Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has charged Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen to use the opportunity to serve as a stepping stone to climb the political ladder.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday after the inauguration and swearing in of new Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen, Governor Wike regretted that in the recent past, some appointees have preferred financial benefits to service.
He said because most Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen usually misplace their priorities, it is difficult to recommend them for higher service their terms in office.
The governor said: ” If you think this is the end of your political careers, then do as you wish in office.
“However, I advise you to serve in ways that will help you build your political careers. Use your appointments to serve the entire people of your respective local government areas “.
He advised the Council Chairmen to focus their attention on payment of salaries and cooperate with security agencies to maintain security in their local government areas.
He informed them that they have no right to charge arbitrary levies and taxes, pointing out that the Local Government Areas have been restricted to the collection of Tenement Rates.
Governor Wike added that there is no room for the misappropriation of resources on the part of the Caretaker Committee Chairmen as steps have been taken to ensure that they are responsive to the needs of the people.
Of the 23 Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen sworn in by Governor Wike, 10 were newly appointed while 13 Caretaker Committee Chairmen were reappointed.
Two women Mrs Gloria Omereji (Emohua) and Mrs Daisy Tamunoene (Ogu/ Bolo) were also inaugurated.
