Mr Anthony K. Ahiable, the Presiding Member (PM) of the Kadjebi District Assembly, has appealed to the appointing authorities to appoint government appointees who are committed to attending assembly sittings.

He said the persistent absenteeism of some government appointees was affecting the effective conduct of Assembly business and could undermine the smooth functioning of the Assembly.

Mr Ahiable made the appeal during the Second Ordinary Sitting of the Third Session of the Kadjebi District Assembly held at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.

He noted that attendance at assembly’s sittings was an important responsibility of every Assembly Member and Government Appointee, stressing that members must demonstrate commitment to the development of the district by participating actively in the deliberations and decision-making processes of the Assembly.

The PM said decisions taken at Assembly sittings had a direct bearing on the development and welfare of communities, making it necessary for members to attend meetings regularly and contribute meaningfully to discussions.

Mr Ahiable reminded members that under the relevant provisions governing the operations of the District Assemblies, a member who absents himself or herself for more than three consecutive Assembly meetings without reasonable cause risks losing his or her membership.

He, therefore, urged Government Appointees who were unable or unwilling to participate actively in assembly activities to make way for persons who were prepared to serve and contribute to the work of the Assembly.

Mr Ahiable expressed the hope that the appointing authorities would consider the availability, commitment and willingness of prospective Government Appointees to participate in Assembly sittings when making appointments.

He called on all members of the Assembly to put aside personal interests and work together to promote the development of the Kadjebi District.