Abuja – FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has called on chairmen of the six Area Councils in the territory to be proactive and find ways of improving the councils’ revenue.
Bello gave the charge at the swearing in of the newly elected Area Council Chairmen and Vice Chairmen in Abuja on Friday.
According to him, the challenge has become necessary because of the dwindling oil revenue in the country which has affected all tiers of government with ever increasing obligations.
“Serious challenges await you at the Area Councils. The bitter truth is that all the six Area Councils cannot pay staff salaries and other obligations.
“Even the FCT Administration has gone extra mile to assist the area councils. You are better off taking proactive measures in your various councils”, he said.
He reminded them of their campaign promises and the expectation of the people.
He advised them to be leaders for all, irrespective of party affiliation, tribe or religious inclinations.
Bello enjoined them to lead with the utmost fear of God and the best interest of the people at all times.
“You are now for all, irrespective of party, religion, tribe, age or gender. So be humble in your leadership and appreciate the role played by all stakeholders towards your victory”, he said.
Bello urged the chairmen to ensure accountability and prudence in the management of their councils’ resources.
“You must turn around the potentials of your councils into wealth by boosting revenue and blocking leakages so that you can be financially independent and be able to deliver the dividends of democracy”, he said.
Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr Musa Dikko, who responded on behalf of others, thanked the residents for giving them the mandate and promised to live up to expectation.
Those sworn in by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Ishaq Bello inciuded Abdul-Rahman Ajiya – Abaji, Abdullahi Adamu Candido – AMAC, Musa Dikko – Bwari, Adamu Mustapha Denze – Gwagwalada, Abdullahi Galadima – Kuje and Joseph Shazin – Kwali. (NAN)
