NIGERIA (Anambra) - Governor Peter Obi has sworn in 20 newly elected chairmen of Local Governments in Anambra State.

During the course of the ceremony, Governor Obi congratulated the Chairmen for their victory in the election and urged them to recipriocate the faith of the electorates through active service to the people.

He also acknowledged the efforts of his administration which successfully conducted the election despite difficulties encountered.

“Some reactionaries did everything to stop it and we fought hard to conduct the elections. We have done everything to make local government work.

“And today, the dream of the third tier of government is on the right path of progress with the completion of many new projects,’’ he said.

The governor urged them to see their election as call to service.

“The mandate you have today is from the people, everything available in your council belong to them, including the resources.

“You must be answerable to them at all time,’’ he told the chairmen.

He urged them to work with the newly elected governor, Willie Obiano, and his Deputy, Nkem Okeke, who would both be sworn-in on March 17.

“They are the people we chose; you must cordially work with them and also learn your lessons from them. All of you will work to build a better Anambra,” he said.

While speaking on behalf of others, the Chairman, Oyi Local Government, Charles Okafor, commended the governor for his leadership style and promised that himself and his colleagues shall work towards the development of Anambra State.

APGA won 20 chairmanship seats out of 21 as well as 304 councillorship seats out of the 327 contested for.