By Festus Fifen.

As Reactions Continue to trail the suspension of the Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, Imo state Governor and Chairman Progressive Governors Hope Uzodinma says the action of President Tinubu is in line with the rule of law.

Speaking to StateHouse Correspondents After a closed door meeting with the President at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja, Uzodinma said since there is an allegation the president reserves the right to act according to the rule of law.

In his words, ” Well, like you know, this is very clear. Whether as Chairman of Progressive Governor Forum, or as Governor of Imo State, we have only one President whose wisdom we cannot question. And what is more, if there are allegations and the President said I want to look into it. I think it’s consistent with the law and the oath of office he swore to. So I don’t think it is something that will begin to create a menu now for the media. so I think let’s allow the sleeping Dog to lie.”

Speaking on his mission to the Presidential Villa, Governor Hope Uzodinma said he came to wish the President a Happy New Year and also invite him personally for his second term swearing in Ceremony come January 15, 2024.

” I came to wish Mr President Happy New year and he received me very well and I used the opportunity to inform him formally of my inauguration and swearing-in as Governor of Imo State for a second term which has been scheduled for January 15 2024 in Owerri. I used the opportunity to invite him to grace the occasion if possible with his presence.”

” I also used the opportunity to inform him of the successes we are recording in the management of the security issues we’ve had over the years in the South-East, especially in Imo State.

” The President is very glad with the positive developments and also has assured me of his continued support towards the development of Imo State.”

Reacting to recent development in Oguta Lake in Imo State, Uzodinma said steps are ongoing to turn around the fortune of the lake for the benefit of All.

” Well, as it has to do with Orashi River project. We are partnering with Nigerian Navy working with some consortium of companies and so far from the work programme, the entire hydrographic survey of Oguta Lake to Orashi upto Atlantic Ocean has been completed and certified by the number one hydrographer of the country, the Nigerian Navy, they did the programme by themselves in partnership with Imo State government.”

So only a few weeks ago, the official presentation of the chart was done in Owerri by the leadership of Nigerian Navy. They are now analysing the chart, processing it to be able to conclude the volumetric survey. That survey that will establish the quantity of silt that will be removed from the river otherwise called the channel and then the design of the navigational equipments like buoys and other navigational aids that will be installed on the Channel.

” So it is still work in progress. It is our hope that towards the middle of this year, dredging proper will start. And going by our work programme and its milestones definition sheet which has also timelines. It is our hope that 18 months will be the proper period for the entire dredging of lake Orishi River to the Atlantic Ocean, working on two shifts, day or night.”