BY PATRICK MGBODO
The Forum of Delta State Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has tasked chairmen of the 25 local government areas of the state to see their election as a call to duty.
While congratulating them on their electoral victory, the forum charged the chairmen to serve diligently without complaints, as excuses for low productivity would not be entertained.
Addressing journalists in Asaba, the Coordinator of the forum, Deacon Okezi Odugala said “we are delighted by the address of the Governor during their inauguration that they should shun corruption, ostentatious lifestyles, and profligacy and deliver good governance to citizens at the grassroots level.
He also commended the landmark judgment that gave financial autonomy to local governments.
“We use this medium to call on the local government chairmen in Delta State and their councillors to partner with stakeholders as it is no more business as usual.
‘’As the foremost NGO coalition in the state on project advocacy and monitoring, as well as policy tracking, we have commenced monitoring of the affairs of the local governments deploying field assessment and digital technology as citizens ombudsman.
“We are partnering with local and international anti-corruption and security organizations to ensure that no shoddy projects and programmes are delivered, no over-bloated expenditures, no ghost workers, and no ghost projects and programmes as we drive a new positive sustainable development narrative in Delta State.
‘’We want to advise that any local government chairman that is not ready to deliver good governance should respectfully resign from the office to avoid embarrassment as we will name and shame them.
‘’They must think outside the box to increase their internally-generated revenue in a friendly way, start innovative programmes and projects, ensure peace and security in their domain, look at partnerships to deliver clean energy to the people for increase socio-economic empowerment, ensure prudent management of financial resources, among others.
‘’We will not tolerate crisis between councillors and chairmen over funds as we expect much funding from federal allocation and internally-generated revenues. The era of monthly impeachment will never be allowed as we call on them to serve Deltans transparently and accountably’’ he said.
