The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, has expressed deep reservations over the recent award conferred by the Northern Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on the Executive Chairman of Burutu LGA, Hon. (Chief) Dr. Julius Takeme, JP. The NYCN had stated that, after careful observation of local government chairmen across the country, it found Dr. Takeme’s record of service “exceptional.”
We disagree.
On Misplaced Achievements
The so-called “achievements” of Dr. Takeme appear more as fabrications from the figment of imagination than true records of service. The Northern Youths Council has clearly misconstrued statutory responsibilities as if they were extraordinary achievements.
Let it be known: roads, minor renovations and other small social projects are not gifts, they are statutory obligations funded by taxpayers. To amplify these as landmark achievements deserving of national recognition is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Burutu.
Any government, anywhere in the world, is assessed not by routine duties but by its innovative capacity to uplift its citizens, create jobs, drive local economy and impact lives in transformative ways.
Gaps in Governance
How can toilets, sanitary sweepers or half-completed structures be paraded as monumental achievements in the face of glaring realities? Burutu still lacks portable drinking water. Our communities remain without functional feeder roads. Economic stagnation continues to strangle our youths. These are not rumours, these are facts on the ground.
Mentioning menial engagements and basic infrastructure as hallmarks of governance is not only shallow but an attempt to deceive the public.
What True Service Should Look Like
We throw the gauntlet to Dr. Julius Takeme: present your scorecard. Show us how your administration has:
Developed the local economy to provide sustainable jobs for our youths,
Introduced clear policies on free healthcare delivery,
Constructed feeder roads and culverts linking our communities,
Provided direct assistance to the physically challenged and vulnerable groups,
Invested in human capital development and empowered Burutu youths through small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).
These are the true indices of good governance, not cosmetic projects or recycled statutory duties.
On the So-Called Award
To crown Dr. Takeme as “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa Najeriya (Shield of the Northern Nigerian Youths)” is hollow. It is clear to discerning minds that this award is nothing more than a purchased honour, funded from the coffers of Burutu Local Government. It does not reflect genuine service, neither does it capture the lived reality of our people.
Condemnation by PDP Leadership
The PDP Chairman of Burutu Local Government, Comr. Jackson Agbo, has also condemned this charade, stating:
“It is shameful to praise politicians who have done nothing but squander opportunities and embezzle public resources. Our people deserve better. Governance is about substance, not shallow awards purchased to polish failure.”
Conclusion
After one year in office, there is little to write home about in the administration of Dr. Julius Takeme. Our people deserve more than empty titles, bought awards and shallow propaganda. Leadership is measured by tangible progress, not by applause from distant groups disconnected from our local realities.
Signed:
Cyril Arogbo
Publicity Secretary, PDP Burutu LGA
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