The Imo State Government on Monday defied its own ban on social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic, when large number of people gathered to witness the inauguration of commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants and other senior aides by the state governor, Hope Uzodinma.
The security men had a hectic time controlling the crowd, especially at the point of entry where health officials were screening them.
The officials were also spraying hand sanitisers on the palms of the visitors.
Our reporter observed that inside the hall itself was unbearable as the air condition and few fans available could not ameliorate the heat at the Ahiajoku Lecture Centre, the venue of the ceremony.
This did not stop more people from trooping to the venue just as the cars parked were almost one km long, making movement almost impossible.
The Security had to divert the vehicles to adjoining streets.
Meanwhile, Governor Uzodimma has inaugurated 22 commissioners and other aides with a charge for them to bring to the fore, their wealth of experience to drive the shared vision of prosperity of his administration which is anchored on the 3Rs: Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery.
He said: “It is important that you don’t take the oath of office as a mere ritual, you must take every word there seriously. You owe it a duty to Imo people and God to ensure that you don’t fail in your assignment. You are now a magnifying glass with which the public will see our government.”
He warned that he will not hesitate to sack any appointee who indulges in actions that will smear the image of the government in any form or shape.
The event was graced by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, SGI, Chief Cosmas Iwu, members of the House of Assembly and top Government Officials past and present.
