By Jennifer John
In what seemed a U-turn from the earlier announcement that names of sponsors of insecurity in the state will be mentioned, during the stakeholders’ meeting, yesterday, Governor Hope Uzodimma has rather decided to keep the names to his chest, but with assurance to Imo people that those involved will be arrested and charged to court for prosecution.
According to the governor, there was no more need of mentioning their names, to avoid revealing security secrets and undermining investigations.
He said the regular stakeholders’ meeting was informed by his strong desire to connect with the people in the cause of governance, adding that the state stand to benefit when government involve the widest circle of opinion moulders and influencers in sincere effort to continuously improve service delivery.
He made it clear that it was the fifth stakeholders meeting since the beginning of his administration, apart from other stakeholders platforms like the one with stakeholders from each of the 27 local government areas of the state on separate dates at the Government House, as well as the Imo Elders Council.
“All these point to the fact that this administration believes in an all inclusive approach to governance which was a major camping promise of mine, clearly outlined in my campaign manifesto.
He used the opportunity to enumerate some achievements of his administration, irrespective of peculiar challenges.
Some of the achievements mentioned by the governor included; Rejuvenation of the state civil service, regular payment of salaries and pensions, construction of over 99 roads, with some still under construction, while 39 have been completed and commissioned, the remodeling of the roundabouts in the cities of the state.
Other achievements mentioned by the governor included; Planting of ornamental trees within the Owerri capital city, empowerment of thousands of Imo youths with N250,000 each, among numerous others.
On the future plans of his administration, especially in 2022, Governor Uzodimma said the ongoing dualization of Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe Roads will be commissioned in April 2022.
“This is a way to boost commerce, industry and tourism in our State.
Next will be construction of Owerri-Umuahia road by same contractors, Cranneburge Construction Company”.
He disclosed that work will commence on MCC/Uratta road this January, as the design was done and ready.
He said, “The original company that built Avutu poultry from Israel will be in the state on 22/January/2022 to begin work at the place.
“It will be recalled that Avutu poultry was built by the administration of Dee Sam Mbakwe, but administrations have come and gone with failed promises of resuscitating it.
In his opening remarks, chairman of the occasion, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh pleaded with Imo stakeholders to jettison their personal interest and grievances and discontinue with any action that will make the state a laughing stock in the committee of states in the federation.
“I came here to beg Imo people, let us not be a laughing stock. As we are fighting here other economies in the country are growing. What people now read about Imo State make them think Imo is a war front. How can investors come into the state under such circumstances. You can be in any group or party but don’t destroy the economy.
“Let us not join hands to destroy the only state we have, those who feel offended should have a change of heart. The economy demands a change of heart, you can’t have more money than your state. My interest is how do we move forward”.
He applauded the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma for restoring cleanness in the state and for other laudable programmes of his administration.
