Uzodinma: I saved N800m from oil-producing areas in two months

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo, says he has saved N800 million from oil-producing areas of the state since he assumed office.

Uzodinma said the money was saved from the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC).

The governor disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders at the palace of the traditional ruler of Mmahu community in the oil-rich Ohaji Egbema local government area.

He accused the elite in the area of misappropriation of funds which he said was meant for the development and growth of the oil communities.

According to him, the money would previously have been shared between the leaders at the expense of the people.

He said his administration would not support any anti-people policy as he would ensure that monies and allocation meant for the people of oil-producing communities are judiciously used.

“My interest is to protect your own interest. Only two months I took over as governor, I have N800 million saved from ISOPADEC,” Uzodinma said.

“But before now, you don’t get the money. They bring the money and the leaders share it, leaving the people to die in hunger and poverty.

“But if we save that money, we come here and call a meeting, the communities will choose the project they want, we will award the project and make sure the projects are done.”

While promising the people of the community of his willingness to provide adequate security, the governor appealed to the leaders of Ohaji Egbema help the youth to desist from thuggery and other social vices that cause instability in the area.