IMO STATE GOVT TOLD TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS OF DEMOLITION
Imo State Government says it will not support any political criticism that does not reflect practical realities.
Governor Rochas Okoroccha made this known when the Federal Commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission, Chief Willie Amadi and some members of staff of the commission visited him at Government House, Owerri.
Governor Okorocha urged them to disregard information coming from those who hide under the guise of social media to push out fake news.
He explained that the urban renewal in the state only affected few fences without demolishing people’s houses.
“What is important now and your commission must take note is that Nigeria is in a serious problem with this issue of what is called elastic freedom that allows people to go on internet and misrepresent facts and say things that are not there. And if your committee will rely on the social media, you might be making greatest mistake because ninety percent of the stories are unfounded and not true”
“The worst part of it is that is no longer an attack on Government but on individuals. People are defaming people on daily basis because they have access to phones that they can do some few touches and send wrong message and completely misinform members of the public”
Governor Okorocha therefore informed the commission that the State had paid November salary as promised, noting that five billion naira had been set aside to clear pension arrears.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission, Chief Willie Amadi appealed to the State Government to look into the plight of workers in the State and compensate those whose property were demolished during the urban renewal projects.
Chief Amadi stressed that the Commission interfaced with government at all levels and welcomed complaints from both civil and public servants as well as multinational companies who operate within the country.
According to him, the Commission functions as alternative dispute resolution which covers administrative injustices, privileges and rights of employees.
” We have received several complaints from public companies, private companies,
public servants and civil servants ranging from non payment of salaries, gratuity, pension and also on undue termination of contract of employment. We we have had to do with some of them. We had interface with ministries, departments and agencies of Government and we are working”
” But I will also graciously appeal that you direct that when they see our enquiries they should make haste so that we can inform those who are distressed. Citizens do not have access to vital reasons while Government take decision and it is only when we hear from the Government that we can reassure them and write
to tell them that is the position of the Government”.
The Commission during the visit presented a copy of the Act of the Commission and thanked the State Government for renovating the Commission’s office building in Owerri.
CHUKWUKA AGUKWE