By Dele Fredrick
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, says he has forfeited his security vote to enable him settle economic challenges in the state, especially the payment of salaries and pension.
Uzodinma made the announcement when he met with the Imo Economic Development Initiative, led by Professor Maurice Iwu, at government House in Owerri on Tuesday.
In a statement, by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, Uzodinma said: “Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has stated his vision to establish power and Petrochemical plants to enable the state take advantage of the huge oil and gas deposits in the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta axis.
“Governor Uzodinma noted that industrialization cannot thrive when power is epileptic, assuring that a power plant is top on his agenda.
“Only the best brains shall be appointed to serve in my cabinet; Governor Uzodinma used the opportunity to announce the forfeiture of his Security Vote in view of paucity of funds and to ensure that workers and pensioners are paid promptly.
“We are reviewing the budget earlier passed by the state House of Assembly with a view to streamlining it with current realities.
“The Governor, for instance, further cited the building of 27 stadia across the 27 LGAs, saying that the funds could have been applied more meaningful.”
