Staffs of Office: Create More Autonomous Communities, Imo Assembly Urges Uzodinma

The Imo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging Governor Hope Uzodimma to consider the creation of additional Autonomous Communities across the State. 

The Resolution was reached during the House Plenary Session on Wednesday, March 25, 2025.

This development follows the Governor’s recent issuance of Staff of Office to 63 newly recognized Traditional Rulers, an action taken based on the recommendations of the Legislative Arm.

 The Assembly commended Uzodimma for demonstrating Confidence in their decisions and taking steps to strengthen Local Governance.

Presenting the motion, the Chief Sponsor and Member Representing Ideato-North State Constituency, Hon. Okey Ernest Udeze, lauded the Governor’s Milestone achievement. 

Udeze, who is  the House Committee Chairman on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,  emphasized that the Legislative Body plays a crucial role in screening, verifying, and recommending the recognition of autonomous communities and their Traditional Rulers.

“It is the responsibility of the Imo State House of Assembly to screen, verify, and recommend the eligibility of Autonomous Communities and their Traditional Rulers before forwarding the recommendations to the Executive for final approval and recognition,” Hon. Udeze stated.

He further stressed that the recognition of new Traditional Rulers would enhance security, Governance, and Community Cohesion, reducing tensions in various Communities. He called on his colleagues to support the motion, arguing that the creation of more autonomous Communities would promote Peace, Stability, and Development.

The Motion was seconded by Hon. Chief Engr. Bernard Ndubuisi Ozoemelam, representing

Ehime Mbano State Constituency. It was co-sponsored by seven other Lawmakers, including:

Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, Hon. Sam Ikechukwu Osuji, Hon.

Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, Hon. Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu, Hon. Henry Agbasonu, and Hon. Prince Obinna Ambrose Egu

During the debate, the Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri-West, Hon. Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, hailed the Governor’s recognition of 63 Autonomous Communities, describing it as a historic move.

“This shows that the Governor has listening Ears and respects the decisions of the State Assembly. We also plead with him to create more Autonomous Communities as a way to develop these Areas,” Onyemaechi stated.

Similarly, the Deputy Majority Leader and Member Representing Isiala Mbano, Hon. Sam Ikechukwu Osuji, expressed his support for the Motion, emphasizing that many Communities feel too large to be governed by a single Traditional Ruler.

“Creation of new Autonomous Communities will bring further Development, Peace, and growth in these Areas,” Osuji remarked.

After extensive deliberations, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, put the motion to a vote, and it was unanimously adopted, while the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Chinelo Emeghara was directed to communicate the resolution to  Uzodimma.