The Imo State government has declared the 6th of May 2014 as Imo Freedom Day considering its significance in the democratic history of Imo State when peoples’ voice and the masses stand in politics stood above all.
The State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha announced this while briefing the Press at the end of the State Executive Council meeting today at the Government House, Owerri.
In his words, “democracy was practiced for the first time in Imo State on the 6th of May 2011 when it became obvious to the institutions that the masses voice must be respected. It will also guide our subsequent election so that those who think about rigging will better desist from that because there will be no more rigging of election in Imo State; one man one vote and every vote must count in the State.”
Owelle Okorocha said the event will feature freedom walk and merriment while over 25,000 youths employed under the Youth Must Work Programme will be properly engaged to work.
The Imo Chief Executive noted that a lot has been done to enforce Imo My Pride Programme by creating beautiful landscape, constructed roads linking old and new Owerri, installed street lights, etc with the aim of making Imo a City of pride. He however regretted that some areas are still defaced by shanties while traders have turned Douglas, Bank Road and other major roads into markets which he said was not good enough for the image of the State.
He said as a matter of urgency, some Commissioners have been directed to use civil method and persuade the traders return to their designated markets so that the city can be kept clean. “By next week we shall be shutting down Douglas Road to give it a new face and all the traders there will relocate to Relief market especially those at the road side to make out for a beautiful city”, the Governor revealed.
Governor Okorocha said that within the next one month when his administration will celebrate 3 years in office, Imo State will be looking decent as never before and therefore solicited for the support of all in keeping their surroundings clean.
The Governor pointed out that government has cleaned up Nworie River and is embarking on the immediate construction of the Sunrise Park where people can go for relaxation.
The Governor noted that the flyovers at the Amakohia and Okigwe Roads were poorly designed by the past administration and so could not stop traffic congestions in those areas but expressed joy that the roundabout introduced at Amakohia by the present administration has gone a long way to decongest traffic at the area. “We are proud to say that there is no more traffic at Amakohia and people who used to suffer traffic challenges no longer experience that and the people at Egbeada have heaved a sigh of relief. We are going to redesign that flyover completely and a brand new one introduced.” He hoped it will be completed before December this year.
He further said that the Council has approved Water for All Programme to ensure that residents of Owerri and other cities will enjoy regular water supply and called for their cooperation when the reactivation work begins. He said in addition to the ongoing renovation of government offices and provision of computers at the State Secretariat. The Governor said approval has been given for the restoration of water scheme and electric supply in the State Secretariat to enhance working environment.
He pointed out that on the 5th of May 2014, the first elected officials of the Community Government Council will be inaugurated on while the communities that have not concluded theirs will be handled later. He said the occasion will be used to handover cheques to students of Imo State University and other state-owned tertiary institutions under the Free Education Programme of government.
He said the Imo State Library will soon be relocated to a more serene environment as soon as the place is completed while its present site will be used for other befitting purposes.
The Governor assured the people that the erosion problem at of Orlu and Okigwe Roads is being tackled by government adding that all rural roads contracts must be completed before the end of this year.
He assured Imo people that the Rescue Mission Government will continue to maintain the security of the State and ‘so far, we have recorded the best security atmosphere in Nigeria and I want to assure Imolites that we will continue to do so.
