- Dares Imo people to expose him
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has challenged people of the state to expose him if found to have stolen public funds since assuming office as the state’s chief Executive more than a year ago.
He has therefore declared his readiness to subject himself to public scrutiny and probe to prove that Imo state has not lost its commonwealth under his watch in the last one year.
Speaking at the Imo stakeholders meeting in Owerri to assess the progress of his administration in the last year, Governor Uzodinma said; “As I recover Imo properties converted to personal ownership by those who have political power, back to Imo people, the same awaits me when I leave office.
“This is why I want to reiterate before you that I did not become governor to become richer than the state after my tenure but to serve you in truth and with fear of God. This being so, I will leave no stone unturned in my efforts to recover all Imo people’s stolen wealth.”
According to him; “Among the recovered was the former Eastern Palm University now K. O. Mbadiwe University”, adding; “You will also recall that insecurity was heightened in the state immediately when we opened the White Paper reports on lands.”
The Governor, who also explained that his administration has invested over N6 billion in youth empowerment to ensure youths shun criminal activities, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the State government in restoring peace to Imo State.
He also appreciated the security agencies for their sacrifices in ensuring that the state is safe and secured for all Imolites and residents to go about their daily businesses without any fear of harassment or intimidation.
Speakers at the forum, which included elder stateman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim; former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Maurice Iwu; former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro; and Senator Osita Izunaso were all appreciative of the governor’s efforts and courage in handling issues of security and infrastructural development across the South East state.
Others who also graced the stakeholders’ meeting were President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor; Frank Mbata; former Imo Speaker, Acho Ihim; Chika Okafor; Jerry Chukwueke; and Senator Frank Ibezim.
Also in their reaction at the occasion, the State lawmakers, led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Paul Emeziem, were upbeat as they passed a vote of confidence on the governor for what they described as huge developmental strides in the last year.
Similarly, the Chairman of State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, was also full of praise for the governor, acknowledging that his administration has made the traditional rulers in the state proud.
Eze Okeke said the traditional institution is ever ready to offer royal support to the governor in taking Imo State to the next level of development and socio-economic growth.
