The planned defection of chief executive officer of the suspended Imo State Traffic Management Authority (ISTMA) Chief Don Onwukaike from All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may have angered Governor Rochas Okorocha of the state as his newly formednew security outfit, Imo Civil Guards, Tuesday ejected agency from its office in Owerri.
Having fallen out with Okorocha, the ISTMA boss was reported to have been wooed by several political parties to dump the APC and join the them because of his clout in his Okigwe local government area.
The officers of the civil guards broke into the offices of the ISTMA located at the Old Okigwe Road State Secretariat.
Speaking with our reporter on telephone, the Commandant-General of the Civil Guards, Hon. Donatus Ejifugha stated that they had the authority of government to take possession of the office.
He also disclosed that he got permission from the Chief Executive Officer of ISTMA, Chief Don Onwukaike before taking over the office.
Ejifugha, the immediate past Sole Administrator of Oru East Local Government Area assured that the property belonging to ISTMA were all intact as he had packed them in a safe place as he agreed with Chief Onwukaike.
But Chief Onwukaike denied that Ejifugha got his permission before bulldozing into his office.
He however admitted that Ejifugha called him on telephone Tuesdayafternoon after he had broken into the office of ISTMA to inform him of the incident and to assure him that ISTMA’s property were intact.
Chief Onwukaike further disclosed on his face-book wall that he had instructed his lawyers to challenge what he described as rule of impunity even as he stated that he won’t return to Imo State until he ascertains that he is safe.
“Where is the rule of law in Imo state if agents of government can act with impunity? I have instructed my lawyers to challenge this brazen illegality in court while we evaluate our claims. Meanwhile, I will remain in my location until I secure guarantees about my safety as I was verily informed that the agents boasted that they will deal with me if seen. I am at a loss why anyone will be after me when I am in same APC”.
ISTMA came into being following a law enacted by the state legislature in 2012. It was concessioned to Chief Onwukaike’s organization to run.
Though the office block where ISTMA was domiciled belongs to government, the furniture and fittings belonged to the concessionaire.
ISTMA has been slammed with two suspensions since its inception with the latest suspension which took effect on September 17, 2013 which was meant to last for a one month now into its ninth month.
Chief Onwukaike is piqued that a body which by law is still in existence has had its office broken into and taken over by another government agency.
He believes that the state governor could not have approved the action of the Civil Guards.
ISTMA employed no fewer than 230 youths comprising graduates and NCE holders who had been thrown into the job market following the suspension order slammed on the organization last year.
