The Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC , a Watchdog group has described the eight month administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma, as slow, but”consistent and steady in charting a new path of development for the State”
The group devoid of political leaning, said the present government can be rated average in terms of performance, for providing what it described as “primary infrastructure such as rehabilitation of critical roads in the state capital, Owerri, which signposts the administration’s commitment to deliver tangible development to the people in the long run.
In its interim assessment report signed by Emmanuel Okwu, President and Fidelis Echendu, Publicity Secretary, and made available to newsmen the IAC said some of the roads reconstructed in the state were commendable, urging the present administration to also focus on human development.
“Human development is central and key to the advancement of the State.While plans to put a stop to salary fraud by the state government is appreciated, it should not be an endless exercise. Concerted efforts should also be intensified to ensure that genuine workers and pensioners in the State are paid as at when due”
“In a public service driven economy as obtained in Imo State, salaries and pensions, remain the live wire of the economy. When it is not forthcoming as at when due, it leads to disenchantment amongst the people. Until the economy of the State is diversified to be private sector driven, there will be continuous wailing and protests when salaries and pensions come in piece meal
The IAC noted that eight months may appear so short a time to rate a new government, considering certain inhibiting factors such as Covid 19 which stagnated the global economy, but “it is also sufficient time for any government to lay down its framework for the development of the state.
“Much as we understand the limitations of the present government, considering the fact that the Governor never went through a Transition Period, which provides ample time for incoming Governors to prepare for governance, we advocate that the state government put in place a congregation of stakeholders, drawn from various fields of human endeavour to cross pollinate ideas with the state government, to chart a way forward for the State
The group applauded the State government for providing adequate security of lives and properties in the State as evidenced in the low rate of crime and criminality in the State.
“We applaud the impressive level of security of lives and properties in the State. The gains inherent from such laudable achievement should be translated to woo private investors to the State. We are yet to see a roadmap to achieve this purpose”the report stated.
The IAC said it observed with dismay the incessant clash by some officials of the State government, advising the Governor to define clearly the functions of his officials to avoid a repeat of such embarrassing scenes.
“Concern should be focused on repositioning the government to realize the 3rs mantra of the administration” part of the report stated
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