Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, Wednesday, said he renewed the tenure of council Chairmen to avoid a vacuum in governance.
A statement signed by Steve Osuji, Special Adviser on Media stated that “The extension and further suspension is consequent upon the set up of the committee on financial Corrupt Practices on Local Governments in Imo State (May 2011- May 2019) to investigate allegations of financial m misconduct against the management of the LGAs”
The full statement reads
Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has approved the extension by six months, the tenure of the Interim Management Committees (IMCs) of the 27 local government areas of Imo State.
Recall that the Chairmen and Councillors of the IMCs were appointed on June 17, 2019 by Governor Ihedioha for an initial period of six months which ends today, December 17, 2019.
In the same vein, the suspension of the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councilors and political appointees of the Local Government Areas in Imo State, has been extended.
The extension and further suspension is consequent upon the set up of the Committee on Financial Corrupt Practices on Local Governments in Imo State (May 2011 – May 2019) to investigate allegations of financial misconduct against the management of the LGAs.
Though the Committee is yet to conclude its task, the interim report emanating from it is damning enough necessitating an extension of time by the government.
Governor Ihedioha acted pursuant to the instrument of suspension of the local government authority in Imo State and having regard to the provisions of sections 4, 5, 6 of the Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law No.28 of 2019 and S.73 of Imo State Local Government Administration Law No. 15 of 2000 (as amended) and all other laws enabling the state governor to so act.
In renewing the appointment of the IMCs of the 27 LGAs, Governor Ihedioha noted that it is to avoid a vacuum in governance.
Says the governor: “I do hereby renew the appointment of the Interim Management Committees of the twenty-seven (27) Local Governments of Imo State (names and designations attached), to manage the affairs of each of the Local Governments to avoid a vacuum in governance for a period of six months from date of the expiration of their initial appointments.”
SIGNED:
Steve Osuji
Special Adviser, Media to the Governor
17th December, 2019