Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has inaugurated a 135-member Elders Advisory Council, with five of the elders chosen from each of the 27 local government areas of the state.
Inaugurating members of the Elders Council at the Government House, Owerri, Okorocha said that their role would not only be advisory but would also provide constructive criticisms for the government, adding that the government had taken time to select members of the council to ensure that none of them is in politics or has any known political affiliation.
His words: “The Elders Council must be independent. Members would always advise the government. It would equally offer the government constructive criticisms from time to time. That is why we have made the council to be independent. We had also taken time in the choice of the members of the council to ensure that they are not into partisan politics and do not have any strong political affiliation with any of the political parties or politician. The essence is to ensure credibility of their personalities and what they set out to do. ”
According to Okorocha, “the elders in the council would also serve as the bridge between the political parties, elders across the nation and even between politicians within and outside the state. This is in line with our believe that elders are those who understand the past and have a clear view of the future. They are in the custody of the history and what must be done to correct the mistakes of the past to bring improvement to the future.”
He further stated, “members of the council are those not less than 70 years of age, who must have retired if they were politicians or working. And who must have been people of proven integrity, who would not be afraid to say the truth no matter whose ox is gored.”
The governor also reminded the elders, “To whom much is given, much is expected. You are also expected to bridge the gap between the government and the people. You should also restore the fallen integrity of the elders in the state by being brave and truthful in the discharge of your duties.”
Dr. EJK Onyewuchi emerged as the chairman of the council, while Prince Pat Abii was chosen as the secretary of the council.
In his response, chairman of the Council, Onyewuchi, thanked the governor for acknowledging the role and importance of elders in a democratic setting and assured him that they would achieve the lofty goal for which the Elders Council was constituted.