Okorocha: I’m leaving N42.5bn for my successor

Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo state, says he has left enough money in the coffers of the state for Emeka Ihedioha, incoming governor.

According to NAN, Okorocha disclosed this while swearing in permanent secretaries, a new accountant-general and a head of service at the government house, Owerri, the state capital, on Monday.

He said the amount was kept to ensure that the incoming administration would not experience financial setback.

According to him, N8.1 billion has been set aside for payment of salaries and for capital projects, while N5.2 billion has been earmarked for payment of pension arrears.

He also said N7.6 billion had been set aside for renovation of schools across the state and N21.6 billion for the construction of rural roads.

The governor advised the new permanent secretaries to do their best to reposition the civil service in the state, “protect the integrity of the state, and shun corruption”.

“My government has kept aside a total of N42.5b for the in-coming government, and for that reason, I will set up a sub-committee to make sure that the projects they are attached to, come to fruition even when I am out of office because government is a continuum,” Okorocha said.

“I, therefore, charge you to serve our dear state with all your might just as I have.”