Within twenty four hours after the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha released a list of five persons each from the twenty seven Local Government Areas as members of the Imo State Elders Council, many people have criticized the list, while some of those whose names appeared in the list have washed their hands off the Council.
Speaking to Trumpeta, Dr Eustace Eke, whose name appeared from Ngor Okpala Local Government Area has distanced himself from the exercise, saying that he was not consulted.
“Let me inform you that I was not consulted, I think at my age I have passed the level where my name would be listed for any thing at all without first finding out from me if I will agree or not” the Elder Statesman told Trumpeta.
He therefore said that he has declined the offer of member of the Imo State Elder Council, and humbly asked that his name be withdrawn.
Most of those whose names appeared on the list said they were not consulted, blaming it on Okorocha’s penchant for not following due process.
“Why would you write down and publish some body’s name in a Committee without first of all contacting the person for his approval?” Chief Mba asked Trumpeta.
However, others who reacted to the controversial list said they find it difficult to call the list “Elders Council” pointing out that some of the names on the list does not “qualify” to be Elders.
“With all due respect, is Hon Ngozi Ogbu an Elder? In some of the lists, you see Government appointees putting their Elder or younger brother’s names as members of Elders Council, when such people are not even up to 50 years”, Chief Alex Odoemena said.
