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Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has appointed Chief Eze Duruiheoma as Chairman of a five-man panel to investigate alleged corruption against former council chairmen and political appointees under former Governor Rochas Okorocha.
Other members of the committee to probe Okorocha’s appointees between 2011 and 2019 are, Dr. Ken Uzoechi (Secretary), Ngozi Ogbu, Ezekiel Chukwukere and Anogwi Anyanwu.
Inaugurating the panel yesterday, Deputy Governor of the state, Gerald Irona, said the Ihedioha administration would be anchored on openness, transparency and accountability, urging the committee members not to disappoint the Imo people, but carry out a thorough investigation.
“It has pleased the Imo State government under Ihedioha to set up a committee to investigate allegations of corrupt practices of former council chairmen, councilors and political appointees from 2011 to 2019.
“This is pursuant to a petition against the chairmen, vice chairmen, councilors and political appointees of the 27 councils in the state and the recommendation to the governor by the Imo State House of Assembly.
“It is also done with regard to the provisions of sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Local Government Administration Law of 2019, as amended and sections 73 sub- section 3 of the Local Government Administration Law 2000, as amended.
The governor had suspended the chairmen, vice chairmen, councilors and other political appointees in the 27 councils of the state for a period of six months.
Irona also explained that the members of the committee were carefully selected based on merit of track record, urging them to discharge their duties without fear of favour.
Responding on behalf of the other members, Duruiheoma, who is immediate past chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), thanked the state government for finding them worthy to serve, promising that they would not disappoint the state.
“I assure you that we will not this assignment lightly. Please, convey our gratitude to the governor. We promise not to disappoint him. The trust reposed in us will not be betrayed,” he added.