Reactions have trailed statements credited to Chairman, Imo State Council of Elders, EJK Onyebuchi, who declared that henceforth, elders in the State will not take likely with anyone who describes Governor Hope Uzodinma as ‘Supreme Court Governor’
Onyebuchi had at a press conference in Owerri, said such appellation on the Governor is unacceptable and derogatory.
“If anyone person or group tries to call the Governor names, spreading malicious statements against him, we will address the person” E.J. K warned
Reacting to the stance of the Elders, a Watchdog group in Imo State, Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, said the Onyebuchi led Elders Forum should have focused it’s attention on important issues by advising the Governor on how to move the State forward.
Spokesman of the group at a press conference in Owerri, Mr. Fidelis Echendu reminded the elders that former Governor Rochas Okorocha was called names like “Alhaji in Government House”, Okoroawusa” and no one was warned or threatened in the State.
“We never expected our elders to come in the open and say such things.Former Governor Okorocha was called worse names, yet nobody was harassed. Nobody was issued a stern warning. Even Governor Uzodinma’s predecessor, Emeka Ihedioha was before hos exit called “oga mekus” on the social media. To the best of our knowledge, no one was harassed
” I hope the views of the elders do not signpost that we are gradually heading to a situation where opposing views will not be tolerated anymore in the State” Echendu said.
He continued “It does not matter if Uzodinma is called Supreme Court Governor or not. What is paramount is for him to live up to the expectations of the people of Imo State.
“If they call him Supreme Court Governor, he should prove to them otherwise by paying workers salaries regularly, ensure payment of pensions and continue the rehabilitation of roads in the State capital and environs, which we can say he is doing very well in that regard.
“The elders should tell the Governor not to lose sleep when they call him Supreme Court Governor, his achievements in office and commitment to implement the objectives of his administration will erase the notion, and endear him to the people of the State.
“You do not force the people not to say whatever what they want to say about those who govern them. We are not in a military era. Freedom of speech is allowed
He continued “The elders should have focused on advising the Governor on issues of concern to the people of the State and not on frivolities
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