Imo citizens have expressed mixed reactions to the vote of confidence passed on Governor Hope Uzodinma by the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, November 19, in recognition of what they described as his solid and outstanding achievements.
Some residents have criticized the move, arguing that it was unnecessary and questioning the legislators’ role as the governor’s mouthpiece.
They called on the lawmakers to focus on legislating solutions to pressing state issues such as rural road rehabilitation, security challenges, and the rising cost of food items.
Speaking to our correspondent, retired principal Osondu Hyacinth Eriaja stated, “I don’t think passing a vote of confidence is one of the legislative functions of lawmakers. They have much to do rather than reducing their duties to mere praise-singing.
“The governor, no doubt, has aides who can showcase what he has done to the public. Imo lawmakers should allow the executive arm of government to praise itself. The Commissioner for Information, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and other aides are there to trumpet his activities.
“The lawmakers should focus on delivering effective laws that will address present challenges facing the state—such as bad rural roads and insecurity—and not act as the mouthpiece of the executive branch,” he said.
On the other hand, Ugochukwu Akagha commended the lawmakers for recognizing the governor’s achievements, arguing that it falls within their rights to acknowledge good work done by the executive while maintaining their legislative duties.
He said, “Doing so will not make them deviate from their primary responsibility of law-making.”
Other residents urged the legislators to prioritize addressing issues like security challenges and the poor condition of rural roads, especially with the festive season approaching.
“The legislative and executive arms operate as separate organs of government, but that does not mean they cannot work in harmony for the betterment of the state.
“Each has the right to commend the other when necessary, but not at the expense of their respective roles. So, commending the governor by the state lawmakers is not out of place,” a resident stated.
On Tuesday, November 19, the State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence on Governor Uzodinma. The motion, moved by Deputy Speaker Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu and seconded by House Majority Leader Kanayo Onyemaechi, was sponsored by 20 other members.
While presenting the motion, Iwuanyanwu described Uzodinma’s administration as people-oriented, citing numerous achievements and ongoing projects. He stated that these projects would soon make Imo the envy of other states in Nigeria.
The Deputy Speaker also condemned what he termed “malicious, baseless, and distractive propaganda” by individuals who he claimed did not have the state’s best interests at heart.
The chief sponsor of the motion emphasized that the House of Assembly, as the representative of all segments of the state, is best positioned to assess the performance of the government. He urged the House to dismiss attempts by “dishonest persons” to derail good governance and pass the vote of confidence.
More than two-thirds of the lawmakers, including Minority Leader Ugochukwu Amuchie and Deputy Minority Leader Clinton Amadi, supported the motion.
The Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Services, Barr Mrs Chinelo Emeghara, was directed to communicate the vote of confidence to the state’s Chief Executive.