Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Saturday said only the Chairmen of Local Government Areas who have performed in office will be considered for a second term.
He said such performance does not invalidate existing arrangements in most council areas where such chairmanship positions are on rotational basis.
While speaking at the inauguration of Bolo Town internal road network, performed by the former Governor of Gombe State, Dr Ibrahim Hassan Dankwanbo on Saturday, Wike said it has become more important to allow people who are competent and know what to do with elective office to ascend such position so that they can work for the good of the people and communities.
“On this Local Government election coming, let me say clearly, I cannot continue to see situation where most responsibilities of local government are given to the State. It has made most of them to abandon their own responsibilities.
“I will not agree to that again. Anybody who wants to go back for chairmanship, must show us what he has done in that Local Government.
“I have told our leaders not to come and tell me these are their boys. We must bring people who are willing and are committed to work for the people. This is the time to work for the people.
“Now, even if that chairman wants to go back, you must also consider your local peculiarity” he said.
On the projects, he acknowledged the cooperation Bolo people gave to the local contractor that handle it, saying that it is a proof that they love development.
Governor Wike also announced the award of contract for the reconstruction of the bridge linking Bolo Town to their neighbours.
He said Ausphepz Nigeria Limited, the local contractor that handled the Bolo Town internal roads will be engaged to do the bridge.
“When we came for campaign, I asked the people and they said roads are important for them. We thank God today that the roads are reconstructed to link all the communities in Bolo Town.
“Now, nobody will say they are left out of the 7kilometer of concrete road in all the communities that make up Bolo and this is part of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area.
“About the damaged bridge linking you to Gokana and Tai Local Government areas, I will ask the Special Adviser on Special Projects to go and scoop it.
“He should see whether the contractor that handled the Bolo internal road project can also do that. We have to encourage and empower our own local contractors because they have done a good job here.
“Bolo people have supported us. Continue to work together, it will bring you a lot of projects. Communities that support contractors to complete projects and not demand money from them will benefit more. We will continue to fulfil, by the special grace of God, all promises we have made to you,” he added.
