Emeka Ihiegbulem
14 November 2009
Orlu — The Imo State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Chief (Mrs.) Comfort Chukwu, has debunked claims that the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) quarters has been abandoned.
Chukwu, who said this when Sunday Champion called on her office to answer questions raised against her ministry on the state of IMHA quarters, noted that the quarters was being illegally occupied.
She said that they were evicted from the place because the state government wanted to renovate the site adding that illegal occupants were not Clean & Green Initiative compliant.
Said Chukwu: "Those who were living there as, at that time, couldn't think about keeping the environment clean. Moreso, because it is a government quarters, most of them who were living there freely were doing what they liked to the detriment of the essence for which the site was constructed. This kind of negative attitude, to the state government is a waste and negates the current philosophies on which the affairs of the state are piloted".
She further said the executive council discussed it and that a stand has been taken on the issue.
"The former legislative quarters or if it is still their quarters is not abandoned. Deliberations on it was made which I will not disclose now but positive plans have been made towards the renovation of the place," the commissioner added.
Continuing, Mrs. Chukwu frowned at the case made by those illegal occupants that they were given short notice before the eviction, as she supported what the House committee chairman on information, Hon. Ray Emeana who said that they were initially given three months and when they delayed in packing out, another three months was given before they were forcefully ejected.
"Our people like to complain especially when a new change is introduced. They abhor facing realities. Their complaints lack water because even if they were given one year to pack out, they will still not be satisfied", she said.
"If they have packed in like that, without any authority, they don't have any reason to complain. They simply took a risk, that risk paid off more handsomely for sometime and today they have failed in the risk they took. They are only complaining today because they have been quitted, but they did not mention how many years they have lived there freely. For me they should thank their stars for those free years", she stated.
On the issue of their taking loans from banks, she said that as Nigeria is a capitalist society, that everybody is free to take loans if there is an understanding between the person and the bank and that it is a personal transaction.
"Asking IMHA management to help them in paying off their loans, if they have an understanding with the management, let IMHA pay off the loans, if not they should tidy up their personal transactions with the banks. Nevertheless, in the composition of salary for workers, accommodation and transportation among others are included", she noted.
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