A Right group, Beyond Platform, has faulted Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma’s appointment of sole administrators for the 27 local councils in the state instead of conducting democratic elections at that layer of government.
In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Convener, Chibundu Uchegbu, the group flayed the governor over his announcement to conduct local council elections after four times he had promised.
The governor had announced, yesterday, that council elections would be held in 60 days. He had cited insecurity as the reason for the inability to carry out exercise.
In a statement titled: ‘Yet another appointment of sole administrators: 60 endless days,’ the group said: “Moments ago, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, through his Information Commissioner, Declan Emelumba, announced the appointment of 27 sole administrators into the 27 local councils in the state, adding that it would ensure the conduct of credible local council elections in the state in the next 60 days.
“This recent development is not palatable to Imo people and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and beyond.”
Uchegbu listed the number of times the governor had promised to conduct council polls without fulfilling it.
He added: “None of these promises was kept. So, what difference will these fresh 60 days make? Within the currency of these unfulfilled promises, over five states in the country had successfully conducted local council elections, and more are underway.”
In another development, angered by alleged cases of land grabbing and extortion from the public, Uzodimma has ordered the arrest and detention of the Chairman of the Imo State Amalgamated Traders Association (ISAMATA), Emmanuel Ezeanochie.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, the action is sequel to allegations from some quarters against Ezeanochie, and his resolve to rid the state of corruption in all sectors.
He accused the ISMATA boss of using the state government to fraudulently engage the public for his advantage. Consequently, the governor ordered the dissolution of the executive of ISAMATA.
