Neibodzelie Solo and Thenusou Sekhose elected chairperson and deputy of Kohima Municipal Council following resignations on health grounds.
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KOHIMA — Neibodzelie Solo was on Monday elected chairperson of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), while Thenusou Sekhose was elected deputy chairperson.
The election followed the resignation of the previous chairperson and deputy chairperson earlier this year on health grounds, necessitating new leadership at the council. The election was held at the DC office, Kohima.
Solo is a councillor from PWD Panchayat Ward-11, while Sekhose represents Ward-6 (D’ Block).
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, announced the results, stating that 16 out of 19 councillors were present and all voted in favour of the new chairperson and deputy chairperson. He informed that three councillors could not attend due to health reasons.
Buchem said that the election was conducted as per the provisions of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023, and congratulated the newly elected leaders.
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On behalf of NPF Kohima Town Assembly Constituency, Metekhrielie Mejura congratulated the new leadership and acknowledged the outgoing chairperson and deputy chairperson. He called for concerted efforts to serve the people and work for the welfare of Kohima and the Nagas.
Speaking to the media after the election, Solo expressed gratitude to the NPF leadership led by Chief Minister and party president Neiphiu Rio for the opportunity, and to the councillors for their trust. He assured that the new team would work for the betterment of Kohima town.
Referring to the resignation of the former leaders, Solo termed it unfortunate that both had to resign at the same time on health grounds, and affirmed that the new leadership would carry forward the work of the council.
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Sekhose acknowledged that the council had gone through a challenging phase but said internal issues had been resolved with the support and guidance of the party. She stated that such challenges are part of a democratic institution and reaffirmed commitment to unity and stability.
On priorities, Sekhose said that the focus would be on addressing urban infrastructure gaps and promoting community welfare.
Addressing concerns over non-payment of salaries to KMC staff for the past six months, she said that the issue has persisted for several years, even prior to the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. She attributed this largely to limited revenue generation following the discontinuation of toll gate collections.
She added that although government assistance had helped clear backlog salaries, the council continues to face financial constraints and is not yet self-sustaining due to lack of assets. Efforts are underway to explore new revenue avenues, especially as ULB elections were held after 20 years and the council remains in a transitional phase.
Sekhose added that the KMC requires more financial assistance and that discussions are ongoing with the department concerned.
Regarding a theft incident at the KMC office last year, she said that it was due to lack of adequate security during a transition period, but added that the matter has since been resolved and preventive measures put in place.
On allegations of internal misunderstandings and financial mismanagement, including procurement of an expensive vehicle, she maintained that the issues have been resolved internally. She said that decisions may be viewed as politically incorrect but councillors have reached a collective understanding, urging respect for official statements and leadership privacy.