Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has inaugurated the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), with a charge that members should use their position to strengthen democracy at the grassroots.

He told the five-man body led by Mrs. Pauline Onyeka as Chairman to go and strengthen the state electoral infrastructure that will conduct and produce credible elections in Imo State both now and in the future.

Performing the inauguration at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers, Government House, Owerri on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma said the new ISIEC is expected to “produce Chairmen and Councilors with political integrity, strong in character irrespective of political party, Local Government Area or Council.”

He harped on the need for credible and reliable data for future elections and other statistical needs of the state, especially as it relates to population.

The Governor assured them of government’s support in funding and other logistics that will help them to produce credible and consistent elections that will stand the test of time, and enjoined them to discharge their duties without fear or favour. “If we don’t strengthen the democratic system at the LGA level, the political system will continue to be confronted with challenges in the state,” the Governor said.

In her acceptance speech, Chairman of the Commission, Mrs. Pauline Onyeka promised, on behalf of her members, to put in their best and asked for the prayers of Imo people to enable them succeed.

She eulogised the Governor for being gender sensitive, noting that Imo State is the first to have a woman as the Chairman of a State Independent Electoral Commission. Mrs. Onyeka promised not to disappoint the Governor and the entire people of Imo State.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins; His deputy, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu; and other members of the State Expanded Executive Council witnessed the swearing in.

Also yesterday, Governor Uzodimma inaugurated the Panel of Inquiry into the collapsed eight-storey building at Yar’Adua Drive, Owerri, with a charge on them to bring their wealth of experience and professionalism to bear on the job.

At the ceremony, which took place at the Imo State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma expressed worry over the incessant collapse of buildings all over the country and explained why he put together the Panel with people of high professional profile.

He charged them to ascertain the remote, immediate and general causes of the persistent collapse of buildings and work towards ending same.

The Governor gave the terms of reference to the panel to include: ascertaining the ownership of the building; weather the land was legally acquired, the building plan, architectural design; the architect, and whether he has the requisite and relevant experience. The panel is also to find answers to the following question: Did he follow the laid-down rules and regulations of putting-up such a high rising building, and what is the root cause of the collapse?

Uzodimma further charged the panel to recommend appropriate penalties, suggest what will assist government in future to avoid such a disaster in Imo and Nigeria in general.

In his acceptance speech, on behalf of his members, Chairman of the Panel, Igwe Arc. Jude Obidiegwu, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy of the enormous responsibility and promised to tackle the assignment with the professionalism it requires.

Obidiegwu, who is also the Chairman, Architect Registration Council of Imo State, described the panel as a mark of readiness of the Governor to move the state forward, expressing satisfaction with the calibre of professionals in the panel. He said they will not only be responsible to Imo State Government, but also to their professional bodies that will be looking forward to the type of report they will produce. He promised, on behalf of his team, not to fail.

The inauguration of the panel which is made-up of Surveyors, Town planners, Civil Engineers and a lawyer as the secretary, was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu; and members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council.

•PHOTO: Governor Uzodimma (sitting) Inaugurating the Panel of Inquiry on the Collapsed Eight-Storey Building led by HRH Eze Arc. Jude Obidiegwu (Chairman of the Panel) and members