• regrets attack on Ajaero, but vows not be intimidated by NLC’S threats
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has reiterated his stand of choosing his successor from Owerri zone area of the State.
He revealed this when the State Council of Elders paid him a courtesy call at the Government House on Tuesday.
While thanking the elders for championing the course of the Charter of equity which he noted doused the tension and allowed for a peaceful election in the State ,he afirmed that its time for him to abide by his promise on the zoning arrangement .
He said “I thank you the elders for the sacrifice you have made in removing political tension in Imo State by your charter of equity.
“I wasnt surprised at the victory because of the decision of the people was beyond politics and religion, the charter of equity has removed the acrimony and tension that surrounded the election.
“No doubt my successor would be produced by the charter of equity, that journey to a new Imo is becoming a reality, i won’t betray the confidence reposed in me,i promised to do better than before,we must get it right,there is no other State that we can call our own.
“I won’t allow mischief makers to have their ways,i will make sure the next governor will not come from Orlu zone,it will come from Owerri zone and thereafter it will move to Okigwe “. Uzodimma assured.
Meanwhile, Uzodimma has also maintained that his government is not owing workers in the State.
However, he apologised to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC ) President Joe Ajaero on the attack he suffered in the State but quickly added that his administration will not succumb to any threat by anybody.
“He said “This government is not owing any worker a dime,even the judges were paid. The 2 percent not paid was discrepancies, some of them were transferred from one department to another ,what’s happening is a political sponsored antagonism and we’re handling it.
“We regret any assault on the president but will not take any afront,i think the president is one of us,government will not be cowed ,i will not submit to any threat, i can never be intimidated”. Uzodimma said.
Earlier during his speech at the courtesy visit, State chairman of the elders council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya who congratulated the governor on his victory urged him to see it as a huge trust the people of the State regarded his leadership qualities.
He enjoined those that contested with him to join hands with him to work for the benefits of the State.
Ilomuanya said “We appeal to other candidates to accept the verdict of the people for the betterment of the State,election will come and go but that which binds us as brotherhood will always remain”.