The five villages that constitute Owerri Nchi ise, Owerri Municipal is on the verge of enjoying much desired autonomous status as the Rochas Okorocha Administration gears up to “award” a Community Government Council (CGC) to each of the five villages.
The state government’s position was revealed by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Nick Oparandundu, who told a large turn crowd of Owerri indigenes, who converged at Ugwu Ekwema Civic centre, that the state government is committed and desirous to ensure that Owerri people benefit immensely from the huge benefits of CGC.
He stated it is only Nkwerre LGA andOwerriMunicipalitythat have only one CGC component, stressing that other local government in the state are already enjoying the benefits of the Community Government Council as it has firmly taken root.
Oparandundu, who represented the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, said the need to have a Community Government Council in each of the village in Owerri is to fast track development and ensure the people of Owerri do not loose out from the dividends of democracy as encapsulated in the rescue mission Agenda of the Okorocha Administration.
He assured that henceforth, periodic meetings will be held as part of measures to discuss and finalize arrangements for the take off the CGC inOwerriMunicipality.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs to the Governor, Nze Ben Osuji stated that the idea behind the Community Government Council is to ensure development in the communities in Owerri.
He enjoined indigenes of the community to support the initiative.
In his response, President General, Owerri Community Assembly (OCA), Oweaya Christian Anukam expressed commitment of Owerri people to the success of CGC. He said the message of the Governor is noted and the people of Owerri are receptive to the idea and concept of Community Government Council in the Area.
Oweaya commended the state government for the initiative, saying it is a welcome development. The President General instructed youths in Owerri to key into the initiative, stating that youths and Age – grades should hold meetings in designated areas such as Obis in their various communities to discuss issues bordering on the establishment of the Community Government Council in Owee Nchi Ise.
He said they should resist the intimidation of self seeking individuals in their respective communities who may want to derail the initiative, stating that they should resist such people and their antics.
The Imo Trumpeta gathered that the present move to set up CGCs in Owerri is aimed at ensuring that each village in Owere Nchi Ise enjoys an autonomous status. This has been the desire of leaders and elders of Owerre Nchi Ise who have in the past, canvassed for autonomy status for each of the five villages as a basis to ensure spread of dividends of democracy inOwerri Municipality.
