Gov. Hope Uzodinma | Credit: PMExpressThe Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has saved about N800 million in the last two months of his assumption of office for the
Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission ISOPADEC).
Governor Uzodinma, who made this known at the palace of the traditional ruler of Mmahu community in Ohaji Egbema, as he held meeting with stakeholders in oil rich Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of the State over the weekend, said that the move was to stem the continuous misappropriation and embezzlement of funds in the Commission.
Governor lamented the misappropriation of funds by the elites and leaders of the area, which noted was actually meant for the development and growth of the oil communities.
He said that his administration will not support any anti-people policy as he will ensure that monies and allocation meant for the people of oil producing communities are judiciously used for the development of the area.
“My interest is to protect your own interest.
“Only two months I took over as Governor, I have N800 million saved from ISOPADEC.
“But before now, you don’t get the money.
“They bring the money and the leaders share it, leaving the people to die in hunger and poverty.
“But if we save that money, we come here and call a meeting, the communities will choose the project they want, we will award the project and make sure the projects are done.”.
Governor zodinma said that his administration will continue to ensure that there is lasting peace in the oil rich Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of the state.
He promised the people of the community of his willingness to provide adequate security for lives and properties, even as he appealed to the leaders of Ohaji Egbema to guide the youths against thuggery and other social vices that cause instability in the area.
Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Mmahu Community in Ohaji Egbema, Austin Iwuogu commended the Governor for his timely visit to the area, and enumerated some of the challenges faced by the people of the community as a result of the activities of oil companies in the area.
Iwuogu appealed for the Governor’s intervention as quickly as possible to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
