‘Serve God, Humanity,’ Council Chairman Charges Councillors

Newly sworn-in supervisory councillors in Jama’a Local Government, Kaduna State have been charged to render quality service to God and humanity, especially to the people of Jema’a local Government and Kaduna state and by extension Nigeria, which is the essence of politics.
The charge was issued on Monday by the chairman Interim Management Council of the area, Mr. Bege Katuka, while addressing the councillors after they took oath office in Kafanchan.
The IMC chairman said their appointment for the second term was a privilege out of many who are better qualified; an opportunity offered by God through Governor Ahmad Nasir El-Rufai to contribute their quota to the development of the local government and the state and not meant to serve themselves and their families.
Katuka said the task before them was enormous, hence they must work in truth, honesty, accountability, justice and team spirit, devoid of political, ethics, religious or sectional difference, carrying all along with focus on success.
Reminding them that the global economic depression was affecting Nigeria’s economic fortunes, which depend largely on sales of crude oil, which has negatively accounted for the dwindling federation allocations due to the three tiers of governance, Dr. Katuga said in view of this development, his administration would give priority to agriculture and collection of internally generated revenue to cushion the effect of the short fall from the federal allocation as external revenue.
He assured that he would carry everyone along and that his doors were opened for consultation and advice. However, he said he expected them and the staff to be accountable, treat communications with dispatch, stressing that he will not tolerate sabotage, absenteeism and rumour peddling.
The IMC chairman said their appointment was also serving as a transition committee and members are expected to lay a solid foundation for the in-coming elected councils. He stressed therefore, that he would be receiving briefings from each department every Monday on their activities and achievements.
Appreciating the support and cooperation of religious, traditional and community leaders to the sustenance of peace in the area, Dr. Katuka glorified God for the gifts of good leaders in the persons of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Nsir El-Rufai, who he said were working round the clock to transform the country, in spite of global economic recession.
Dr. Katuka solicited the support, cooperation, peaceful coexistence, prayers, understanding, patience and useful advice from all, to enable leaders steer the ship of state to the next level of development.
Responding on behalf of the sworn –in councillors, Mr. John Gambo Kanufi, who is the vice-chairman, thanked the governor for their appointment, promising loyalty, dedication and team spirit that will facilitate successful tenure.
Fielding questions from pressmen, Mr. Field Destiny Moses one of the councillors said he was grateful to the governor, pointing that for years he contested and lost councillorship seat in Takau ward. “God has used the governor to bless me with this appointment, without the stress of contest and spending a dime. I will concentrate on quality service with loyalty so that we can leave behind good legacies at the end of our tenure”.
When asked his opinion on how he feels being given appointment by an APC administration, even though he is from the PDP, Mr. Timothy Musa, said “I thank the governor for his magnanimity. There should be no party difference, once the governor is convinced that a person can add value to the people of Jema’a Local Government and Kaduna state, because all will be serving the same people. The governor has been preaching this”.
The five councillors sworn-in by the Legal officer of the Local Government were Mrs. Mercy Moses, Zakari B. Muhammed, Timothy Musa, Field Destiny Moses and John Gambo Kanufi. They are expected to be given portfolios on later as revealed by the IMC chairman.
Prayers for them, Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna state, Nigeria and all those in leadership positions were rendered by, Alhaji Ibrahim Koli, the APC chairman in the local government.