The Presiding Member of the Kadjebi District Assembly, Mr Anthony K. Ahiable, has raised concerns over the persistent absenteeism of some government appointees, warning that their failure to attend Assembly sittings could undermine effective local governance and development.
Mr Ahiable said the absence of some appointees was affecting the Assembly’s ability to conduct its business effectively, particularly deliberations and decisions on issues affecting the development and welfare of communities within the district.
He made the remarks during the Second Ordinary Sitting of the Third Session of the Kadjebi District Assembly in Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
According to him, membership of the Assembly comes with the responsibility to actively participate in its activities, stressing that regular attendance was essential to ensuring that decisions taken reflected the needs and priorities of residents.
He noted that Assembly sittings provided an important platform for members to deliberate on development challenges, approve decisions and contribute to policies and programmes that directly affect communities.
Mr Ahiable therefore appealed to appointing authorities to consider commitment and availability when selecting government appointees to the Assembly.
He said persons appointed to represent government at the local level should be willing and able to attend meetings regularly and contribute meaningfully to the work of the Assembly.
“Government appointees who are unable or unwilling to participate actively in Assembly activities should make way for persons who are prepared to serve and contribute to the work of the Assembly,” he urged.
The Presiding Member also reminded members of the consequences of persistent absenteeism under the provisions governing the operations of District Assemblies.
He explained that an Assembly member who absents himself or herself from more than three consecutive meetings without reasonable cause risks losing their membership.
Mr Ahiable said enforcing the attendance requirements was necessary to protect the effectiveness of local government institutions and ensure that public representatives remained accountable to the communities they served.
He further urged the appointing authorities to make commitment to Assembly work a key consideration in future appointments.
Beyond attendance, Mr Ahiable called on members to work together in the interest of the district and avoid allowing personal interests to interfere with their responsibilities.
He urged Assembly members to strengthen collaboration and focus on finding solutions to the development challenges confronting Kadjebi.
The Presiding Member expressed the hope that the concerns raised would encourage greater commitment among government appointees and contribute to a more effective functioning of the Kadjebi District Assembly.
