• Dissolves group’s executive
Angered by reported cases of alleged land grab and extortion, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has ordered the arrest and detention of the chairman, Imo State Amalgamated Traders Association (ISAMATA), Emmanuel Ezeanochie.
Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, in a statement yesterday, said the action was sequel to allegations against Ezeanochie, and the governor’s resolve to rid the state of corruption.
He accused the ISAMATA boss of using the name of the state government to fraudulently engage the public for his private advantage.
Also, the governor ordered the dissolution of the ISAMATA executive.
The statement reads: “In accordance with his resolve to rid the state of corruption in all sectors, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, has ordered the arrest and detention of Mr Emmanuel Ezeanochie, the state chairman of ISAMATA.
“The order followed allegations that Mr Ezeanochie fraudulently used the name of the government to illegally appropriate land and market stalls for his personal use.
“In like manner, the governor has approved the immediate dissolution of the state executive committee of ISAMATA.”
The governor also directed all relevant regulatory agencies to expedite action on the arrest and investigation and prosecute him if he is indicted.
