Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, says he has saved N800 million from Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) in the last two months of assuming office.
Mr Uzodinma disclosed this at the palace of the traditional ruler of Mmahu community in Ohaji Egbema, while meeting with stakeholders in oil-rich Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State over the weekend.
A statement from the Government House on Monday said the governor lamented the misappropriation of funds by the elite and leaders of the area, which were meant for the development and growth of the oil communities.
The governor said his administration would not support any anti-people policy and that he would ensure that funds meant for the people of oil-producing communities are judiciously used for the development of the area.
He said: “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.”
Uzodinma emphasised that his administration would ensure there is peace in the LGA.
While promising the people of the community his willingness to provide adequate security for lives and properties, the governor appealed to the leaders of Ohaji Egbema to differentiate right from wrong by helping the youths to desist from thuggery and other social vices that cause instability in the area.
The Traditional Ruler of Mmahu Community in Ohaji Egbema, Austin Iwuogu, while commending the governor for his timely visit to the area, 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 called for the governor’s intervention as quickly as possible to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
