Governor Okorocha inaugurates 135-man Elders’ Advisory Council in Imo State

IMO State governor Rochas Okorocha has inaugurated a 135-member Elders’ Advisory Council to advise as well as criticise his administration when need be as part of a drive to bring governance closer to the people.

 

In the first such development of its kind, the council which has five elders, will not only be merely advisory but would also offer constructive criticisms of the government according to Governor Okorocha. He added that his administration carefully selected members of the council, ensuring that none of them was in politics or had political affiliations.

 

Governor Okorocha said: “The Elders’ Council must be independent and members would always advise the government. It would equally offer the government constructive criticisms from time to time, which 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."

 

 He stressed that 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. Governor Okorocha said this is in line with the belief that elders are those who understand the past and have a clear view of the future.

 

Governor Okorocha added: “Members of the council are those not younger than 70 years and they must have retired if they were politicians or working. They must have been people of proven integrity, who would not be afraid to say the truth, no matter whose ox is gored.”

 

Dr EJK Onyewuchi was elected chairman of the council, while Prince Pat Abii was elected secretary. Responding on behalf of the members, Dr Onyewuchi thanked the governor for acknowledging the role and importance of elders in a democratic setting and assured him that the council would achieve its lofty goals.