By Vicent Emong
KUMI — Kumi Municipality Mayor-elect John Bosco Emenyat has already started engaging in municipal activities even before officially taking oath of office, signaling his readiness to lead and serve the people of Kumi.
On Tuesday, the mayor-elect attended a UCIMID program meeting held at the Kumi Municipal Community Hall, where leaders and stakeholders discussed development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting local revenue collection within the municipality.
While addressing participants at the gathering, Emenyat admitted that he was initially uncertain about officiating at the meeting because the official handover process had not yet taken place.
“I was a little hesitant when the planners invited me to officiate the meeting. The handover was slated for yesterday, but I don’t know what happened,” Emenyat said.
Despite not being formally sworn in, the mayor-elect emphasized that leadership requires commitment and active involvement from the very beginning, especially at a time when important development programs are being introduced in the municipality.
Emenyat, who previously served as LC3 Chairperson for South Division before contesting and winning the mayoral seat in Kumi Municipality, expressed confidence in his experience and ability to strengthen municipal administration.
“Having served as the LC3 South Division chairperson, I have knowledge in revenue collection, and I pledge to boost revenue in Kumi Municipality,” he noted.
The mayor-elect welcomed the UCIMID program to Kumi Municipality, saying the proposed construction of a modern standard park yard would significantly improve revenue collection and streamline transport operations within the municipality.
According to him, the new facility is expected to create a more organized transport system while increasing locally generated revenue to support service delivery and urban development.
“The construction of the standard park yard for the municipality will boost local revenue,” Emenyat said.
He also called upon municipal authorities to expedite the swearing-in process for newly elected leaders so that official duties and planned programs can proceed without unnecessary delays.
“I call upon the municipal authorities to expedite the process of swearing in the new mayor,” he stated.
Addressing concerns surrounding the planned demolition and redevelopment of the current park area, Emenyat assured residents and transport operators that he would personally engage stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and smooth transition.
“I was voted by the people. I will still convince the people at the park to vacate to allow its demolition so that we acquire a standard one,” he explained.
The mayor-elect further stressed that remaining actively involved in municipal affairs before officially assuming office is important for ensuring continuity and proper follow-up on development projects.
“Being a newly elected leader in the municipality, it is better for me to be at the forefront to follow up on new developments since I am meant to take over office,” Emenyat added.
Residents and leaders who attended the meeting described the mayor-elect’s participation as a sign of dedication, commitment, and readiness to transform Kumi Municipality through improved leadership and development initiatives.
