Relocation Of Ebonyi Council Chairmen To Rural Areas: The Right Step For Improvement Of Local Government Council

The recent act by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, ordering council Chairmen, Development Centre Coordinators, traditional rulers, ward councillors and other local government officials to relocate to their respective rural areas, is a welcome development that is capable of transforming the lives of rural dwellers and achieving the purpose for the creation of local government areas in the state and county at large.

This bold move indicates that the state government is committed to bridging the lacuna between the urban and rural areas and ensuring that all citizens feel the presence of government and the dividends of democracy.

Before now, local government officials in the state have been absent from their areas of jurisdiction, living at the state capital, Abakaliki, enjoying themselves while the people they represent suffer in the village without having access to them.

Of course the essence of local governments is to bring government closer to the local people, but it is appalling that grassroot leaders always abandon the rural areas for urban at the detriment of their subjects. This absence has had far-reaching consequences, including ineffective governance, inadequate infrastructure, and poor service delivery.

In Ikwo Local Government Area, for instance, the absence of local government officials has led to the neglect of rural roads, especially in places like Okpuitumo Ikwo, making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to the markets.

By relocating to rural areas, council chairmen, DC Coordinators, traditional rulers and grassroot leaders will be better positioned to understanding the needs and challenges of their local people. They will be able to respond promptly to emergencies, provide effective leadership, and make informed decisions that reflect the aspirations of their constituents who will now have access to them.

Also, the relocation will enable them to collaborate with local communities to develop and implement strategies for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. It will help stimulate economic growth and development, attract investments, promote entrepreneurship, and support local businesses, thereby creating jobs and improving the standard of living of rural dwellers.

Another significant benefit of relocating to rural areas is the improvement of security. With local government officials on ground, they will be able to work closely with security agencies to identify and address security challenges, thereby drastically reducing social vices, crimes and inter/intra community crisis.

Finally, the directive by the state assembly is a bold and visionary step towards promoting effective governance, economic growth, and security in rural areas. Council chairmen, traditional rulers, and other local government officials must rise to the challenge and relocate to their respective rural areas, where they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their people to ensure even development in the state.