The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has expressed shock over media reports that the Rochas Okorocha-led Imo State Government had set aside over N600 million for the decoration of streets in Owerri, ahead of the Christmas celebration.
Ihedioha queried, “Why at this critical period when the citizens are passing through untold hardship arising from over 20 months of unpaid salary arrears and pensions, owed to workers in the state?”
A statement by his media aide, Mr. Chibuike Onyekwu, Ihedioha said that, “despite prevailing widespread disenchantment being expressed by citizens who have recently called for his immediate impeachment over the alarming rate of hunger and insecurity occasioned by the inept handling of issues of governance and unrepentant deceit so far exhibited by the Okorocha administration, the governor has refused to repent or address such concerns and other critical issues”.
Ihedioha further said that “preparations for Christmas celebration are no doubt a tradition for Christians all over the world but it is ridiculous and, indeed, smacks of insensitivity for this government to spend over N600 million on decorations when families can no longer afford their meals and basic needs as a result of non-payment of salaries, pensions and other entitlements.”
“It worries every right thinking Imolite that Governor Rochas Okorocha has refused to constitute his cabinet six months after election. There is no local government administration. There is no functional ministry, department or agency in the state. The Governor has embarked on several trips abroad to woo non-existent investors with a view to actualising his failed promises of aggressive industrialisation and employment of youths.
“Even more worrisome are reports in the media, alleging the theft of a part of the bailout funds from his son-in-law’s residence in Owerri. These reports are no doubt of great concern to all well-meaning Imo citizens, particularly when the government has refused to account for the huge sums that have accrued to the state including more than N26 billion bailout funds. This is in addition to the heart-breaking fact that the government has refused to probe the alleged disappearance of the fund.”
Ihedioha, therefore, urged Okorocha to retrace his steps and begin to address the plight of workers, pensioners and other critical issues of governance, in order to avert the looming economic crises, insecurity and, indeed, avoid what could be the bleakest Christmas celebration in the history of the state.
