Just in: First two action Govs serious in business of governance emerge
Out of 29 governors sworn in yesterday, two among them have flagged off show of governance in their respective states with far reaching official decisions and actions.
The state chief executives are Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo and Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
Very early this morning (May 30, 2019), both governors went into the business of state craft as whereas the Imo State Governor, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, issued a terse statement warning all banks in Imo State to dishonour any payment advice or cheque coming from any government office pending till otherwise stated, Sanwo-Olu has signed his first Executive Order.
The Governor signd executive order against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, waste management, traffic management among others in the administration’s drive towards achieving a greater Lagos for all.
He capped the first ever Executive Order on his day one in office in the State of Aquatic Splendour with instant walking visit to personally assess the notorious traffic nightmare in Apapa and had strategic discussions with NPA officials and all relevant stakeholders on how to end the sickness.
Just as any first governance signal is yet to come from other 27 governors sworn in yesterday, in Imo State, barely 24 hours after assuming office, the sights and sounds of the demolition of monuments built by Rochas Okorocha, filtered in.
Business Hilights South East Bureau chief reports that the first monument touched was the Akachi Tower, one of the many tourist attractions built by the former governor and even commissioned by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo a week ago. The Akachi Tower was built on a reclaimed dumpsite that was abandoned by previous administrations.
Residents believe that other statues Okorocha erected during his tenure may equally be on the line going forward.
Though there are conflicting reports that no sooner the earth-moving equipment deployed by yet to be identified authority was demolishing the monument, military operatives numbering over 25 came and chased the workers away, a source close to the Governor confided in our correspondent that government was in shocks hearing about the attempted demolition.
However, later today, Steve Osuji, Special Adviser, (Media) to the Governor issued another statement detailing that “Imo State government has no hand in the demolition of Akachi statue”.
The government noted that “Contrary to reports emanating from Owerri, the Government of Imo State has no hand in the pulling down of the gargantuan Akachi statue near Aba Road, Owerri. In the same vein, government seizes this opportunity to warn Imo people to desist from unruly behavior and remain law abiding as anyone caught breaking the law would be prosecuted. The security agencies have been put on alert to maintain law and order across the state.
“At about noon on Thursday, a mammoth crowd had besieged the Akachi statue hacking at it and trying to pull it down, apparently acting in pent up anger.
According to reports, Imo people seem to have nursed a loathing for the statue right from the beginning, considering it a monument that portends ominous auguries for the people of the state.
Besides, he added another version to the development suggestong that the contractors who have been working rather endlessly around the statue for some time but who may have not been paid, may be responsible for the breaching of the giant statue.
In the submission of the state government, Osuji averred that “It needs to be reiterated that the Imo State government under Governor Emeka Ihedioha has no hand in the attempt to pull down the Akachi statue. If government deems it necessary to pull down the statue or any structure for that matter, it would be done properly and in accordance with the law”.
Recall that Osuji, had earlier in his maiden press statement made it clear that “no financial mandates, ISPOs or any form of financial instruction should be treated.”
He revealed that “Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has directed that all financial institutions that have relationship with the Imo State Government should not honour any withdrawal instruction by cheques, transfers or in any form.
“No financial mandates, ISPOs or any form of financial instruction should be treated.
“All outstanding financial instructions already with banks and financial institutions should be put on hold.
“This directive covers, but not limited to, all the accounts of Ministries, Departments, Parastatals, Local Government councils, quasi-government agencies and all revenue generating organs of government.
“Banks and non-bank financial institutions are to take note and ensure compliance, as the state government will not be responsible for any disbursement effected contrary to this directive.
“This directive will remain in force until otherwise advised.
“Heads of government agencies, departments, parastatals, permanent secretaries and relevant officers will be held responsible for any breach.
Business Hilights reports that “This directive takes effect immediately.”
