The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, yesterday, September 15, assured the indigines of the state that the proposed September 21 LGA elections organized by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) would hold as planned, contradicting those who have expressed doubts over the possibility of the election.
Similarly, the governor who spoke at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, during the Sunday Mass, also sought to calm nerves over the outcome of the All Progressive Congress APC primaries for the chairmanship and councillorship positions, positing that the process that produced the APC candidates for the polls was considered for the best interest of the state, urging aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome in good faith.
Governor Uzodimma, regretted the negative effects of insecurity in the state, adding that the prevailing situation in the state and intelligence at his disposal as Chief Security Officer of the state required wisdom to handle sensitive issues, including the APC chairmanship and councillorship primaries. He, however, promised that aspirants who purchased forms for the primaries, but could not make it would be refunded their money.
He acknowledged receiving complaints from various quarters over the APC’s candidates list, especially from leaders and those insisting on their turns by zoning to produce candidates, but called on them to realize the unusual time faced by the state. He added that every effort should be made not to escalate insecurity which regrettably has claimed numerous lives, assets and huge resources that would have been used for developmental purposes.
“I want to call on leaders and people of Imo State to join hands and unite in ensuring that the fight against insecurity in the state is sustained; to support government programmes, uphold the rule of law and to be law-abiding citizens. On the 21st, next Saturday, there would be local government elections. We are going on with the elections. Meanwhile, I have received complaints from leaders, some directly and some indirectly. But he who wears the shoe knows where it pitches.
“It’s your turn, it’s not your turn, but it can only be your turn when there is peace in Imo State. So, those whose turn it’s but have not gotten it should know that we are holding it on trust, and will soon return it as your turn. So, I want to call on the leaders to bear with me and make sacrifices. All the people that applied as aspirants to run for either councillorship or chairmanship for the local government elections who were not successful, there monies would be returned to them.
“I urge you to be steadfast and think objectively in consideration of our general interest over individual interest. We want to use this opportunity of the local government elections to push back government to the grassroots, and to encourage participation in development,” the governor noted.
He further promised to ensure that the state under his administration continued to make progress, calling on Imo citizens to always support his policies and programmes. Governor Uzodimma expressed regrets over the actions of some of his appointees which are contrary to the good image of his government and its objectives, urging them to desist from such, but to carry out their assignments with dignity for the good of all.
