Orlu Elders’ Council has distanced and dissociated itself from the release issued by Orlu Political Consultative Assembly, (OPOCA), wherein they claimed that Orlu Elders council has endorsed the plot to recall former Governor Rochas Okorocha who presently represents Orlu senatorial zone in the National Assembly, stressing that they were neither consulted not briefed by the OPOCA group before taking the decision.
The Secretary General of Orlu Elders’ Council, Prof. Protus Uzoma disclosed this during an interview with Newsmen in Owerri, yesterday.
He noted that the group is a registered and credible organization comprising technocrats, professionals and academics who have paid their dues in different fields of human endeavour. “We have Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), former Vice Chancellors, high profile politicians and captains of industry who will not for any reason allow themselves to be used in settling personal score instead of promoting populist agenda.
Prof. Uzoma stated that Orlu Elders Council’s passion for transparency and accountability in governance is not negotiable hence their insistence that any person who uses his or her position to amass wealth or acquire properties illicitly should be made to return them. “That is why the council supports the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma’s effort and determination to recover all properties of the state that were looted, appropriated or forcefully acquired by past administrations”.
He expressed regret that some political jobbers with ulterior motives want to use the credible image and platform of Orlu Elders Council to feather their nests in pursuance of personal interests that are not in tandem with the over all interest and aspirations of Orlu people.
He also noted that OPOCA that purportedly issued the release calling for Okorocha’s recall should have in the same vein condemned the attack on Orlu people that led to death of score of Orlu people,recently.
“Orlu Elders Council vividly recalls and will vemently resist any attempt to be drawn into the sad history of carrying mock caskets for her former and present leaders.
“Much as we support the bold and courageous move to recover all looted properties and funds of Imo people, we would not want to be drawn into petty squabbles and other reprehensible acts and antics that amount to playing to the gallery to curry favour, privileges and other pecuniary benefits”.
The group also warned against attempt by any person or group of persons to impersonate or rubbish the hard earned image and reputation of Orlu Elders Council. They described the meeting purportedly held in Orlu where it was said that the Orlu elders Council gave nod to the decision to recall Okorocha as misleading.
