December 02, (THEWILL) – The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has thrown his weight behind the Senate for its resolution on Friday, which condemned the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local government councils in Benue and other states of the federation.
Chief Ortom describes the intervention of the Senate as a significant move, which reflects a commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the autonomy of local government administration across the country.
He says the unanimous resolution by the upper chamber of the National Assembly also represents a crucial step in safeguarding the democratic process at the grassroots level.
According to him, the Senate’s decision is a proactive measure, which also has the potency to deter any act that undermines the democratic rights of citizens and the principles of good governance.
A statement signed by his Media Aide, Terver Akase, in Makurdi, on Saturday, quotes former governor Ortom as calling for the withholding of statutory allocations to non-democratically elected local government councils, stating that the Senate has demonstrated a firm stance against dictatorial tendencies.
He particularly commends Senator Abba Moro for his proactive motion, which drew urgent attention to the issue of the unconstitutionally sacked local government councils in Benue State.
In a related development, a member of the House of Representatives for Gwer West/Gwer East Federal Constituency, Arc Asema Achado, has called on Governor Alia to always consult stakeholders, especially the political class, before making a decision for the State.
In a letter entitled, “My Humble Advice to My Dear Governor, Hyacinth Alia,” the Federal lawmaker noted that as the Executive Governor of Benue State, he carried a significant responsibility of shaping the future of Benue State and its people.
“It is in this spirit that I am reaching out to offer some useful advice and suggestions that I believe will help you in carrying out your duties effectively and in the best interest of the people of Benue State
“First and foremost, it is crucial for you to always consult with relevant stakeholders, including party leadership at all levels when making decisions that impact the State,” he said.
He posited that consultation is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and by seeking input from a wide range of voices, the Governor can be sure that his decisions are well-informed and have the support of the people they affect.
“This will also help in promoting transparency and inclusivity in governance, which are essential ingredients for building trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.
“His Excellency is no doubt aware that delivering on commitments and demonstrating integrity in dealings with political leaders can build the quantum of trust and goodwill that are expected for effective governance. Note also that honesty, fairness, and professionalism are key traits that can positively impact relationships with political leaders,” he added.
According to Arc Achado, working collaboratively with political leaders to achieve common goals can help in maintaining support and cooperation and a shared vision for the future of the State as well as unite political leaders and pave the way for the development of our dear state.
While urging Governor Alia to be more accessible to the electorate, Achado contended that the ability to engage with the citizens and listen to their concerns is a fundamental aspect of effective governance and encouraged him to create opportunities for open dialogue with the people of Benue State, whether through town hall meetings, public fora or other accessible platforms.
The lawmaker insists that by being present and attentive to the needs of the people, the Governor can demonstrate his commitment to serving their interests and promoting their well-being.
“I have also heard reports regarding your long hours of prayer sessions during the day, which have resulted in delayed or cancelled official engagements. While I understand and appreciate the importance of spiritual devotion, it is equally important to ensure that your duties as governor are carried out effectively and efficiently.
“I would advise you to consider shifting your well-intended long hours of prayer sessions to the night, allowing you to free up your daytime hours for official duties and engagements. This will help in ensuring that your responsibilities as Governor are given the attention they deserve, while also honouring your well-intended personal beliefs and practices.
“Additionally, it has come to my attention that some senior government officials, bishops, and other senior citizens have had to wait for extended periods, sometimes over 10 hours, to see you for scheduled appointments. This kind of prolonged waiting time can disrupt the schedules of these individuals and may convey a negative perception that you lack consideration for their time,” he said.
The Gwer-East/Gwer West representative, therefore, encouraged the Governor to review his scheduling practices and make adjustments to ensure that appointments are honoured in a timely manner so as such will not only demonstrate respect for the time of others but also showcase commitment to efficient and professional governance.
He also urged Governor Alia to reconsider the dissolution of elected local government councils in the state, saying listening to the voice of reason is a crucial aspect of leadership, and it is important to carefully consider the potential impact of such decisions on the functioning of local governance and the well-being of the communities affected.
The letter further encourages Alia to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including the elected local government officials and major stakeholders, to gain full understanding of the situation and to explore alternative approaches that may better serve the interests of all involved, especially now that the Nigerian Senate has resolved on the stoppage of federal allocation to local government caretaker committees.
Achado added that he offered these suggestions with the utmost respect for the Governor’s leadership and in the sincere hope that they will contribute to the advancement of a prosperous and harmonious Benue State.
“Your commitment to the well-being of the people and the development of the State is commendable, and by implementing these additional suggestions, I believe you can further enhance your effectiveness as a leader with great reckoning,” he concluded.
About the Author
