A cross section of the newly appointed Warri South West Ward liaison officers.

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has been lauded by Deltans for appointing ward liaison officers for the People’s Democratic Party in the twenty five local government areas of the state.

They said the state governor has shown that he is committed to his “Prosperity for all Deltans” slogan, adding that with the appointment of the ward liaison officers the governor has also proven that he means well for the state.

The Executive Assistant to the governor on political matters, Hon Jerry Eruvbedede who spoke at the inaugural meeting of the Warri South West local government area ward liaison officers, held at the Government House, Annex, Warri, lauded Okowa for the appointments.

Hon Eruvbedede who congratulated the newly appointed ward liaison officers for their appointment, reminded them that their appointment is a great privilege as they are now recognized by the state governor and ruling political party in the state, PDP.

He told the newly appointed ward liaison officers that the appointment comes with great responsibilities,adding that as a government representative they should be ready to represent government interests at all times.

“It is also a rear privilege to be picked out as a party leader among other party faithful in the state. Now that you have been recognized by the PDP it is your duty to mobilizing people for the party. That is one of the reasons why you are chosen to represent the party,” he told the new liaison officers.

Also the Special Adviser to governor Okowa on Political Matters and Coordinator, Warri South West Local Government Ward Liaison Officers, Hon Ako Samuel commended the governor for appointing people from the grassroots.

Hon Ako who spoke at the meeting said his primary responsibility is to see how government activities reached the people and also to ensure that the people’s welfare is well taken care of.

“I am committed to ensuring that the dividend of democracy gets to the grassroots. This is why we took the time to invite all the liaison officers being appointed by the governor to this meeting. These officers are forty in number and the government is paying them.

“This is part of the state government’s effort in bringing prosperity to all Deltans. The official inauguration is going to be coming up soon because as you know the governor just came back from a short vacation few days ago.

“Shortly there is going to be an official inauguration of all the liaison officers in the state. This is the first inaugural meeting we are holding since the beginning of this programme and we believe that in due time more things will be happening,” Ako said.

Also, the councilor representing Diebiri community, Warri South Local Government area of the state, Hon. Frank Pukon applauded Governor Okowa for ensuring that the grassroots people are part of his government.

“This is a welcome development because this program is in line with the state government’s SMART agenda programme. We have discovered that over the years government programmes do not get down to the grassroots. But this time around we can see that the people that are being appointed today are from the wards, communities and units and this is a welcome development,” Pukon noted.

Hon Pukon advised the newly appointed Ward liaison officers to be creative and put in their best so that they can also come up with ideas that can help the state government as 2019 is around the corner.

“As the liaison officers at the ward level they should see themselves as the governor of their various communities. They should be the type that are coming up with creative ideas that will push the state government forward come 2019,” he added.

All the newly appointed liaison officers who spoke at the meeting expressed their gratitude to governor Okowa for deeming them fit to serve in his government.

The Patani local government coordinator of the state liaison officers, Comrade Godspower Asiuwhu who also spoke during the meeting thanked Governor Okowa for making sure that no one is left out in his government.

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State governor on Youth Development, Comrade Hope George while congratulating the newly appointed liaison officers, appealed to them to be committed to their assignment, saying they are now recognized as the ears and eyes of the state governor.