Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites Congratulate Hon. Monday Hunkanma Odigwe on Electoral Victory and Swearing-in

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

A socio-cultural group, Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites, has extended warm congratulations to Hon. Monday Hunkanma Odigwe, the Executive Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Council, following his successful electoral victory and swearing-in ceremony at the just concluded local council elections in Delta State.

The Chairman of Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, expressed delight in Hon. Odigwe’s triumph, hailing it as a significant milestone not only for the group but also for the people of Ika North East and all Deltans.

Comrade Ikeogwu emphasized the group’s unwavering belief in Hon. Odigwe’s capabilities, citing his past role as the Secretary of Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites, as well as his extensive experience as a public servant and community leader, as valuable assets that have prepared him well for the challenges ahead.

Highlighting the importance of the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local councils in Nigeria, the statement issued by Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites acknowledged the pressing issue of inadequate funding that has hampered grassroots development in local government administration.

The group pointed out that the newfound financial autonomy places an additional burden on local councils, especially in light of potential disputes over allocations between state governments and local authorities.

“We are aware of the enormous challenges that have characterised local government administration, particularly the issue of paucity of funds which understandably has impacted negatively on grassroots development,”

“Armed with some of these obvious challenges that local councils face, it is therefore, expedient for you to hit the ground running by thinking out of the box on how you are going to diversify the revenue base of our local government.”

“In doing this Hon. Odigwe, you must avoid the pitfalls of pride and ego, research on why your predecessor couldn’t deliver on their political campaign promises, and embrace consultative style of leadership while implementing your blue print for the council area. “

“Nevertheless, we have implicit confidence in your ability and capacity to deliver which were the Hallmark of your antecedent that endeared you to your party. We promise not to abandon you but to collaborate with you in actualizing unprecedented development that has never been seen since the creation of the council. Once again, congratulations,” the statement read.

In reiterating their confidence in Hon. Odigwe’s ability to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people of Ika North East Local Government Area, Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites expressed optimism that with his leadership and dedication, positive change and progress would be brought to the community.

The group extended their gratitude to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership and critical stakeholders in Ika North East Local Government Area for their support and endorsement of Hon. Odigwe, reaffirming their commitment to working together towards the advancement and betterment of the local government and its residents.