Ihedioha Blasts Imo Govt Over N600 Million Christmas Decorations

The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka
Ihedioha has expressed shock over media reports that the Imo State
Government had set aside over N600 million for the decoration of
streets in Owerri, ahead of the Christmas celebration.

Ihedioha queried, "Why at this critical period when the citizens are
passing through untold hardship arising from over 20 months of unpaid
salary arrears and pensions, owed to workers in the state?"

A statement by his media aide, Mr. Chibuike Onyekwu, Ihedioha said
that, "despite prevailing widespread disenchantment being expressed by
citizens who have 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 administration, the governor has refused to
repent or address such concerns and other critical issues".

Ihedioha further said that "preparations for Christmas celebration are
no doubt a tradition for Christians all over the world but it is
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."

"It worries every right thinking Imolite that Governor Rochas Okorocha
has refused to constitute his cabinet six months after election. There
is no local government administration. There is 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
actualising his failed promises of aggressive industrialisation and
employment of youths.

"Even more worrisome are reports in the media, alleging the theft of a
part of the bailout funds from his son-in-law's residence in Owerri.
These reports are no doubt of great concern to all well-meaning Imo
citizens, particularly when the government has refused to account for
the huge sums that have accrued to the state including more than N26
billion bailout funds. This is in addition to the heart-breaking fact
that the government has refused to probe the alleged disappearance of
the fund."

Ihedioha, therefore, urged Okorocha to retrace his steps and begin to
address the plight of workers, pensioners and other critical issues of
governance, in order to avert the looming economic crises, insecurity
and, indeed, avoid what could be the bleakest Christmas celebration in
the history of the state.

-DailyTimes