What Ihedioha handed over to Imo Accidental Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma
By: Aic Akwarandu
1. Ihedioha handed over an Imo State that won the award as the least corrupt State in Nigeria. This was according to the National Bureau of Statistics quarterly rating of 2019 which noted that Imo under the Ihedioha Administration had 17.6 percent corruption prevalence index. This was among many other awards won by the State. This is against today where Governor Uzodinma has received over 20 awards for himself with none for the State.
2. Ihedioha handed over an Imo State with full automation of the Pension system and pensions paid as at when due. This is against today where Pensioners are subjected to myriad of verifications without payment at the end of each exercise.
3. Ihedioha handed over a State with quality construction work going on in over 35 roads within the State capital and across the State. There was also an Operation No Porthole to tackle menace of porthole on Imo roads. Under Ihedioha, the Ministry of works did beyond road inspection. The ministry was energized to handle road constructions and maintenance. Today, the Ministry of works has gone back to its shadows. Too much inspections without results.
4. Ihedioha handed over a State that resurrected the Price intelligence unit/ Due Process to ensure that every contract passes through due process before awarding to any Company. Today, contracts are given by mere spoken word.
5. Ihedioha handed over a State that was comprehensively constructing/reconstructing the four major Technical Collages in the State; Ahiara Technical Collage Ahiazu Mbaise, Technical Collage Nkporo Orlu, Technical Collage Owerri and Technical Collage Osu, Isiala Mbano. Work on all these collages were at advanced stage. Those structures have been abandoned till date.
6. Ihedioha handed over a State that signed into law the Treasury Single Account on his 50th day in Office. That process saw to the closure of over 250 accounts into a consolidated revenue account. Today, ministries and agencies operate multiple accounts and his has enhanced corruption under Governor Uzodinma’s watch.
7. Ihedioha handed over a State that was viable to attract World Bank, UNICEF, WHO, AFREXIM BANK, UNDP, among other Development partners. On record is that Afrexim bank was at the verge of building a 50 Million Dollar Tech Hub in Imo State before the unfortunate January 14th Judgment that took Imo back to Egypt.
9. Ihedioha handed over a State that was paying 100 percent workers salary and also as at when due. Civil Servants were yet again energized and ready to serve diligently. Today, Imo workers have been demobilized with many months of salaries owed, unnecessary deductions, among others.
10. Ihedioha handed over a State that was optimistic in Sports Development, with the construction of Sports Development Centres and rehabilitation of existing ones across the State. Revived the Imo State Sports Festival and renewed the spirit of Imo Sports Men and Women. All projects abandoned under Uzodinma’s watch.
11. Ihedioha handed over an ADAPALM that was productive yet again. Today, the place has turned to a cash cow for the Stakeholders.
12. Ihedioha handed over an ISOPADEC that attracted Development to the Oil Rich Communities, restored power supply in the area, with a full administrative ISOPADEC Board in place in less than 1 month in office. This is against today where Governor Uzodinma has unilaterally managed ISOPADEC resources for 8 months with no result.
13. Ihedioha handed over an IMSUBEB that was constructing class room blocks across the 305 electoral wards. Today, those contractors have been neglected to protest on daily bases
14. Ihedioha restored Public water in Owerri. Restored power supply at the State Secretariat after Seven Years, same with the State Assembly Complex among others. Imo Airport was also connected to the National Grid to enable them have access to Night Landing Facility. Today, all those things are gone.
15. Ihedioha left a State where public confidence in Governance was restored among the people. A State with constant stakeholders engagement with the people. A State where both the traders, market women, civil servants, clergy, professionals, all had a stake in the Affairs of the State. Today, Imo People have continually and spontaneously expressed their dissatisfaction with the Present Administration morning of Uzodinma
16. Ihedioha left a State where cost of Governance was drastically reduced. On record is that Ihedioha as a Governor was using Airpeace for his visits to Abuja and was constantly in Imo to lead the people. This is against the situation today where Imo State resources is wasted on hiring of private jets for frivolous activities. Ministries was cut down from 32 to 18. This is against today where you have appointees without rules of engagement.
17. Ihedioha handed over a well furnished Lodge at the Goverment House where the accidental Governor is staying today without any recourse to the Rebuilder.
18. Ihedioha handed over a functional and autonomous Local Goverment Administration in Imo State. Flagged off the Construction and reconstruction of LGA Secretariats across the State for proper and effective administrative work. On record is that the Ahiazu Mbaise Complex was commissioned on the 27th of December, 2019. This is against today where the LGA system is dead. No more autonomy. The IMC Chairmen are frustrated alongside many aides of the Governor over non payment of salaries and allowances.
To be continued…