The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has expressed shock over media reports that Imo State
government has earmarked over N600 million for Christmas and New Year
decorations in the state.
According to a press statement by his media aide, Mr.
Chibuike Onyeukwu, the former Deputy Speaker questioned why Imo should spend
such huge sums at a time the citizenry are going through untold hardship
arising from over 20 months of unpaid salary arrears and pensions.
It was the considered opinion of Chief Ihedioha that the 27
local government councils had been comatose for years, while several industrial
disputes had remained unresolved.
“There are several unresolved industrial disputes, while the
state’s infrastructure base has collapsed. Today, there is palpable lack of
vision for the genuine development of the state, but the government chose to
embark on such inciting and frivolous window dressing,” Ihedioha fumed.
Continuing, Chief Ihedioha said that “despite the prevailing
widespread disenchantment being expressed by citizens, who 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 led administration, the governor has refused
to repent or address such concerns and other critical issues.”
While saying that “preparations for Christmas celebration is
a tradition all over the world,” Ihedioha, however, said, it was “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.”
He expressed displeasure that Governor Okorocha had refused
to constitute his cabinet six months after election, pointing out that there
was no local government administration and 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 actualizing his failed promises of
aggressive industrialization and employment of youths,” Ihedioha said.
Chief Ihedioha urged Governor Okorocha to quickly retrace
his steps and begin to address the plight of workers, pensioners and other
critical issues of governance in order to avert looming economic crises,
insecurity and indeed stave off what could be the bleakest Christmas
celebration in the history of Imo State.
Source: Vanguard
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