The Imo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the present government of Imo State under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma of embezzling the total sum of N175.7 billion within her Seven months in Office existence.
This was disclosed on Friday 24th July during a Press Conference held at the State PDP Secretariat, Owerri.
In a Press Statement signed by the State Chairman of PDP, Sir Martin Ejiogu, he said that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration lavished the funds without meaningful achievements and called on the traditional rulers of Imo State to disassociate themselves from any directive from the current government urging them to protest over political issues as that will be ridiculous to the traditional institution.
“We will seize this opportunity to inform Imo people that from our investigations and findings, this regime has received the total sum of #175.7 billion as a combination of revenue from the federation account for the State and the Local governments, as loans borrowed by the regime so far, as savings from ghost workers and pensioners uncovered by this regime, and as internal generated revenue by this regime.
“The point of worry is that N175.7 billion revenue accrued to Imo State within the seven months of this is now known, the whereabouts of that Imo money is not known.
It is not clear whether the money has been utilized. This is the backdrop of the fact that till date, the basic responsibility of governance in Imo State which is payment of salaries and pensions has remained mission impossible for this regime.
“Generally, Imo PDP wishes to announce that Imo State under the watch of the current regime is under a siege by a set of people who have proved not to have the overall interest of Imo State and Imo people at heart. We implore this regime to do well and give Imo people a report of how they utilized the N175.7 billion which inside sources in this regime has confirmed to have been received by the regime so far in its seven months in office.
“This very press conference has become very necessary because of the new development in the Imo polity as sponsored by the regime. This time around, it is about the abnormal decision by the regime to coerce the traditional institution, comprising the royal Fathers, to embark on an unbefitting and unedifying public protest over the ordeals and travails of the current regime in the hands of various entities who have found reasons to challenge the legitimacy of the current regime to remain in office of Governor of Imo State.
“We feel adequately constrained to react to such posture and stance by this regime which exposes the traditional institution in the State to undue strain and ridicule. We feel our royal Fathers must not be coerced and compelled into such conduct as public protest for a matter that is purely that of Senator Uzodimma, that is capable of bringing shame and disgrace to not only them but also to the State. The cries of Imo traditional rulers have not only reached the ears of God Almighty, but also the ears of the opposition class in the State.” He stated.
Imo Transport Ministry, FRSC to partner against fake number plates, driver’s licence
Imo State Ministry of Transport and the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Imo State Command, have resolved to partner in the fight against use of fake number plates and driver’s licence by some motorists in the state.
This resolution was reached on Wednesday when Corps Commander Rolland Oni-Joseph Onamusi, the Sector Commander incharge of Imo Command, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Rex C. Anunobi, in his office at the Portharcourt Road Secretariat, Owerri.
The Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Anunobi expressed that such synergy and colloboration are strategically neccessary in the fight against use of fake plate numbers and expired driver’s license as shown in a recent study.
Barr. Anunobi also called for a review of plate number administration to enable the Ministry of Transport take accurate data and possibly customize them for authenticity to checkmate use of fake plate numbers which according to him is robbing off the State a huge revenue.
The Commissioner who seized the opportunity to highlight on the 18-point Action Plan of the Ministry of Transport which expressly aligns with the vision of Senator Hope Uzodinma Government, reiterated that the construction of modern bus shelters and new motor parks will address the issue of illegal parking while the Imo State Traffic Management Authority(ISTMA) that is being reestablished will cure the perennial traffic congestion especially in Owerri capital city.
Barr. Anunobi also disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to inaugurate Imo State Chapter of Driving School Standadization Programme (DSSP) which he said will provide a common front for the Ministry of Transport, FRSC and Imo Internal Revenue Service to administer issuance of driver’s licence and ensure standardization of driving schools in the State.
Earlier in his presentation, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Onamusi, said he came to familiarize with the Ministry of Transport and solicit for the cooperation of the Commissioner.
He disclosed that a study conducted immediately his redeployment to Imo State shows that about 90% of commercial vehicle drivers in the state don’t use seat beat while 60% vehicles in use fake plate number.
The Sector Commander further disclosed that 60% motorists don’t renew their driver’s license and vehicle papers which he admitted affects the internally generated revenue of the State.
He therefore propose a ‘Road Audit’ involving his Command and the Minitry of Transport as a way forward to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and subjected to face the full wrath of the law.
Other top Ministry staff that joined the Commissioner to receive the Sector Commander and his entourage include the Director, Administration and Finance(DAF), Mrs Clara Ukwuoma, Head of Department (HoD), Transport, Mr. Ministry Kingsley Eririogu, Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer(V.I.O), Edorowa C. and SA Media/Special Projects to the Honourable Commissioner, Ebere Uzoukwa and others.
