The Chief Political Adviser and Head of the Political Bureau to the Governor of Imo State, Chief Perry Opara, has faulted the criticism by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the recent directive by Governor Hope Uzodimma mandating elected Local Government Chairmen to reside within their respective council areas. He described the ADC’s reaction as a clear attempt to politicise a well-intentioned directive meant to bring governance closer to the grassroots.
According to Chief Opara, “Common sense alone makes the governor’s directive valid and commendable.” He likened the governor’s directive to the practice at the federal level, explaining that, “The President of Nigeria resides in Nigeria and only travels abroad when necessary. In the same vein, governors reside in their states and only travel to Abuja or other places when there is a need.”
He queried the rationale behind the trend of local government chairmen abandoning the very communities they were elected to govern, only to take up residence in hotels or rented apartments in Owerri, far from their people. “I do not see any justification for local government chairmen, who canvassed for votes among grassroots dwellers, to now cluster in the state capital instead of being on ground to serve the people,” Opara stated emphatically.
While acknowledging some valid concerns raised by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Chief Opara expressed partial agreement with the ALGON Chairman's appeal for the renovation and proper security of dilapidated government lodges and buildings meant for chairmen in the council areas. He described the call as reasonable and deserving of attention.
Nonetheless, Chief Opara stressed the need for constructive opposition, stating, “Opposition is superb when criticisms are factual and aimed at developing and progressing the state. Anything short of that is simply political noise.”
He reiterated the importance of local government administration as the closest tier of government to the people, noting that meaningful development and community participation can only be achieved when leaders live among those they serve. “When chairmen reside within their council areas, they will be able to feel the pulse of the people, interact with them regularly, and attend to their pressing needs in real-time,” he said.
Chief Opara further highlighted that Governor Uzodimma himself leads by example, regularly visiting Abuja not for personal comfort, but to advocate for the interests of Imo people at the federal level. “If the governor can travel to Abuja only when necessary to make important submissions for the benefit of the state, then it is only logical that the local government chairmen do the same reside with their people and only come to Owerri when the need arises on behalf of their constituents,” he concluded.
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