Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Tony Nwulu has said Imo State is in limbo under the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Nwulu, who was the deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the November 11 Imo gubernatorial election, lamented the absence of effective governance, highlighting the governor’s prolonged absence from the state since his second-term inauguration on January 15.
He said, “The collapse of governance in Imo State is evident in the governor abandoning his duties.”
“With the governor missing in action for the past 30 days, the state is left directionless and devoid of leadership.”
He criticized the glaring absence of key government officials, such as commissioners and special advisers, who are essential for steering the ship of governance of the state in the past 30 days.
“There is no government in Imo State in the past 30 days. And we wonder how the State can function without appointees and the governor absconding from his duties for a long period.
“Imo State is being run like someone’s empire.The State is like a vessel without a captain, ” he noted.
Nwulu expressed dismay at Governor Uzodimma’s decision to relocate to Abuja, leaving the citizens of Imo State to fend for themselves amidst grinding economic hardship in the country.
He condemned his insensitivity and questioned his commitment to leadership of the State.
“At a time when Imo State urgently requires proactive measures to alleviate economic hardship, Governor Uzodimma’s abandonment of his people is deeply troubling,”
“His actions raise doubts about his legitimacy as a leader chosen by the people.” Nwulu asserted.
Reacting to the governor’s promise to send 4,000 Imo youths abroad for employment opportunities last year, Nwulu said the promise was a mere political ploy aimed at garnering support during the gubernatorial election.
He revealed that his inquiries with the European Union Mission in Nigeria yielded no evidence of such plans.
He described the promise as deceitful and unacceptable.
“The Uzodimma administration’s failure to fulfil its promise to Imo youths underscores its lack of sincerity to the youths of Imo State”
“Imo State deserves leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and upholds transparency in governance.” Nwulu declared.
He tasked Governor Uzodimma to prioritize the needs of the people and take immediate actions to remediate the untold hardship and insecurity faced by Imolites.
He called for accountability and transparency on the part of the governor, which the state currently lacks.