By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Hon Barr Sunday Basil Nwankwo has reaffirmed that he will remain absolutely loyal and accountable to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, despite the Supreme Court rulling on Local Government financial autonomy.
Barr Nwankwo made this known while speaking at the reception organized in his honour by Ikwo people in Celebration of his successful swearing in for second term in office.
The Council Boss who was full of praises to Governor Nwifuru, stakeholders and people of Ikwo Noyo Clan, promised to remain loyal and accountable to the Governor and to the people of the Council who gave him the mandate to serve as the Council Chairman for second term.
He assured that despite the recently approved Local Government autonomy, all major transactions under his administration would be scrutinized and approved by the Governor and stakeholders of the Council prior to such implementation.
Barr. Nwankwo who also promised to work closely with stakeholders, women, youths and community leaders in stepping the governor’s people’s charter of needs policy in the Council, unveiled plans to commence implementation of one capital project in each of the twenty wards in Ikwo LGA.
He thanked the people for their overwhelming solidarity and uncommon display of unity, assuring that he will serve them better in his second term and will not let down the thrust reposed in him and his vice, Hon. Mrs. Chinasa Itumo, adding that he will give more attention to delivering on his campaign promises to people of the Council.
In their goodwill messages, Stakeholders of Ikwo Noyo clan, including the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Former Deputy Governor, Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Barr. Ben Odoh, among other notable sons and daughters of the Council, eulogized the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his all-inclusive administration, love for Ikwo Noyo clan, unity, peace initiatives as well as his people driven policies that have been stepped down in the Council by sworn in Chairman of the Local Government.
The stakeholders were unanimous in their commendation of Governor Nwifuru and Barr. Nwankwo for their leadership qualities demonstrated through peace building, uniting all communities and segments of the people, welfare programmes and all round development in the State and Ikwo LGA in particular.
They stressed the need for Ikwo people to consolidate on the already existing unity, give more support to the Governor and the Local Government Chairman to enable the Chairman achieve more success in his second term in office.
On their part, Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Okeagu Ogada and a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Amb. Frank Ogbuewu congratulated Barr. Nwankwo on the positive legacies in his first tenure which attracted admiration and commendation of many, including the State Governor.
They called on him to redouble his efforts in his second term to enable him leave indelible legacies in Ikwo LGA.
The reception held at the Council headquarters Onuebeonyi Echara on Sunday 1st September 2024, shortly after the swearing in ceremony at Ecumenical Central Abakaliki, had in attendance all past and present public office holders from Ikwo, lawmakers, traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders from different walks of life, party faithful, religious leaders, women group, youth organizations, support groups, friends and well wishers.
The enthusiastic supporters were on hand to show solidarity to a leader who is best described as an achiever and performing chairman of Ikwo LGA.