Group identified as Imolites For Good Governance (IFGG) a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) has warned the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in the state to desist from taking instructions from the Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Ifeanhi Oruh, because they are not in any way answerable to him.
The group also cautioned Oruh against manipulating and interfering in the affairs of the Chairmen and their respective local government councils.
This was contained in a release signed by Comrade Gideon Njoku and Clinton Osuagwu, as Coordinator and Clinton Osuagwu, as Secretary and made available to newsmen.
They stated that they have closely monitored the excesses of Ifeanyi Oruh, and how he single handedly imposed all those who worked with him as election monitors on Imo people as Executive Chairman, adding that he has become the “Mr Fix” of Imo State.
“We also have it on good authority that the Chairmen have all agreed to pay an undisclosed amount from the local government coffers to the state government every month aside the agreement which they reached with Gov Uzodinma.
They cautioned the L.G. Chairmen to be very careful about the way they disburse public funds adding that the group has resolved to drag any person or group that tampers with public funds.
They warned the newly elected Chairmen to be very careful about how they disburse public funds, because any person or group found guilty will definitely face the full weight of the law.
“We have resolved to drag any person involved in the embezzlement of public funds to court. Hence, any person who does that should be ready for the consequences. It is regrettable that Oruh who is reportedly misleading and coercing them into toying with public funds, aside lacking good educaion,will not accompany them to jail when the chips are down. Hence, a word is enoug for the wise”
He also reminded the council chairmen that they, unlike the Governors, are not covered by immunity, hence the group will not wait for them to serve out their tenure before initiating legal action against them. “That is why it is necessary for them to be prudent in the disbursement of public funds in addition to being accountable to the people whose funds they hold and disburse in trust”.
They regretted that Ifeanyi Oruh who, according to them, does not have a decent educational background is now the person tele guiding them on how to use public funds.
Concluding the group, assured Imolites that they will henceforth make the monthly allocations to the 27 Local Government Areas in the state public to ensure transparency.
