Honourable Marcel Amadioha, Executive Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, in this interview with Stanley Uzoaru, shares his insights on how the council has achieved peace and development.
How has the local government autonomy been operating?
It’s a full autonomy. We’ve achieved a lot since we came in, and the state government gives us a free hand to run the council.
What kind of relationship exists between the councils and the governor?
Very robust. The governor plays a fatherly role, guiding us in every ramification.
What plans do you have for Federal Government projects in your state?
No project is abandoned. There are plans for them.
What have you achieved since you came on board?
We’ve done a lot of projects, including markets, water boreholes, and road construction. We’ve also impacted the lives of 200 women with N50, 000 each for mini-trade. We have achieved a lot. The State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has been very supportive from my days of being the Interim Management Transition Chairman (IMTC). We did a lot of projects. When we came in, there was no good structure at the council, but now it’s habitable to stay. If you come to the council now there is life. l met some abandoned projects when l came in. The structure of the council was still very low but we have taken it to some level now, it has been roofed, plastered as well as some technical work done on it. We pray between now and August we might commission the project. Within a short period too,when l was the IMTC chairman, we were able to buy equipment and distribute it to the 12 health centres in our local government.
Every dry season, during the festive seasons, we embark on grading of the rural roads in all the council areas to make it motorable. Very soon we would embark on renovation of schools .
Also within a short time we have been in office we have been able to construct one kilometre road at Abacheke, put in place a motorised borehole at Mgbuishii community. We built 10 open shops at Obosima market, renovation of one health centre each in all the wards in Ohaji/Egbema.
How did you address insecurity in your area?
We engaged our youths and diffused their minds from crimes. We use carrot and stick approaches to convince them, and we arrest those with criminal tendencies.
What’s the relationship between oil companies and your people?
The oil companies have neglected our people. However, the present governor has been helpful, telling them to agree with the communities they’re operating in.
In which area will you rate the governor high?
Health, infrastructure, and security. He’s done very well, and I give him distinction in those areas.
Do you support Ogbako Ohaji’s stance on Orlu State creation?
Ogbako Ohaji has the right to say where they want to belong. We’ll choose where we want to be when the time comes.
What’s your position on the Charter of Equity?
Politics is about popular vote. While zoning is for convenience, it’s not a guarantee. Excellence is what matters.
What’s the present state of Adapalm?
It’s doing well. The governor has helped improve the place, and they’re generating revenue.
Do you think President Tinubu deserves a second term?
Yes. He’s confronted the present problems of this country courageously, and his efforts are commendable.