Imo Assembly to investigate Okorocha’s university

Lawmakers at Imo State House of Assembly have reiterated their efforts to ensure that investigations are carried out on Easter Palm University that was established by the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha.

In a motion moved by the House on Wednesday, the House implored the state governor, Emeka Ihedioha to set up a committee to investigate the real owner of Eastern Palm University, at Ogboko in Ideato South Local Government Area of the state.

The motion, which was moved by the member representing Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Eddy Obinna, was supported by majority of the House members.

While moving the motion, Eddy urged the governor to set up a committee to probe the financial involvement in the said university by whoever claims to be the owner.

Following this, the Speaker of the House, Chiji Collins, who put the question to the vote, got answers in the confirmatory.

Read also: Obaseki talks tough, warns ‘unscrupulous’ politicians as Edo Assembly crisis intensifies

Meanwhile, some of the House members advised on the need to focus on governance instead of being distracted by witch hunting the former governor of the state.

They also called on their members to consider free education programme achieved by Okorocha during his tenure.

But according to the mover of the  motion, Obinna, “considering the huge amount of money expended on building the university, it is important to investigate its real owner.

“At the end of the investigation, if it is established that it was built with Imo State funds, it should be returned to Imo State government.”

Supporting the motion, the member representing Ihitte Uboama state constituency, Michael Njoku, said: “Much is expected from us.

“Imolites have confidence in us to give them good governance. “Imo property may have been stolen. Please, Mr. Speaker, I want you to set up a committee to investigate the university.”

However, member representing Isu state constituency, Ngozi Obiefule (AA) said: ”I do not have issues with setting up a committee to investigate the bogus claims about the university. “The former governor has done so well in the name of free education and I know that this university is one of his properties. I think the governor should concentrate and move the state forward and not be distracted with so many of these things.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now