• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Bello calls for accountability, as Abuja council chairmen take oath of office

Bello calls for accountability, as Abuja council chairmen take oath of office

Muhammad Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has charged Abuja Area council chairmen to exhibit high sense of accountability and prudence in the management of scarce resources to bring development closer to people at the grassroots.

Bello gave this charge Monday in Abuja when he swore-in the newly elected Chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT, comprising four elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC and two on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

These include Abdullahi Candido (APC), Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC); Abdulrahman Ajiya(APC), Abaji Area Council; John Shekwogaza (PDP), Bwari Area Council; Adamu Danze (APC), Gwagwalada Area Council; Abdullahi Sabo (PDP), Kuje Area Council and Daniel Chiya (APC), Kwali Area Council.

READ ALSO: FCT APC wants Bello reappointed FCTA Minister

The FCT Minister warned the Chairmen who have three years tenure to shun every temptation to abuse public office and resources at their disposal but to ensure that all legacy projects of their predecessors were pursued vigorously to completion.

He tasked the new Chairmen to avoid waste of resources on phantom projects that will turn out a drain pipe of public funds, always be accountable to the electorate and not lose sight of the yearnings of the people that voted for them.

“You must learn from past mistakes and build on existing successes. You should resist the temptation to discard good ideas or discontinue laudable projects because they are not your own and you want to initiate your own. You should know that when projects are not completed it is a disservice to the people”, he said.

READ ALSO: Capital expenditure tops FCT’s N232. 87 billion statutory budget

Describing the FCT as the centre and symbol of national unity, the Bello enjoined the Chairmen to use their position to promote the harmonious coexistence among the various segments of the Nigerian population living in their domain.

He stressed that the Area Councils are a part of the FCT Administration and called on the Council Chairmen to work with political, religious leaders and traditional rulers for the overall benefit of residents and visitors to the FCT.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of other Chairmen, Abdullahi Candido, AMAC Chairman commended the Minister for his leadership style since he assumed office as demonstrated in the prompt release of allocations due to Area Councils from the Federation Account.

“This Minister does not deduct a dime from our Federation Account allocation. We get it exactly as approved and on time. This has helped us a great deal in the work that we do for our people and we are very grateful for it”, he said.