Councillors at the local government levels have been challenged to enact only effective and efficient laws that are sustainable and align with the transformative vision of their respective council chairmen in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The State commissioner, Directorate of Local Government Affairs, Prince Kelly Penawou stated this during at a two day seminar organized by the Delta State Government for councillors in Delta South Senatorial District.
The seminar with the “Theme Achieving Effective Legislative Functions within the Local Government System the Role of Councillors” was held at Rikon Hotel Ovwor in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The state commissioner, Directorate of local government affairs Prince Kelly Penawou disclosed that the seminar was designed by the state government to equip the Councillors with the needed knowledge as law makers at the grassroot level and better shape the policies of the council chairmen.
Prince Penawou told the Councillors to always build a bridge between the communities and council, not to be at war with their respective council chairmen but have a concrete relationship for the good of those they represent.
He encouraged the Councillors to engage in self development, and physically participate in local government activities, support the vision of the executive, reside in the community were they represent in order to be abreast with the daily needs of the people to be effective in carrying out their functions as law makers.
A one time head of service in the state, Sir Okey Ofili while declaring the seminar open applauded the Directorate of local government affairs for the initiative to equip the Councillors with the requisite knowledge through the training maintained that for the councillors to perform optimally, they must imbibe the right mindset, be experienced and above all aim for excellence.
The former Head of service who chaired the seminar tasked the Councillors to perform their legislative functions diligently and transparently bearing in mind that they are expected to ensure that their constituents enjoy the positive impact of governance through the enactment of bye laws with direct bearing on them.
The former Head of service noted that just like the federal and state law makers who debate on issues extensively before passage, the Councillors shouldn’t be seen as a rubber stamp but must handle issues on the floor of the house with maturity, expertise and diligence it deserves.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on political matters, Hon Jackson Okodozor who represented Hon Williams Agandi as special guest of honour at the seminar also adviced the councillors not to be at war with their respective council chairmen but enact bye laws that will promote the More Agenda of Governor Oborevwori at the grassroot level.
Seasoned speaker including Dr Fidelis Nwado who stood in for Professor Franklin Sanubi of the Delta State University Abraka, Prof Robert Dode of the Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba, Dr Clement Obagbinoko of the University of Delta, Agbor, Dr Onofere Princewill of Delsu took the Councillors on various topics.
In an interview some Councillors hailed the Delta State Government through the Directorate of local government affairs for the seminar saying it has helped to broaden knowledge on legislative matters and appealed that it should be regular.
Certificates were presented to the participants.
