The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, has called on the 18 Leaders of Councils across the state to foster unity and work together as a family.
Odey made this call on Tuesday at a meeting with the council leaders at the Glass House, his temporary office in the Government House, Calabar.
Odey, while assuring the Leaders that their official vehicles would be delivered within the month of January, urged them to always remember their role as “primus inter pares” (first among equals) and to treat their colleagues with respect and decorum.
Rt. Hon. Odey emphasized the need for collaboration, reminding them of their shared mandate under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Drawing from his experience as a former Leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Odey shared insights on effective leadership, advising the council leaders to prioritize the interest of their people above personal interests, stressing that to achieve effective delivery of the dividends of democracy, they was need for sacrifice on their part.
He also cautioned them against divisive practices such as gossip and hearsay, urging them to maintain a harmonious working relationship with their council chairmen. He intimated that his doors remains open and encouraged them to take advantage should they need his guidance and support.
In anticipation of upcoming legislative training for all legislators in the 18 Local Government Areas, Rt. Hon. Odey highlighted the importance of building capacity for effective governance.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the group, Hon. ThankGod Ekupnse, Leader of the Etung Local Government Council, who commended the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his open-door policy, which facilitated the group’s visit on short notice, also praised the Deputy Governor’s collaboration with the ‘People First’ Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in prioritizing the welfare of Cross Riverians, particularly the youth.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council and Chairman of Forum of Council Chairmen in Cross River State, Hon. Yibala Inyang.
© Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar
