The FCT Minister Muhammad Bello has warned new chairmen of the six Area Councils in the territory to shun corruption or face the consequences.

Bello gave the warning at the induction of the newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors in Abuja on Thursday.

The minister, represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, said the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was beyond lip service.

According to him, Buhari has taken a holistic approach to confront corruption in all its ramifications in order to save Nigeria’s image and economy.

He recalled Buhari’s inaugural speech where he said, “people have nothing to fear, but the consequence of their actions.”

He said this was a clear indication that the present administration would ensure that no action or inaction that negates the current war against corruption goes unpunished.

Bello, therefore, urged the new council officials to imbibe the tenets of Mr President’s Change Agenda.

“The agenda is anchored on prudent management of public resources, transparency and accountability.

Others are diversification of sources of revenue and efficient service delivery.”

He said the induction was to acquaint them with knowledge and skills necessary to lead their councils.

“This is especially in this era of dwindling revenue from the Federal Government and the ideals of Change Agenda of the present Administration under President Buahri.”

Bello enjoined them to build synergy in the FCT Administration’s efforts to meet the infrastructural and public utilities need of the residents.

He also said the induction was aimed at assisting the new councils to effectively drive the goals of the FCT Administration especially environmental sanitation.

The minister held that their primary responsibility was to clean their environment and properly dispose of refuse in their respective councils.

The resource person, Dr. Abdul-Hamidu Abdullahi of the Department of Local Government and Development Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the induction will prepare them for people- oriented leadership.

The chairmen are AbdulRahman Ajiya for Abaji, Abdullahi Adamu-Candido for Abuja Municipal, Musa Dikko for Bwari, Adamu Mustapha Denze for Gwagwalada, Abdullahi Galadima for Kuje and Joseph Shazin for Kwali.

They are to be sworn in on Friday at 10am. (NAN)

•Photo shows FCT Minister Muhammad Bello.

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