The Imo State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Rt Hon Chuma Nnaji, has bemoaned the existing state of the traditional institution in the state which he described as bogus with the potential to create a breach of the peace of the state as a result of local rivalry.
According to him there are over 630 autonomous communities dangling staff of office with over another 100 jostling to receive their own staff of office. He noted that it is not just embarrassing but said that no state can carry the huge financial implication adding that the state is not likely to grant any further approval.
He charged the Imo Intelligence and Community Development Agency (IICDA) to beam their searchlight in this area in the communities to avoid a breach of peace. He also gave thumbs up to the members and leadership of the Agency for the strides they are making in birthing a solid security outfit anchored on intelligence and development.
He made the remark Tuesday when the management of the group in the state visited him in the office to present the 27 Divisional Intelligence Officers (DIO’s) who areto oversee the activities of the group at the various local government levels. He superintends as the Grand Patron of the agency.
Nnaji acknowledged the efforts of the group which he described as not easy in mobilising high profile men and women to deliver value to the state so that it can become a reference point to others.
He noted that the IICDA were men and women who are driven by strong passion and conviction of their vision which has supported them to make tremendous achievement in their drive to secure the state.
In his words, ‘I have followed you systematically and wish to congratulate you so far. I am working from behind the scene but chose to expose you to some strenuous efforts to reach out to the stakeholders to get their buy-in. Those I spoke to are full of praise for your group’’.
The former deputy speaker expressed happiness at the impressive profile of the DIO’s. According to him, these are not the rag tag community security team of the past government, not men who are looking for jobs but those passionately seeking to serve the state. He promised the willingness of the governor to meet with the Agency very soon.
The former banker and journalist further stated that the IICDA will be useful to the government because it is a result oriented value adding organization not involved in any form of witch hunting.
While informing the audience about the strides of the government to reconstruct the roads he pledged on behalf of the government that the state would be great again.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and State Commander, Emma Meziem remarked that the visit was to present the DIO’s and to re-engineer the spirit of the members. He indicated that the recent restructuring that took place in the group was to strengthen it.
He highlighted the recent efforts at meeting the Majority Leader of the State legislature and the State Attorney-General in the on-going effort to secure the official imprimatur of the state government through legislation.
In his vote of thanks, Dr Ukachukwu expressed appreciation with the efforts of the Grand Patron and the government which he explained that the group is comfortable with. Some of the state management team that graced the occasion includes, Barr. Mbachu, Barr Azuama, Dr. Ukachukwu, Barr. Onwukwe, Csp Nkwocha, Emma Meziem among others.
NIGERIA HORN
