A former Executive Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area and later, member for Orlu, Orsu, Oru East Federal constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Mayor Chukwudi Eze (Ikenga Orlu) has lambasted Governor Rochas Okorocha and his aides for their uncomplimentary remarks on the former governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa and other important personalities in the state.
In a release he personally signed, he enjoined the Rochas Okorocha administration to be more tolerant of constructive criticisms and calls for accountability because “anybody that occupies public office must always be ready to give account of his political and financial stewardship because he occupies the position in trust for the people”.
He maintained that, Governor Achike Udenwa’s administration, aside being a reference point in good governance, provision of democratic dividends and infrastructural development of the state was very tolerant of opposing and dissenting voices, inspite of criticisms and attacks that are normal in a democracy.
He advised the governor’s loquacious Chief Press Secretary Sam Onwuemeodo to be more civil and professional in the discharge of his duties by responding to critics of his principal’s administration with courtesy. He also advised him to counter negative remarks and insinuations of non performance by showcasing and/or itemizing Governor Okorocha’s achievements in almost 8 years in office. “It is the inalienable right of citizens to question the actions and inactions of government. When a government resorts to abusing and attacking senior, respected and knowledgeable religious, political, cultural and traditional leaders and stakeholders instead of addressing the issues raised, it becomes obvious that it has lost focus and now in pursuit of shadows, instead of substance”. He urged Governor Okorocha and his propaganda merchants led by Sam Omwuemeodo to address the cardinal issues of security, roads, education, health care, due process and the welfare of Imolites, especially pensioners and civil servants.
It will be recalled that Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo in a release captioned, “Achike Udenwa, Izuogu, Bishop Obinna, Ilomuanya can’t love APC and President Muhammadu Buhari” published in some newspapers, berated the above mentioned. He accused them of antagonizing and working against Governor Okorocha and President Buhari, while promoting the interests of Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Onwuemedo in the said publication, also averred that Chief Udenwa is envious of Governor Okorocha’s numerous achievements as the former has only the state secretariat as his only achievement.
He accused Chief Ezekiel Izuogu of being jealous of Governor Okorocha who is at the last lap of his 8 year tenure while he (Izuogu) contested the governorship election severally and lost woefully on all occasions.
Most people who commented on the development wondered why Sam Onwuemeodo delights in fighting on all fronts and the same time. They opined that the governor’s Chief Press Secretary has, by his unprofessional conduct and approach to his duties, created more enemies and poor public image for his principal. “He has ultimately alienated the governor from the majority of Imolites”
