SAGE Journals

Hon. Charles Obinna Chiemelem addresing his people of Mpam  In a moment filled with excitement, unity, and hope, the people of Mpam Autonomous Community witnessed history as their illustrious son, Hon. Charles Obinna Chiemelem, officially declared his aspiration to contest for the position of Executive Governor of Imo State. The declaration, which took place today in the heart of Mpam, was nothing short of a homecoming filled with immense pride and purpose. Sons and daughters of the community, both young and old, turned out in their numbers to receive their own with a resounding show of solidarity and support. The atmosphere was electrifying, charged with the passion and expectations of a people whose hopes are anchored on one of their best. Hon. Chiemelem, known for his integrity, competence, and undiluted passion for development, took the stage and unveiled his vision for a new Imo State—an Imo where equity, infrastructure, youth empowerment, healthcare, and good governance will ...

Introduction Town unions in Imo State have traditionally served as pillars of grassroots governance, fostering development, unity, and community leadership. However, in recent times, opposition political parties have resorted to desperate moves to hijack these structures, especially in communities without recognized traditional rulers. This phenomenon is particularly evident in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, where many communities lack substantive traditional rulers, creating a vacuum that politicians now seek to exploit. Their goal is not community development but to install political loyalists who will serve as their foot soldiers ahead of upcoming elections. This article highlights the implications of this dangerous trend, the legal framework governing town unions in Imo State, and why the government must urgently intervene to prevent a political takeover of grassroots governance. Case Study: The Manipulation of Town Unions in Ahiazu Mbaise 1. Absence of Recognized Traditional Rulers Many commu...

  By: DonWis   The role of Local Government Councilors is crucial in grassroots governance, as they are responsible for legislation, policy-making, and oversight within their constituencies. However, effective legislation requires adequate knowledge, capacity, and training—something that many newly elected or serving councilors may lack. A Call for Legislative Training We call on the Imo State Government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and all relevant authorities to prioritize structured legislative training for the current councilors across the 27 LGAs of the state. Training programs should be compulsory and continuous to ensure that councilors develop the necessary skills to deliver effective governance to the people at the grassroots. Why Legislative Training is Essential 1. Understanding Legislative Procedures Councilors need to understand how to draft, debate, and pass motions and by-laws that directly impact their local communities. Without pr...