The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Joseph Ekumankama, has urged the newly elected local government chairmen in Ebonyi State to prioritise grassroots development and ensure that the benefits of democracy reach residents across the state.
Ekumankama made the call while reacting to the outcome of the recently concluded local government elections held across the state’s 13 local government areas.
The former minister congratulated the winners and commended the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC, for conducting the elections, saying the outcome reflected the people’s desire for governance that is closer to them.
He described the local government as the tier of government closest to the people and urged the new council chairmen to focus on delivering tangible development at the grassroots.
According to him, the new administration should prioritise motorable roads, functional primary healthcare centres, access to clean water, quality basic education and support for farmers.
Ekumankama also called for inclusive and transparent administration, urging the council chairmen to carry traditional rulers, women’s groups, youth leaders and civil society organisations along in decision-making.
He further urged the new council officials to align their programmes with the development agenda of the state government while developing solutions tailored to the specific needs of their respective local government areas.
The APC candidate commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing what he described as a conducive environment for the conduct of the elections and for his efforts toward strengthening local government administration in the state.
Ekumankama, who monitored the election after casting his vote at his polling unit in Amangwu Ward, Edda Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise and the enthusiasm displayed by voters.
He also commended the leadership of the APC in Ebonyi State, led by Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, for maintaining stability within the party and mobilising members and supporters across the 13 local government areas ahead of the elections.
He said the party’s mobilisation capacity demonstrated the organisational strength of the APC in the state.
