Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has reiterated his readiness to liberate Imolites from poverty, hardship and avoidable deaths, occasioned by bad governance and restore the state’s lost glory. The two time Senator for Okigwe zone, disclosed this while addressing the leaders of Orluzurumee Social Cultural Union, at a consultative meeting held with the group in Owerri on Tuesday 13th February 2018.
He assured that, if by the grace of God and with the good will of the people, he becomes governor in 2019, Imo state will surely regain it’s lost glory, as there will be integrated social, economic, and infrastructural development, across board. “All stolen and wrongly appropriated properties will be recovered and returned to the real owners. The oil producing areas will also get hundred percent of their 13% derivatives, while pensioners and civil servants will begin to receive their full emoluments as and when due”.
He regretted that the level of education and health care in the state have completely deteriorated, “we have buildings without equipments, or personnel, and occupied by rodents and reptiles in the name of hospitals. The Imo State Teaching Hospital, built and equipped by Achike Udenwa is now a shadow of it’s self and has lost accreditation in core areas”.
The Isiebu, Isiala Mbano, born foremost politician who parades a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a Masters degree in International Relation noted with dismay, that, aside the roads built by the federal government and those constructed by the Udenwa administration, one cannot drive smoothly on any 500 kilometer road in the state. Ours is also the only state where road construction is done manually with head pans, shovels, etc, in the 21st century. All structures of government including the traditional institution, the judiciary, legislature and even the civil service have all been destroyed or made lame ducks. If we allow what is presently going on in the state to continue, very soon, virtually all organs of government in the state will collapse and we will have nothing to hand over to our children.
The frontline gubernatorial aspirant frowned at the idea of owing pensioners backlog of salaries, demolishing people’s lawfully acquired properties without paying compensation, embarking on white elephant projects that have no economic benefits, without necessary designs, bill of quantity or recourse to a tender’s board as statutorily required. “He probably thinks that we are in a conquered territory”.
Senator Araraume whose father was a professionally trained teacher said there is need for collective and concerted effort to remove the present leadership and enthrone one that will place premium on the rule of law, be passionate enough to make payment of salaries and pensions a top priority, be sensitive about the welfare of the people, and feel their pulse, before implementing any programme or policy. “What Imo state needs in 2019, is a listening government that will be sensitive, fair, just, alive to it’s responsibilities and also adhere strictly to the it’s oath of office and the principles of good governance”.
One time deputy governor of the state, Dr Douglas Acholonu, Chief Ejike Uche (Dimkpasaa), Dr Chris Esiobu, former Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Awuzie, Dr Goddy Esom Obodo (Prince of the oil kingdom), Prof. Protus Uzorma and many other prominent sons of Orlu spoke in their individual capacities.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the union, Prof. F.C Dike (SAN), commended Senator Araraume for visiting them stating that they have noted all he said. According to him, “there is really problem in Imo and hands should be on deck to salvage the state”.
President General of Orluzurumee, Chief (Engr.) Chime Nzeribe commended Araraume as one of the few politicians that sincerely keep and nurture friendship. He disclosed that, in no distant time, Orlu zone will hold a summit, after which the “Orlu declaration” will be made. He advised him to continue to work hard stating that other aspirants have been here to meet with them. “Very soon, we will make a statement”.
others present at the meeting include, Sir Bonny Ajuogu, and other prominent sons of Orlu zone.
