people of the State that his administration will not witch hunt
political opponents in the state, even as he reiterated his commitment
to delivering quality infrastructure to people of the State.
Speaking while receiving in audience a delegation of the National
leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria-CAN, led by the
National President, His Eminence, Rev. (Dr.) Sampson Ayokunle, in
Owerri, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona
however stated that the state is going through serious challenges.
Explaining why the delegation was received in the private residence of
the Governor, instead of the Government House, Deputy Governor Irona
stated:
“It is not in the habit of His Excellency Governor Emeka Ihedioha to
engage or host government guests in his private residence. But, we are
facing tough challenges in the state. We inherited no office and
residence, so, we decided to carry out our constitutional
responsibilities from our private residence.”
The Governor assured that no matter the challenges, the government is
committed to solving them, adding that the people will soon heave a sigh
of relief.
“I want to assure you that we will serve the people of Imo State with
all our heart. It is true that in the course of carrying out our
functions, we may step on toes, but, I assure you that it is targeted at
sanitizing Imo State. We shall do it believing that we will keep to our
promise to the good people of Imo State while we were campaigning, which
was that we will be fair to all.
“Our government, ably led by Governor Emeka Ihedioha promised people of
the state that the rule of law shall be the cardinal point of the
administration. I want to assure you that we shall not witch hunt
anybody. We shall be fair to all, believing that Imo State belongs to
all of us”.
He also urged the Christian Association of Nigeria to continue to pray
and preach for peace and security in the country, saying that the
country needs peace.
Earlier, the National President of CAN, His Eminence Rev. Dr. Sampson
Ayokunle urged the Governor to continue to be humble, adding that God
likes humble disposition. He called on him to realize that though he had
won the election, he is a representative of God in the government.
He said, “God chose you for a purpose. God does not make mistakes. God
does not look as man looks. He looks at the inside of a man and not at
the outside. I want you to know that though you won the election and are
in government, you are a representative of God.”
“Remember the parable of the rich fool. Since God gave you this
position, don’t boast. Be humble and do your work with humility because
God loves humble people. People will provoke you but don’t boast. If you
don’t boast, what God has given you is a tip of the iceberg, because God
respects the humble.”
He further charged the Governor to ensure that he delivers on quality
projects in the state, saying, “Let there be quality in whatever you do,
not gallivanting from place to place. The quality of your work will
speak for you. Do projects that will endure. One of the things people
remember Chief Obafemi Awolowo for is the quality of his projects. Some
of the roads he tarred in those days still stand.”
Other members of the CAN President’s delegation are: Chairman, CAN,
Southeast, Bishop Goddy Okafor, Imo State Chairman of CAN, Apostle Paul
Ibeji, South East Secretary, Dr. S.C. Nwokolo, Abia State Chairman,
Apostle Agomuo Emmanuel, Ebonyi State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali,
Rev. Dr. John Ndubuisi, Chairman, CAN Anambra State, among others.
On hand to receive the guests on behalf of the state government were:
Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, Head
of Service of the State, Mrs. Alima Eluwa, former member of the House of
Representatives, Hon Jeff Ojinika, among others.