The Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, on Monday urged newly inaugurated councillors of the council to remain accountable to their constituents and prioritise the welfare of residents throughout their four-year tenure.
Maikalangu gave the charge during the inauguration of the 10th Legislative Assembly of the council in Abuja, where councillors representing the 12 political wards of the area council formally assumed office.
Addressing the lawmakers shortly after the inauguration, the council chairman reminded them that they were elected to represent the interests of the people at the grassroots and must therefore remain accessible to residents despite the demands and pressures associated with public office.
He said the success of their tenure would largely be measured by their ability to respond to the needs of their constituents and ensure that the concerns of the people are effectively communicated to government.
According to him, councillors occupy a strategic position in local governance and are expected to serve as a bridge between the people and the administration.
“You are special because you will spend four years in office. Submit yourselves to your people, listen to their cries, and be responsive to their needs. You are my foot soldiers in your respective wards,” Maikalangu said.
“Work in a way that your people will feel your impact. There will always be pressure from the electorate, but do not run away from them because they voted you into office.”
The chairman stressed the need for the councillors to discharge their duties in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and uphold the trust reposed in them by the electorate.
He further advised them to conduct themselves in a manner that would promote transparency, accountability and effective governance, while maintaining the level of confidentiality required in government business.
Maikalangu warned against actions capable of creating friction between the legislative and executive arms of the council, noting that unnecessary disputes and legislative bottlenecks could slow down development and deprive residents of essential projects and services.
“I hereby advise you to shun unnecessary legislative bottlenecks that are capable of frustrating developmental projects and programmes that are beneficial to the people,” he said.
The council chairman also urged the lawmakers to place the collective interest of residents above personal ambitions and political considerations, stressing the importance of unity in achieving sustainable development across the area council.
“We should also shun all forms of selfishness, ethnic and religious bigotry,” he added.
Maikalangu congratulated the newly elected Speaker of the Assembly, Yunana Ishaya, who represents Gui Ward, describing his emergence as a call to greater service and responsibility.
He said the leadership of the Assembly must work closely with other councillors to ensure that the legislative arm delivers on its mandate and contributes meaningfully to the growth and development of the council.
The chairman urged members of the Assembly to commence legislative business without delay and focus on initiatives and policies that would improve the living conditions of residents across the 12 wards.
He also expressed optimism that a cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the council would enhance governance and facilitate the delivery of democratic dividends to communities.
According to him, cooperation between both arms of government is critical to ensuring the successful implementation of programmes and projects aimed at improving infrastructure, social services and economic opportunities for residents.
The inauguration ceremony marked the commencement of legislative activities for the council’s 10th Assembly and was attended by government officials, political stakeholders, traditional leaders and supporters from various wards within the area council
The oath of office was administered on the councillors by Barrister Ayodele Gbenga-Shona, after which the lawmakers pledged to discharge their duties in accordance with the constitution and in the best interest of the people they represent.
