By Ewa Innocent, Abakaliki.
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has sworn in caretaker chairmen in the 13 local government areas of the state.
This followed the expiration of the tenure of the Council Chairmen on Thursday 28th May 2020.
In his speech during the occasion which took place at the International Conference Center(ICC) Abakaliki, Umahi, who thanked the outgoing Chairman for rendering quality service, charged the caretaker chairmen to take the fight against coronavirus as their number one priority, followed by Agriculture, which he said, was the only option that would sustain the state even after COVID-19 pandemic.
His words, “You are coming at a very challenging time. You are coming at a time we have this terrible thing called COVID-19, but COVID-19 is within what we call it today.
“The first thing I think that comes is fear. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of sound mind. So any time we see anybody that is trying to use COVID-19 to cast fear into us,we have to say no to that. COVID-19 is avoidable, through personal hygiene, our cultural values, observing protocols, and by the prayers of our religious leaders, Ebonyi state will be COVID-19 free.
“So I urge you today to put God first, put the people second, and first, the third. That is the only way you will succeed.
“Remember, governance is no longer what it used to be,it has gone nuclear today. Whatever you are doing, you are before the social media, you are before God, you are before the various laws. You have to be very careful, you have to remember within the next one month, do your code of conduct. When you are leaving office, do your code of conduct.
“You have to help our people. We cannot make a difference in this state without Agriculture, without solid minerals, without hard work.
“Therefore, I charge you not with much,but with three things. To fear God, to love the people, and to work for the people”.
Responding on behalf of others, the Caretaker Chairmen, Ikwo and Afikpo North local government areas, Elder Steven Orogwu, and Mrs Amuche Otunta, thanked governor David Umahi, for giving them the opportunity to serve, promising that they would not fail the state.