Critics of Governor Emeka Ihedioha’s insistence on due process and rule of law in the conduct of affairs of Imo State government,have been described as “enemies of Imo people, who want to continue impoverishing the people by depriving them the benefits of good governance, probity and accountability.”
Chief of Staff to the governor, Barr Chris Okewulonu, stated this in Owerri. He pointed out that the new administration in the State is committed to doing things the right way unlike what was obtained in the past. He posited that Governor Ihedioha is irrevocably committed to enthroning laudable and lasting legacies in the State in order to restore smiles on the faces of the already despondent Imo people.
Barr Okewulonu spoke in reaction to the dissolution of local government councils, boards of government parastatals, agencies, extra-ministerial departments and the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) by the governor. He said that the dissolution of these bodies apart from being in the best interest of the State, also followed due process in accordance with relevant laws and resolutions by the State legislature.
He opined that the governor’s insistence on due process and rule of law is to make sure equity, justice and fairness prevail in any action taken by the state government. He said that it will be unfair to encourage lawlessness or allow innocent persons to suffer for the recklessness, ineptitude or fraudulent actions of some other people.
According to him, “Imo is in a mess today because of the recklessness of the past administration in virtually all sectors in the State.Governor Ihedioha inherited a dilapidated State. This notwithstanding, he is committed to restoring sanity in the State.”He said that in doing this, the governor is making sure that due process and rule of law are meticulously followed.
The COS cited Imo’s economy, civil service and local government systems,the pensioners huge arrears, sports amongst many others,as sectors whose conditions are sordid and therefore, need urgent attention. He however, assured that despite the gargantuan challenges posed by the rot in these sectors, the governor will address them squarely.
Barr Okewulonu advised those he classified as “arm chair critics of the young administration of Governor Ihedioha to endeavour to make useful suggestions on how to better the State instead of dreaming everyday on how to pull the administration down. “I wonder why these few pernicious critics are in a hurry to run down the people’s government. Ihedioha’s mandate is divine and the people who ruined Imo for eight years can’t truncate it,”he averred.
He explained that the present government is receptive to constructive criticism, which he said is an essential ingredient of democracy globally. “As a democrat, Governor Ihedioha is open to good suggestions and advice. This is why committees were set up in some cases to thoroughly appraise certain issues and thereafter, advise the governor. He believes in inclusiveness and teamwork so that Imo can be firmly put back on track, ” Okewulonu stated