The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has appealed to members of the Imo Elders Council to intervene in matters affecting the progress and development of the state, particularly insecurity.
He made the appeal on Friday when he held a meeting with the leadership of Imo Elders Council at Government House, Owerri.
Governor Uzodimma charged the Elders Council to prevail on political detractors and opposition to support the growth and development of the state.
The governor assured the Elders Council of his readiness to cooperate with the council always.
He disclosed that the Executive Bill on the establishment of the body had been signed into law, saying that his administration is appreciative of its activities.
Governor Uzodimma said that his government is open to dialogue and discussions with whoever that is aggrieved “as long as the person or group comes up with what will move the state forward to the benefit of Imo people.”
The governor therefore reminded them that it is their responsibility to intervene, “because time is running out and this administration is exhausting her patience.”
He assured of the readiness of his government to restore order, repair dilapidated infrastructure and ensure peace and security of lives and property.
Governor Uzodimma noted that “in spite of the lean finances, government has been able to meet her daily demands and contended with the excruciating challenges of the moment.”
He bemoaned the situation where none of the seven oil companies operating in Imo State pays taxes to the state government.
He said; “Regrettably, taxation is only shouldered by the common populace”, adding that having met with them severally without positive response he may have to apply force to recover what belongs to Imo people.
He reminded the Elders Council that they have a job to do in asking the people to do the right things and commended them for setting up various committees, especially the Reconciliation committee, and challenged the committee to work hard and come out with results that will make Imo better.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Elders Council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya expressed their gratitude to the governor for standing by the Council since its inauguration on December 21, 2021, and for fulfilling every promise made to them since their inauguration.
He listed the achievements of the Council to include the setting up of three Standing Committees namely Security Committee, Strategy Committee, Peace and Reconciliation Committee, as well as an Ad-hoc Committee on Code of Conduct.
Ilomuanya promised that the Council shall strive to reciprocate the governor’s goodwill and benevolence to them by being alive to their responsibilities to both the government and people of Imo State.
