Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has said that he will forfeit his security vote to enable him to meet up with the payment of salaries and pension in the state.
The governor, who spoke when he met with the Imo Economic Development Initiative, led by Professor Maurice Iwu, at the Government House in Owerri, said he took the decision because of the paucity of funds he inherited.
He also disclosed that his next plan was to establish power and petrochemical plants to boost electricity supply in the state.
The governor also disclosed plans to review the 2020 budget in order to address the current problems militating against development in the state.
A statement signed by his Press Secretary, Oguwuike Nwachukwu, 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.
On security the governor announced plans to launch a special security outfit to rid the state of criminals, adding that over 100 vehicles have been procured for the purpose.
“A new Sheriff is in town and I must deliver,” Uzodinma said.
Speaking earlier, Prof. Iwu expressed the group’s preparedness to partner with the state government on how to source funds in view of limited resources available in Imo.
