By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Dr Jauro Hassan, the Taraba State Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON and Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area has called for grassroots focused development drive as a panacea to the hardship experienced by the people.
Hassan made the call in Jalingo yesterday during the inauguration of Supervisory Councilors for the local government.
He noted that the local government as the tier of government closest to the people is unfortunately the most neglected, thus the lopsided and mostly lack of development at the grassroots.
“Today is a very important day for us as a local government and as individuals. Today, you take oath of office to serve your people. Bear in mind that you are the office holders closest to the people and so it is an all-important task that is ahead of you all.
“We have found ourselves in a situation where development is mostly focused in the cities at the detriment of the local government areas and communities where the majority of the people stay. This approach has caused total absence of development in most communities. This leads to a sharp rise in rural to urban migration that is needless.
“Here in Taraba, we are now lucky to have a governor whose top priority is to bring development to the people. He is focused on alleviating the poverty of the people and we must all key into this project. As the closest representatives of the people, you are the main foot soldiers and you must take this responsibility very serious.
“We would collaborate with Governor Agbu Kefas and other state machinery to ensure that development reaches every nook and corner of our local government, depending on the peculiar needs of the people in every given community.
“I, therefore, congratulate you all once again on your appointments and urge all stakeholders to put our differences aside. This is no time for politicking. It is time for good governance and we must all work together to achieve our dream of bringing dividends of democracy to our people.” Hassan said.
Later, seven Supervisory Councillors and 10 Advisers were inaugurated for the seven wards that make up Jalingo Local Government Area, pending the conduct of the next local government elections in the state.