Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday charged the leadership of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to work towards ensuring that all funds due to local government councils in the country got to them.

Okowa gave the charge when he received the National President of ALGON, Mr Kolade Alabi and his team on a condolence visit at Government House, Asaba.

He urged the ALGON leaders to speak truth to power and ensure that they stood by what was right in the interest of the councils.

He commended the current leadership of the association for its commitment to ensuring that the association was re-organised to achieve results for the councils across the country.

“ALGON in Nigeria today is having its own fair share of challenges and I pray that God helps you to solve the problems, especially as you have decided to lead an ALGON that is forthright, an ALGON that stands for the truth and speak truth to power and ensure that all monies due you get to your people across the nation.

“That is the kind of thing we need now in this country where some people will rise up in the defence of their colleagues and put aside every personal interest.

“When I met with you earlier, I was convinced that the current leadership of ALGON means well for local government councils and I will charge you to continue to drive this process in the interest of the nation.

“Challenges will come your way but when you stand for the truth you will be vindicated and you will leave a lasting legacy having been able to repair the mess that you met on ground.

“It is my prayer that God will grant you favour as you step up to do what is right,” the governor said.

On his late father, he thanked the delegation for the visit, and stated that his father lived a fulfilled life as a great teacher, politician and community leader.

“I welcome you to Delta and thank you for taking time to come from your various states to commiserate with us.

“No matter how old parents are, nobody wants to lose them, but we are consoled that he lived a good life and he had done the best he could to help people in Delta and Nigeria and we are glad he has gone to be with the Lord.

“We have had several condolence visits and we feel loved. The gap that he has left is a very deep pain but because of the love people have shown to us we are consoled,” Okowa stated.

Earlier, Mr Alabi had told the governor that his delegation was in Asaba to condole with him on the passing of his late father, Pa Arthur Oko­rie Okowa.

“We learnt he was a senior teacher, community leader and politician. We are here to celebrate with you for a life well spent for our great father who impacted society very well.

“You have added value to our lives in ALGON through your advice and support and we can’t thank you enough,” Alabi said.