…as youths dare Okorocha
By Valentine Amanze
Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, CON, has said that his administration would remain focused in the task of rebuilding the state from the ruins it was plunged into by the immediate past administration.
Addressing over 5,000 youths, who were at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport to welcome him on his arrival from Abuja on Sunday, Governor Ihedioha assured that his administration would not be distracted by those who committed crimes against humanity and destroyed the legacies of the founding fathers of the state.
He disclosed that he had set up various committees at the inception of his administration, pointing out that by the time the various committees conclude their assignment, Imo people would understand the depth of the rot in various sectors of the state perpetrated by the past administration.
Governor Ihedioha said that his administration despite the enormous challenges and the level of neglect by the past administration, has made significant progress in various sectors of the state such as Health, Education, Agriculture, etc.
He pointed out that the Rebuild Imo Agenda was in progress, stressing that despite the challenges, well meaning Imolites and Nigerians at large, appreciate the actions so far taken by his administration for the good of the people of state.
He explained the deplorable state of roads within and outside Owerri metropolis, stating that palliative measures such as filling of potholes have already commenced, adding that, reconstruction of quality roads in the state will begin after the rains, while assuring that it will be similar to the roads built by the late Chief Sam Mbakwe’s administration.
Governor Ihedioha revealed that COREN and Nigeria Society of Engineers and the State Ministry of Works who were never allowed to do their jobs in the last eight years will be part of the roads rehabilitation in the state.
He promised to open up opportunities for youths of the state that will prepare them for the future.
Governor Ihedioha stressed that programmes were being created to engage the youths, assuring that by next month, the state government will release names of youths the state government engineered their empowerment and engagement.
He said his administration has also taken steps to diversify the economy of the state by introducing the Treasury Single Account, TSA, to ensure transparency in government financial transactions.
He promised security of lives and property across the state, appealing to the youths not to allow themselves to be provoked.
He said that the ongoing verification of pensioners was to ensure the right ones were paid, assuring that his administration would continue to keep faith to its promises to the people.
Besides, the President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Comrade Isdore Chukwuemeka, commended Governor Ihedioha for his achievements in office so far.
He said that Imo youths would not tolerate distractions from former Governor Rochas Okorocha, vowing that youths in the state will resist Okorocha if he dares forment trouble in the state again.
He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate more seriousness in his anti-corruption fight by ensuring that former Governor Okorocha is fully investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for plundering the wealth of the state.
Mr. Stanley Nwama, the president, Imo State Youths Parliament, in his address, said Imo youths will resist further provocation and iberiberism by the former Governor, Rochas Okorocha.
Contributing, Comrade Anyaoha Tochi C, the president, National Association of Imo State Students, NAISS, said the students came out in their numbers to show solidarity to Governor Ihedioha and the Rebuild Imo Agenda.
Mr. Samuel Chigozie, Student Union Government President, SUG, Imo State University. who spoke on behalf of all SUG Presidents of various tertiary institutions in the state, assured the governor of their support and urged him to remain focused on his vision for the state.
