Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday inaugurated a 135-member Elders’ Advisory Council to advise as well as criticise his administration when need be.
The council has five elders chosen from each of the 27 local government areas.
During the inauguration at the Government House in Owerri, the state capital, Okorocha said its role would not only be mere advisory but would also include constructive criticisms of the government.
The governor said his administration carefully selected members of the council, ensuring that none of them was in politics or had political affiliation.
He said: “The Elders’ Council must be independent. Members would always advise the government. It would equally offer the government constructive criticisms from time to time. That is why we have made the council to be independent. We have also taken time in the choice of the members of the council to ensure that they are not into partisan politics and do not have any strong political affiliation with any of the political parties or politician. The essence is to ensure credibility of their personalities and what they set out to do.
“The elders in the council would also serve as the bridge between the political parties, elders across the nation and even between politicians within and outside the state. This is in line with our belief that elders are those who understand the past and have a clear view of the future; people who are in custody of the history of the past and what must be done to correct the mistakes of the past to bring improvement to the future.”
Okorocha added: “Members of the council are those not younger than 70 years; they must have retired, if they were politicians or working, and must have been people of proven integrity, who would not be afraid to say the truth, no mater whose ox is gored.”
Admonishing members of the council, the governor said: “To whom much is given, much is expected. You are also expected to bridge the gap between the government and the people. You should also restore the fallen integrity of the elders in the state by being brave and truthful in the discharge of your duties.”
Dr. E. J. K. Onyewuchi was elected Chairman of the Council, while Prince Pat Abii was elected Secretary.
Onyewuchi thanked the governor for acknowledging the role and importance of elders in a democratic setting.
He assured that the council would achieve its lofty goal for the glory of the state.
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