Paucity of funds forces Uzodinma to forfeits security vote

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, has forfeited his security vote to enable him pay salaries and pension in the state.

The governor speaking during a meeting with the Imo Economic Development Initiative, headed by Professor Maurice Iwu, at government House in Owerri, said he took the decision because of the paucity of funds issue before his administration. 

I feel excited being part of National Economic Council—Uzodinma

He said that he also  plan to boost electricity supply in the state by  building power and Petrochemical plants.
According to the statement, by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, said: “Imo State Governor,

Senator Hope Uzodinma has stated his vision to establish power and Petrochemical plants to enable the state take advantage of the huge oil and gas deposits in the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta axis.

“Governor Uzodinma noted that industrialization cannot thrive when power is epileptic, assuring that a power plant is top on his agenda.

“Only the best brains shall be appointed to serve in my cabinet; Governor Uzodinma used the opportunity to announce the forfeiture of his Security Vote in view of paucity of funds and to ensure that workers and pensioners are paid promptly.

“We are reviewing the budget earlier passed by the state House of Assembly with a view to streamlining it with current realities. 

“The Governor, for instance, further cited the building of 27 stadia across the 27 LGAs, saying that the funds could have been applied more meaningfully to benefit the people.”

He pointed out that “On his intension to run an open and transparent administration, Governor Uzodinma disclosed that Town Hall meetings are to hold at the various councils where stakeholders shall brainstorm to identify their realistic needs.

“The Governor also announced plans to launch a special security outfit to smoke out criminals, revealing that over 100 vehicles have been procurred for the purpose. In his words, a “new Sheriff is in town and I must deliver.”

Iwu’s message to the governor that “Our group is prepared to partner with Governor Uzodinma on how to seek funds in view of limited resources available in Imo.

“The members described Governor Uzodinma’s emergence as “victory for the state and that the time to implement governance is now as the period of electioneering is over. 

“It is not as accident you are governor, we have four key areas for Governor Uzodinma’s critical attention harnessing of the gas potentials of the state, exploration of Information and Communication Technology, Enhancement of Internally Generate Revenue and Embracing of Imo Diaspora citizen.

“The Imo Economic Development Initiative comprises notable Imo citizens in business from the Academia and Public Service and Entrepreneurship articulates ideas aimed at attracting development projects to the state.”