By Ikenna Orioha
The Association of Imo Based Journalists (AIBJ) has commended the Imo State Government for approving Twenty Five Billion Naira for the building of new quarters for Judges in the state.
The approval of the new quarters as announced by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, immediately after the State Executive Council meeting presided over on Monday by Governor Hope Uzodimma, are expected to consist of 40 standard duplexes, with recreational facilities that will provide a more conducive environment for Judges to operate in.
The journalists who spoke through their Chairman, Comr. Kelechi Ugo, during a meeting, in Owerri, on Monday. commended Governor Hope Uzodimma’s foresight and monumental achievements particularly in the area of road infrastructure.
He said the proposed housing project would enhance the comfort of the judges in the state when completed.
Ugo told the State Government to also look inwards and urgently address the issues of lack of comfortable accommodation, housing and mobility adversely affecting journalists in the state.
The chairman, without mincing words, urged Governor Uzodimma to meaningfully engage all Imo based journalists by allocating lands to them, build houses for them, provide vehicles to them individually, as well as place them on monthly salary as is the case in other South Eastern States.
While stressing that the measures and benevolence requested would go a long way towards alleviating the plight of the Pen Pushers and reduce their mortality rate Ugo, called on the state government to see journalists in Imo as partners who have contributed significantly to the welfare, peace, progress and socio-economic development of the state.
“The Governor Hope Uzodinma-led Imo state government has done well by approving the sum of N25bn for the construction of 40 standard duplexes (quarters) for Judges in the state. This proposed housing project will, no doubt, be a reference point when completed.
Hence, the Association of Imo Based Journalists respectfully appeals to the governor to treat them the same way it treats judges, legislators and others to enable them cushion the effect of the prevailing economic down turn
These noble requests, if granted and urgently implemented, will in no small measure encourage media practitioners in the state to enhance their professional services to the state”, Ugo maintained.
