Imo to create 52 autonomous communities

Posted by admin Imo, State News Friday, December 24th, 2010

Fifty-two communities in Imo State are well on their way to being granted an autonomous status.

An autonomous community is entitled to a traditional ruler as well as a president-general, both answerable only to the local government authorities.

The change in status for the communities is sequel to the recent repeal of Law No. 6 of 2007 on the creation of autonomous communities by the state government.

With this development, Newsextra learnt, the new autonomous communities may emerge before the end of the year.

This was disclosed by the chairman of Imo State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and Due Process, Hon. Nze Ray Emeana while interacting with reporters in Owerri, the state capital.

Hon. Emeana further disclosed that the state House of Assembly and the state government had harmonised the process for which the new autonomous communities would be created, assuring that before the end of this year, a new list of prospective autonomous communities would emerge.

He stated that the discrepancy in the creation of autonomous communities by the previous House, coupled with the lingering litigations over the issue, led to the repeal of the created autonomous communities by the state government.

Hon. Emeana, who is representing Owerri North Constituency, dispelled the rumours making the rounds that those seeking autonomous communities were swindled. He said that the process of securing autonomy status are clearly stated by the House Committee on Chieftaincy Affairs of the Imo State House of Assembly.

Hon. Emeana who also chairs the Ad-hoc committee on Imo State University (IMSU) strike, explained that great efforts have been made by both the legislators and the state government for a speedy resolution of the impasse.

He assured that the state government will start implementing the new wage by January, and pleaded with the striking teachers to resume work.

Hon. Emeana denied any pact by the legislators with the state governor to ensure their re-election in the 2011 general elections, stating that the onus of re-electing any legislator depends on the performance of the aspirant.

“Though the current trend is that experience counts, especially on legislative matters, it is only the performing legislators that should be returned.

“The legislators have the right to aspire for any position and the community has the right to reject them if they are not performing,” he said.wp_posts