Office of  Vice Chairmen Ought To Be Active Until The Law Is Amended — Amori

By Joelson Wilson

The Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ighoyota Amori, has emphasized the need to make the offices of Local Government Vice Chairmen in the State more functional and active pending the amendment of the existing Local Government Administration law.

Senator Amori made the remark on Tuesday when he received in audience the leadership of the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC), Delta State Chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Asaba.

The Chief Adviser, while welcoming the delegation, acknowledged the concerns raised by the Association regarding the redundancy of the office of the Vice Chairmen at the local government level, describing their request as “genuine and progressive.”

He noted that although the current law does not explicitly assign duties to the office of the Vice Chairman, there was a pressing need for the position to be made active in the interest of effective governance and inclusivity.

“Until the law is amended, we must make the office of the Vice Chairmen active. It is important that the Vice Chairmen, especially the women, are given roles that will make their offices functional. When the law is eventually amended, it will only further strengthen what we have already put in place,” Senator Amori stated.

Senator Amori commended the Delta State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori for sustaining the policy that reserves the office of Vice Chairman for women across the 25 local government councils in the State.

He observed that women have continued to demonstrate strong leadership qualities, dedication, and a higher sense of responsibility in public service, noting that their increased participation in governance contributes significantly to the success of the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the present administration.

“We really need more women in leadership. Women are naturally more attentive and committed when given responsibilities. It is, therefore, commendable that our Governor has continued to promote gender inclusiveness by ensuring women occupy the position of Vice Chairmen across the State,” the Chief Adviser said.

Earlier in her address, the Chairman of the Association and Vice Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Uju Okolo, expressed appreciation to the Chief Adviser for granting the audience and for his continued support for local government administration in the State.

Hon. Okolo, who led the delegation, lamented that the offices of Vice Chairmen across the State have become largely ceremonial due to the absence of defined statutory roles, appealing for the Chief Adviser’s intervention to ensure that responsibilities are attached to the office.

“Under the present governance structure, the office of the Vice Chairmen can best be described as a glorified office with no specific functions. We are appealing to you, sir, to use your influence to advocate for the amendment of the local government law to assign responsibilities to our offices, just as it is done in some other states,” Hon. Okolo appealed.

She also extended the Association’s appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the prompt approval and provision of official vehicles for Vice Chairmen, and for sustaining the gender policy that ensures women occupy the position across Delta’s 25 local councils.

In a vote of thanks, Dr. Mrs. Evelyn Aluta, Vice Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, lauded Senator Amori for his humility, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to supporting the success of the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Delta State Government.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for the Association to present their proposal to the Office of the Chief Adviser, seeking collaboration to make the office of Vice Chairmen more productive and beneficial to grassroots