By Margaret Oraza & Egbe Attah
Out-gone Benue State local government chairmen have handed over to the Director General Services and Administration (DGSAs) of their respective areas.
Their hand over Wednesday was due to the expiration of their tenure in office.
The out-gone council chairmen took over office at the third tier in June, 2022.
In Otukpo Local Government, the out-gone Chairman, Mr George Alli, passed the baton of leadership to the DGSA, Mr Silvernus Ocheme, to run the council affairs as acting chairman until the recently elected Chairman, Bako Ejeh, is sworn in.
Speaking during a brief handover ceremony at the council Secretariat in Otukpo, Alli expressed gratitude to God and the people of Otukpo for giving him all the support which enabled him to succeed in office. He stressed that the same support be accorded his successor, Ejeh when he is sworn in.
The former state lawmaker equally thanked the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom; Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu and wife, Justice Mary Abounu; former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark; state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, John Ngbede; PDP state and local government party executives; chieftains and members: as well as other relevant stakeholders, for the opportunity given to him to serve the people of Otukpo.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the out-gone chairman on Media and Gender Affairs, Desmond Oogwu, and accessed by The Voice on Thursday, says his principal, while handing over to Mr Ocheme, disclosed that Otukpo local government under his leadership did not borrow a dime from any anybody, group or financial institutions to finance the numerous projects executed by his administration and that the local government is not indebted to any bank as he is leaving office.
Alli was quoted to have said he is confident that Mr Ocheme will work well as chairman for the period he will be in office, having known him for years and having worked closely with him as DGSA over the last one year.
Mr Ocheme thanked Alli for his friendship and support which he said has benefited him tremendously. He thanked God for the privilege of being among the few people to have ever served as Otukpo council chairmen.
He said: “As a Christian, I will treasure this moment for the rest of my days, saying ‘do not despise the days of little beginning,’ as the Bible says.”
Those present during the ceremony included, incoming Chairman for Otukpo Local Government, Bako Ejeh; out-gone Secretary, Aisha Judith Umar; Leader of Otukpo Legislative Assembly, Enokela Alegwu and other councilors among others.