The Governor of Abia State, Alex Ottiotti has sworn in 17 local government chairmen who were elected last Saturday.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday.

Recall that the State’s Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected Mayors of the 17 LGAs on Sunday, with 15 from the ZLP and two from the YPP.

The mayors include Timothy Iheke for Aba North (ZLP), Anyanwu Obilor for Aba South (ZLP), Okereke Ezearo for Arochukwu (ZLP), Uwabunkeonye Bassey for Bende (ZLP), Dr Anthony Nwaubani for Ikwuano (ZLP), Innocent Uruakpa for Isialangwa North (ZLP), Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu for Isialangwa South (ZLP), and Chinedu Ekeke for Isukwuato (ZLP).

Others are Maxwell Nwadike for Obingwa (ZLP), Eleanya Oju-Kalu for Ohafia (ZLP), Chidi Christian Agu for Osisioma (YPP), Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara for Ugwunagbo (YPP), Chibunna Akara for Ukwa East (ZLP), Pastor Dike Nwankwo for Ukwa West (ZLP), Smart Ihuoma for Umuahia North (ZLP), Chinwendu Enwereuzo for Umuahia South (ZLP), and Sunday Afuruike for Umunneochi (ZLP).

During the swearing-in ceremony, Otti urged them to lead their LGAs with the vision of ‘Abia first’ and to continue working towards the socio-economic transformation of Abia from their respective LGAs.

“Our people should be able to see the impact of your leadership in the next six months through measurable improvements in the living conditions of the people, especially women, youths and the vulnerable in the various localities,” he said.