Resign If You Can’t Stay in Your Areas, Uzodinma Charges LG Chairmen

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has warned Local Government (LG) Chairmen across the state, urging them to either reside in and work from their council areas or resign from office.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, the state capital, Governor Uzodinma expressed dissatisfaction over reports that several LG chairmen have abandoned their posts, operating instead from outside their jurisdictions.

“You cannot be a local government chairman and be staying in Owerri or elsewhere.

“If you can’t stay in your local government area to serve the people who elected you, then resign and allow those who are ready to work take over,” the governor stated.

The governor emphasized the importance of grassroots governance and stressed that absentee leadership undermines the delivery of essential services and development efforts in rural communities.

Uzodinma further directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to begin monitoring the presence and performance of all LG chairmen, warning that his administration would no longer tolerate negligence or abandonment of duties.

The governor’s warning comes amidst growing concerns over insecurity, poor service delivery, and lack of effective governance in parts of the state.

Reactions to the governor’s comments have been mixed. While some civil society organizations and community leaders have commended the governor for demanding accountability, others argue that broader systemic issues—such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and lack of funding—must also be addressed to support LG chairmen in carrying out their duties effectively.

As the state intensifies efforts to restore stability and improve governance, stakeholders await concrete action to ensure that local government leadership aligns with the administration’s goals for development and security.