TheCable

Emeka Ihedioha, governor of Imo state, has approved the suspension of chairmen, vice chairmen, councilors and political appointees of local governments in the state.

Ihedioha also constituted the interim management committees for six months.

Chibuike Onyeukwu, chief press secretary to the governor, announced the suspension in a statement.

Onyeukwu said this is in pursuant to the recommendation made to the governor by the Imo state house of assembly.

“This is in pursuant also, to the provisions of Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Local Government Administration (Amendment) law, 2019 and S.73(3) of Imo State Local Government Administration Law No 15 of 2000 (as amended) and all other laws enabling him,” the statement read.

“The Governor has set up Interim Management Committees to manage the affairs of each Local Government. Consequently, the Directors of Administration and General Services(DAGS) of each Local Government have been directed to take over management, pending the confirmation of Interim Management Committees by the State Assembly.

“In a similar development, the Governor approved the dissolution and removal of the chairman and members of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC).

“This is following a resolution supported by two-thirds majority of the State Assembly rendered on 6th June, 2019 seeking their removal from office. The action is also in accordance with the provisions of S.7(1) of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission Law and all other extant laws of the State.

“The Commission will be reconstituted in due course to put in place the machinery for conducting a credible election into the local governments.

“The Governor further directs that these officers handover to the most senior civil servant in the Commission. In the over-riding public interest of the state, the Governor also approved the dissolution of all statutory boards, corporations, agencies and parastatals. This is in line with relevant enabling laws of the state.”