– Debunks concessioning rumour
The General Manager of Imo Transport Company (ITC), Chief I.C Ibeh, has debunked rumours making the round that the state government has consessioned Imo Transport Company (ITC) to one Mr Okafor, who presently has the mandate to manage and oversee all public motor parks in the state.
Responding to questions by our reporter in his office on Tuesday, July 21st, 2020, Chief Ibeh said there is no iota of truth in the rumour, as he is still in charge of the management, administration and other related issues in the company that is a parastatal under the Ministry of Transport.
He however stated that, Mr Okafor who was appointed by the state government to manage all public motor parks in the state, “was appointed to act as “government’s eye in ITC. He is more or less the state government’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) monitor, as regards ITC. I, with the dedicated and hardworking staff of this company, run this place hundred percent (100%), keep and maintain our account records, bank transactions. We will from time to time, provide him with necessary information and support he needs. There is absolutely nothing like concessioning as rumoured in some quarters”.
The General Manager applauded the Governor, who in a bid to reposition, rejuvenate and uplift the standard of company, thought it wise to make such appointment that will instill checks and balances, enhance optimal performance, revenue generation base and make it more efficient and growth-oriented in the interest of Imo people.
Responding to a question about ITC not having a Board, he said, “the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Barr Rex Anunobi (Sokom), who believes in due process, has drawn the attention of the Governor to the need to constitute a Board of Directors for the company, and that will be addressed in no distant time”.
Chief Ibeh, also commended Governor Hope Uzodinma’s giant strides as regard infrastructural development, strengthening the institutions of governance and initiating well articulated, programmes and policies that will, with time, turn around the fortunes of the state. “The Governor has performed excellently in a very short time. He deserves the support and encouragement of all Imo people”.
Some staff of the company, who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, expressed reservation about Mr Okafor’s appointment, stressing that, it will ultimately create hitches that will impede the smooth running, administration and operation of ITC.
“Besides, ITC is a government parastatal and 90% of the vehicles in it’s fleet are owned by individuals. The management and administration of the company should be insulated from undue interference, pressure, external influence and manipulation. This, will enable the government know who to hold responsible for any breach, act of omission or commission”.
Others who spoke also described Okafor’s appointment as laudable. They however, advised him to resist the temptation of over stepping his bounds or interfering with the management and administration of the state owned transport company. According to them, “if Mr Okafor who seems to be doing well, as regards the management of motor parks in the state, works harmoniously and in synergy with the management of ITC, without over stepping his bounds or trying to usurp anybody’s role or responsibility, the state government’s aim of appointing him will benefit the company, the government and people of Imo State”.
When contacted on the issue, the State Commissioner for Transport, Barr Rex Anunobi, declined comment.
