As if reading the mind of the incoming Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who is under intense pressure to dissolve the controversially elected council Chairmen and councilors of the 27 LGAs, upon assumption of office, members of the Imo State House of Assembly, yesterday suspended the 27 LGA Chairmen.
They had earlier summoned them to appear before the House to explain the management of public funds under their care but the Chairman reportedly ignored the summons except the directors of administration in the 27 LGAs who honoured the invitation.
When contacted Hon. Chika Madumere, who represents Nkwerre state constituency explained that, part of the reasons responsible for the suspension of the Chairmen include their non-challant and recalcitrant attitude occasioning refusal to respond o the summons by the honourable members, whereby they sent their Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGs), instead as well as mismanagement of public funds.
Hon. Madumere added that, in the absence of the Chairman, and until the suspension is lifted, assuming the Chairmen show cause why they should be recalled, their deputies will act in their places.
This development as revealed is not healthy for the governor,Rochas Okorocha who our source said is using the council chairmen to perfect document regarding jobs executed in their areas and possible measure to retire already misappropriated fund.
Another source who spoke to our reporter on condition anonymity said,” contrary to the claim by the lawmakers,the bone of contention is that the elected Chairmen of the 27 LGAs allegedly diverted the sum of N1 million given to them for each of the wards in their domains, during the last general elections. The lawmakers were irked at the temerity of the council Chairmen while neglecting and ignoring them during the elections while concentrating in the emergence of Uche Nwosu as the Imo AA governorship candidate. They were equally accused of diverted N5 million released for other purposes to each of them, prior to the general elections”.
He said that,to the lawmakers,especially the non-returning ones,if the LGA chairmen had utilized the money made available to them before and during election,most of them would have emerged victorious.
