The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha has expressed shock over media reports that the Imo State Government had set aside over N600 million for the decoration of streets in Owerri, ahead of the Christmas celebration.
Ihedioha queried, “Why at this critical period when the citizens are passing through untold hardship arising from over 20 months of unpaid salary arrears and pensions, owed to workers in the state?”
A statement by his media aide, Mr. Chibuike Onyekwu, Ihedioha said that, “despite prevailing widespread disenchantment being expressed by citizens who have recently called for his immediate impeachment over the alarming rate of hunger and insecurity occasioned by the inept handling of issues of governance and unrepentant deceit so far exhibited by the Okorocha administration, the governor has refused to repent or address such concerns and other critical issues”.
Ihedioha further said that “preparations for Christmas celebration are no doubt a tradition for Christians all over the world but it is ridiculous and, indeed, smacks of insensitivity for this government to spend over N600 million on decorations when families can no longer afford their meals and basic needs as a result of non-payment of salaries, pensions and other entitlements.”
Credit: DalyTimes
