Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has appealed to members of the Imo Elders Council to wade into the matters affecting the progress and development of the state, particularly on insecurity.
He stated this on Friday when he met with the leadership of Imo Elders Council.
Governor Uzodimma charged the leadership and entire membership to speak to the political detractors and the opposition to interrogate their consciences over what they are doing and how it will help Imo State to either grow and develop or retard.
Welcoming the elders led by their chairman, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the governor expressed happiness seeing them again this new year and assured them of his continued readiness to cooperate with them always.
He told them that the Executive Bill on the establishment of the body had long being signed into law, informing them that his administration is appreciative of their activities.
Governor Uzodimma said that his government is open to dialogue and discussions with whoever that claims to be aggrieved “as long as the person or group comes up with what will move the state forward to the benefit of Imo people.”
He assured of the readiness of his government to restore order, repair dilapidated infrastructure and ensure peace and security of lives and property “as the sole responsibility of any government.” He however bemoaned the situation where none of the seven oil companies operating in Imo State pays taxes to the state government
Earlier in his address, Eze Ilomuanya said the elders came to convey their immense gratitude and thanks to the governor for standing by the Council since its inauguration on December 21, 2021, and for fulfilling every promise made to them since their inauguration.