Department will be revitalized to respond to the maintenance needs of our roads. “
3. *WASTE DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT
“Disposal of waste has become a major challenge especially in municipalities. Poor disposal of waste is the major cause of floods. Residents have been observed to dump their domestic and commercial wastes on the culverts and gutters which leads to the washing away of our roads.”
“I will examine the existing laws as well as work with waste disposal and management companies to eradicate this menace. In addition, I will set up a task force and committees for effective implementation of relevant laws. “
“The monthly sanitation day will not be seen as a period of rest. The period will be used to clean our homes and surroundings with dire consequences for any person that acts otherwise.”
4. *BASIC MEDICARE
“I am aware of the presence of several health centers in the various communities. These health centers under my leadership will be supplied basic medicines and other necessary requirements for optimal results.”
“There shall be public awareness on personal hygiene and disease control.
The environmental sanitation department will be given serious attention to reflect its name. The staff in that department will not only be felt in the urban areas but in the villages as in time past. “
5. *AGRICULTURE
“Until the current realities, further exacerbated by criminal elements in our bushes and farmlands, we took for granted the issue of food security. We had the assumption that we can always get the foods we want so long as there is money in our wallets. This is no longer true.”
“Aside from chasing the suspected arm-bearing herdsmen and other notorious criminals from our communities and bushes, we shall support farmers through provision of grants and subsidized inputs especially fertilizers. When necessary, we will assist our people to access soft loans from state and federal agriculture-related financial institutions.”
6. *STREET TRADING AND WRONG PARKING OF VEHICLES
“Under my watch, the menace of turning roads to markets especially in the urban communities will be put to an end. A situation of abandoning markets for roads and streets will not be tolerated. Traders who parked indiscriminately in front of the shops at the expense of other road users will be dealt with accordingly. “
7. *AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON DRUG ABUSE
“The use of unprescribed drugs and substances has become a source of concern with attendant consequences. There is a disturbing mental health issue with dire consequences in our local government area. “
“We shall partner with relevant agencies to arrest this ugly and disturbing trend.”
8. *WELFARE OF WORKERS
“The local government workers cannot be left out in my administration. They will be consulted directly or through regular meetings with Union leaders and heads of department. I assure them of regular payments of salaries and other emoluments.
I expect them in return to work diligently. “
CONCLUSION*
“The effective deliverance on these programmes, will be determined to a large extent by the availability of funds. The revenue nets of the council will be expanded while identified leakages will be blocked. “
“Above all, the cooperation of all the people of Ika South and residents will be required. We will do everything possible to get a buy-in from the people.”
“This is my social contract with you.
Dated this 16th day of July, 2024.” he added
