The senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Joseph Ikpea, has urged those seeking election as local government chairmen in Edo State to take advantage of the autonomy now enjoyed by local councils to drive grassroots development.
Ikpea also advised the chairmanship candidates to exercise prudence in the management of council finances, warning that financial recklessness could attract the attention of anti-graft agencies.
The senator gave the advice during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo Central Senatorial District campaign flag-off for the July 11 local government election in the state.
Addressing the APC chairmanship candidates, Ikpea said: “Once you are elected and resume office, you should be prudent. That is really the major thing, be prudent. Once you are prudent and ensure that what comes is not made for you for your pocket, it is for you to develop your local government then you will be fine because by the time you feel it is your money and you do the wrong thing. EFCC is there to invite them.
“You have autonomy now but you do not have immunity like the executive governor.
“Know that as a council chairman you can be invited by EFCC anytime even while in the office. So my advice for you is that you should be very prudent.”
Ikpea noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo had continued to deliver development across Edo State and urged the would-be local government chairmen to replicate the administration’s developmental strides in their respective councils.
Speaking on his activities in the Senate, Ikpea said he would ensure the implementation of initiatives conceived by the governor before his election to represent Edo Central, while also pursuing additional projects and programmes for the benefit of the district.
The senator further stated that, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, he would sustain campaigns against drug and substance abuse. He added that he would also facilitate empowerment programmes and job creation initiatives for youths across Edo Central to complement the efforts of the state government.
Ikpea expressed confidence that Governor Okpebholo’s performance had positioned the APC for victory in the forthcoming local government election. He therefore urged party members to campaign vigorously, highlighting the administration’s achievements to secure votes for APC chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the five local government areas of Edo Central Senatorial District, as well as across the state.