The Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has supported the agitation for the autonomy of Local Governments in Nigeria, saying he would ensure that the grassroots “feel the impact of the government.”

The Governor, according to a statement on Friday, expressed the view while flagging off the first set of vehicles procured by the Transition Committee (TC) chairman of Isialangwa South Local Government Area, Ike Anyataonwu, for the commencement of the Mass Transit Scheme in the LGA.

Governor Ikpeazu, represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Enyinnaya Appolos, flagged off the scheme at the headquarters of Isialangwa South LGA in Umuoba.

The Governor commended Anyataonwu for being prudent in management of resources, executing people oriented programs and for listening to the yearnings of the people of the LGA.

He called on other council Chairmen in the state to emulate what Anyataonwu has done and find out the needs of the people in order to effectively contribute to the amelioration of the challenges.

“This is commendable. I would have been disappointed if this is not happening. That this is happening has confirmed the trust we have in the Chairman of Isialangwa South, Ike Anyataonwu. I commend him for this laudable project which is first of its kind.

“I call on other chairmen of councils in the state to emulate this and found out what are the needs of their people, that’s the only way the people will feel the impact of the government. Mass transit may not be the challenge of every local government.”

Earlier, Anyataonwu thanked Governor Ikpeazu for the ongoing construction of the Mgboko/Umuene road and called on the contractor handling the project to ensure that quality and timely work is done to enable the people use the road to link up with the rest of the state.

He said the buses will convey people and farm produce from Isialangwa to Aba at a subsidised fare on daily basis.