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| Swearing-in of Newly RElected LG Chairmen in CRS by HE Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of CRS |
CALABAR – In a momentous ceremony held at the Governor's temporal office at Dan Archibong Lodge, Calabar, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI was officially sworn in as the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council. This significant event, a follow-up to his declaration and issuance of the certificate of return as chairman-elect, saw Akposi and his vice chairman take their oaths of office, administered by Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
The inauguration, which marked the culmination of the November 2 local government elections, saw the official swearing-in of 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen, all emerging victorious under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC achieved a sweeping victory, securing all 18 chairmanship seats and 196 councillorship positions across the state, underscoring its strong grassroots influence.
Addressing the newly inducted local government leaders, Governor Otu emphasized the gravity of the mandate conferred upon them by the people of Cross River State. He exhorted the council heads to prioritize transparency, accountability, and a people-centric approach in governance. "Your victory is a call to action to serve the people of Cross River and deliver on your promises with integrity," the governor stated, urging them to align their vision with the state's goals of economic growth, improved public services, and enhanced quality of life for citizens.
Highlighting key areas of focus, Governor Otu charged the new leadership to dedicate their efforts to community development, infrastructure advancement, and the enhancement of basic services at the grassroots level. He underscored that each local government, empowered with autonomy, carries the weight of statutory duties as enshrined in Nigeria's Constitution, reminding the council chairmen that the resolve to bring governance closer to the people remains an unshakable commitment of his administration.
"As the closest tier of government to the people, the core mandate of every local government council is the provision of basic amenities," Otu continued. "The accomplishment of this task shall be a litmus test for the huge confidence the electorate repose in you and a referendum on your capacity to deliver on your campaign promises." His words resonated as a clarion call to uphold the dignity and trust bestowed by the electorate through diligent service.
In his address to the people of Akamkpa, Hon. Felix Akposi expressed deep gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to serve his people, attributing his electoral success solely to divine intervention. "When I declared my intention to contest, I did so with conviction to serve my people with a sincere heart. There were hurdles, but God saw me through," he affirmed. "So, this victory comes from God alone, who used people in strategic locations. How can I repay the Lord for this goodness if not through good governance and service to my people? This is what I will do."
Akposi pledged to focus on the needs of his community, underlining his commitment to delivering responsive governance that resonates with the aspirations of Akamkpa's residents. "We will bring governance close to the people," he declared, affirming that his leadership would be guided by a philosophy of need assessment. "I want my people to value what they will have. They have to take ownership of every government project, so the project must be what they need."
In addition, Akposi highlighted the untapped potential of Akamkpa, asserting that his administration would ensure that the wealth of the region benefits its people. "There is wealth in Akamkpa, and the people must enjoy the wealth. I am not coming to fight anyone but to ensure that what belongs to the people gets to the people," he said, outlining a vision for equitable distribution of resources and a commitment to social justice.
With a pledge to foster transparency, inclusivity, and mutual respect, Akposi promised to involve his people in every step of his administration, reinforcing that their voices would guide the course of his leadership. "I have great respect for my people, and they must be part of every step and move I make in transparency, inclusivity, and trust," he affirmed. "We will be very audacious and deliberate in our actions in delivering democratic dividends to the people of Akamkpa."
The chairman further extended his gratitude to Governor Otu for his support, as well as to the people of Akamkpa, leaders, and the APC, which he described as instrumental in his journey. He also expressed appreciation to his family, friends, associates, and well-wishers who honoured him and his team, sharing in the celebration of their victory.
Hon. Akposi closed his speech by reaffirming his commitment to serve Akamkpa with dedication and a sense of purpose, vowing to work tirelessly to meet the expectations of his people and secure a brighter future for the region.
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