Amby Uneze in Owerri
The governor-elect of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has said that his administration will restore the dignity of Imo people, adding that the era of the state being a laughing stock in Nigeria is gone.
He also said he would soon set up a transition team with clear terms of reference to liaise with the outgoing government to collate information on the state of affairs of the state.
In a world press conference held Thursday tagged “For Imo, A New Dawn”, the governor-elect dedicated his victory in Saturday’s, governorship elections to the ordinary men and women in the state, including the traders, artisans, clergies, labourers, farmers, teachers, students, youths and women of all ages.
“I am humbled by your trust in my leadership. For me the mandate which you have bestowed on me is sacred and I shall do all in my capacity to uphold that thrust,”he said, adding that he owed Imo people unalloyed service for their trust.
He said that the election was as epochal as its outcome was momentous, noting “it is a fervent protest against impunity and the celebrations in all the nooks and crannies of the state is a testimony to your belief in the rightness and wisdom of our vision for Imo state and the new path to progress which we shared with you during the campaigns.
“We shall run an open, transparent and accountable government with due process as its hallmark. I believe strongly that those in position of authority must render account of their stewardship to the people. The era of brazenness in Imo state is gone.
“My fellow citizens, I will be governor to all Ndi-Imo both those who voted for us and those who did not. No part is greater or more important than the other. We are equal stakeholders in the Imo project and must therefore ensure that our people are united in the pursuant of the common good. We look forward to the future with hope. It is my duty and responsibility to ensure that we remain brothers and sisters with a common destiny.
“We will run an all-inclusive government and not a government of exclusion. Ours will be a government that will promote the unity of the state, rather than accentuate the issues that have characterized our relationship with each in rent time”, he stated.
Ihedioha commended the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies as well as other officials who conducted, observed or monitored the election for conducting a credible election. He also enjoined his fellow contestants, who he said fought gallantly, to join hands with him to rebuild the state and take it to greater heights.
