Prince Eze Ugochukwu
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State took a trip down memory lane during a speech at the Assumpta Cathedral Church in Owerri, recalling the state’s dire situation when he first took office in 2020. He described the infrastructure as broken, with citizens yearning for freedom and basic rights, likening it to the title of Chinua Achebe’s famous book, “Things Fall Apart.”
Uzodimma revealed that upon assuming office, he discovered that Imo State had been declared insolvent by the World Bank due to excessive borrowing between 2015 and 2019, totalling over 128 billion naira This led to an embargo on further borrowing by the Nigerian Debt Management Office, forcing the government to rely on prayers and innovative solutions to recover.
Despite these challenges, Uzodimma’s administration embarked on a doctrine of rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery. He highlighted significant improvements in infrastructure, citing reduced travel times between major cities and the elimination of gridlocks.
“There was no movement anywhere. Is it Ihechiowa, Is it MCC Road, is it Workd Bank Road. Name it?..”Gradually we embarked on our doctrine. The principle of rehabilitation reconstruction and recovery. Those of us who were here know that to move from our state capital going to Orlu was a journey of almost 2 and 1/2 hours. To move from our state capital going Okigwe was a journey of about 3 hours and above. Are we talking of venturing to go to Mbaise or Umuahia through Mbaise. The gridlock at Assumpta Cathedral roundabout was unbelievable. The thing brought additional stress on the citizenry. It is a thing of joy and to the glory of God that today those things are no more, “~Uzodimma said.
The governor acknowledged that Imo State’s success is closely tied to its relationship with the federal government, emphasizing the importance of special interventions and support. He expressed pride in his administration’s achievements, including paying off salary arrears, pensions, and gratuity and navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Hope Uzodimma made a heartfelt plea to the people of Imo State, urging them to support government policies and assuring them that he would not engage in corruption during his tenure. He said, “One thing I know is that until I finish as a governor, I will not steal. It is not in my character to steal. I will do my best to ensure that Imo State is not left behind. “
He highlighted his administration’s achievement in paying off a total of 59 billion Naira in loans, including bailout funds, salary support loans, SME loans, and crude loans, which has enabled Imo State to regain its borrowing capacity. According to the governor, “Imo state can now borrow. Even though it is not my plan to borrow, Imo can now borrow money”
Uzodimma expressed his gratitude to God for guiding him through challenging times and allowing him to maintain his integrity. He also issued a stern warning to those supporting violence and killings in Imo State, stating that they will face God’s judgment. He insisted that “in the face of provocation, I was not able to stain my hand. Those who live by sword will go by sword, those who are supporting the killings in Imo State tacitly, directly, indirectly or under any covert arrangement will face the judgment of God”