Imo State governor-elect, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, on Wednesday re-affirmed his promise to give the people good and responsible governance even as he vowed that his administration will improve the state’s internally generated revenue.
Ihedioha who made the promise shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return together with his deputy, Hon. Gerald Irona, from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri, said under his watch, democracy shall be practiced as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution .
The governor-elect also promised good working relationship with the judiciary to ensure justice for the oppressed and guarantee speedy dispensation of justice in the state.
Ihedioha and his deputy, on leaving INEC secretariat, went straight to Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, where they dedicated their certificates to God and received prayers from the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev, Anthony Obinna.
He extended olive branch to the clergy to join hands with him to move the state forward with the promise that he would take measures to improve the economy of the state, raise the revenue base while the local government system would be re-positioned to become meaningful to the rural dwellers.
According to him, “I want to put on record that we had a good election in our state. I salute officials of INEC and security agencies because you acted with the sense of courage, patriotism and discipline.
“For all intents and purposes, Imo State election recorded huge success. I want to thank you for doing a great job. For my brothers and sisters who have been elected alongside with me, I want to assure you that under our watch we shall run a responsive and responsible government. We shall observe the independence of the arms of government.
“Under our watch, democracy shall be practiced as enshrined in the Constitution of our Republic. We shall work hand in hand with the judiciary to ensure that justice is practiced in our dear state.”
He further stressed that, “For us in the executive, we shall run a government that is responsible in every sense of the word. In our government, the local government administration shall be appreciated and seen as a tier of the government that is respected because that is where the rural dwellers participate.
“We assure you that we shall try our best to improve the revenue base of our state. I want to urge everyone to continue to maintain peace, order and see ourselves as brothers and sisters irrespective of our political party affiliations and sentiments. For us there is only one Imo.”
While commending INEC for displaying rare patriotism to organize a successful election in the state, he promised to justify the confidence reposed in him and his deputy by the electorate.
Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, INEC National Commissioner for Imo/Aba, while presenting the certificates to the governor-elect and others congratulated them on their victory at the polls and wished them the best.
He also congratulated the Imo electorate for electing their leaders, advising them to ensure integrity, honesty and dedication to duty.