Imo state became a theatre of political drama, yesterday as elected Local Government Chairmen and Councillors went berserk and forced their way back to their respective offices at the various local government a4reas of the state. This development signifies the fact that Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has eventually succumbed to pressure put on him by the sacked elected LGA Chairmen.
Armed with the directive of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, the Council Chairmen, Councillors and supporters stormed the 27 Local Government Councils and a letter purportedly written by the Inspector General of the police as a signal to the state commissioner of police to allow the course of law take its process.
Adoke had written to the Imo sate Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha urging him to comply with the ruling of theAppeal Courtwhich ordered the reinstatement of the 27 LGA Council Chairmen.
Adoke’s letter stated in part “In the light of the forgoing and in consonance with this administration’s avowed commitment to the enthronement of the rule of law in the federation, I hereby call on Imo state Government and all relevant agencies of government to abide by the Judgement of the Court of Appeal and ensure that the Judgement of the Court is given its full effect”.
However, reports available to Imo Trumpeta across the State indicate that most of the chairmen and councillors gained access to the councils.
In Owerri Municipal Council, the Council Chairman, Hon Emma Odor and 11 Councillors entered the Council premises.
Speaking to Imo Trumpeta, Hon Emma Odor said he and his Councillors were escorted into the premises by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), which is an indication of compliance of the court order.
H e said he is not aware of any public holidays for workers in the State, saying it will not deter them to carry out their duties at the council.
Speaking also,the council legislative leader, Hon. Davey Ozurumba, said they are at the Council headquarters to resume work in line with the directive of the Court. The TC Chairman Joe Anukam was no where near the council premises,
From Ahiazu Mbaise LGA comes the report that the police assisted the Chairman and Councillors into the premises of the council, though they did not meet workers on duty. Most offices in the LGA were shut down, ostensibly in compliance with a directive from the Office of the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The Ministry had directed workers in the LGAs across the State to go their new postings to aid the commencement of the fourth tier of Government.
The Chairman of the LGA, Bar. Ugwuibe however addressed workers of the council.
In Ngor – Okpala LGA, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was said to have led the Chairman and Councillors into the Council premises.
At Iho, council headquarters of Ikeduru LGA, the LGA Chairman, Chief Sam Aka and others gained access to the premises of the Council with the help of the police.
At Ohaji/Egbema LGA, the police DPO assisted the Council Chairman and Councillors into the LGA headquarters. This was said to have forced the TC Chairman to flee the Council. The story was the same at Obowo LGA where the DPO was said to have aided the Chairman’s entry into the council premises.
Initially, the TC Chairman, Barr Greg Anyanwu allegedly mobilized thugs who barricaded the council gate at Mmahu prompting the Executive Chairman and his councillors to stop at the gate. On the arrival of the Divisional Police Officer of Egbema to the council headquarters, the thugs loyal to the TC Chairman disappeared and the elected Chairman and councillors moved I to meet locked offices. Barr. Anyanwu fled with council Hilux Van when the Chairman entered. It was a drama in Aboh Mbaise where the TC Chairman, Anthony Atudume tried to in vain to show might. Apparently aware that the elected chairmen, councillors and their supporters are mobilising to storm the council secretariat for possible take over, Atudume moved in early to take possession and in the process locked the gate leading into the council. The reinstated chairman and councillors were however allowed in courtesy of the DPO, Supol Amadi who came in with his men, broke the gate and escorted them into the council premises. The chairman and his men met locked offices. There was a security meeting with the acting chairman and the councillors sat to pass a resolution.
In Orsu LGA, it was an easy reinstatement for the elected chairman and members who moved in swiftly to take over office.
At Isu LGA, it was a different scenario, as the police locked the gates of the LGA headquarters and chased away the Chairman and the Councillors.
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The report was the same in all the LGAs except in Oguta were there was fracas. The elected Chairman was attacked and their vehicles attacked by suspected APGA Thugs who pounced on them noticing their presence. The elected members retreated to the Divisional Police Office.
It was a different scenario at Isiala Mbano LGA, where the Council Chairman and his Councillors took over the reins of governance of the LGA.
At Ideato South LGA, the leader, Ideato South legislative council Hon. Nduka Lawrence told Imo Trumpeta that they were denied access to the offices of the LGA yesterday. They however threatened to gain entry to the council today by force.
Speaking to Imo Trumpeta on the development, the Imo state ALGON Chairman, Barrister Enyinnya Onuegbu, said the elected Council Chairmen have taken their rightful positions via the Appeal Court Judgement.
Meanwhile, Imo Trumpeta observed that despite an alleged text message from the office of Chief staff to vigilante groups, not to allow the elected chairmen into office, there was relative calm across the State as the elected chairmen returned to their various seats without qualms.
In a swift reaction to the development, the PDP in Imo state commended the Law Enforcement Agencies for their prompt action to see to the enforcement of that Judgement.
The statement signed by Chief Blyden Amajirionwu read “The PDP condemns in strong terms the utterances of the Imo state Attorney General, Barr. Sorronadi Njoku and the text messages sent around by Prince Eze Madumere, Chief of Staff to the Governor asking for non – adherence to this court Judgement. To quote Eze Madumere, “…The Imo state Government urges Imolites to defend their position…”.
This statement is most inciting and can cause breach of law and order. The PDP once again appeals to this APGA led administration to be law abiding as we are not in a military regime.
Even more ridiculous is the declared 3 days public holiday in the Imo LGAs. This is pure act of perfidy and sabotage against the people of Imo state. It is totally a matter of regret as our people are more sophiscated and progressive in approach to issues.
However, we appeal to Imo citizens to remain calm and law abiding as the resumption of the Council Chairman and Councillors is not negotiable”.
