The Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma has painted a stark picture of the dire state of Imo when he assumed office in 2020, while detailing his administration’s efforts to rebuild the state from the ground up. Speaking in a recent interview, the governor revealed he inherited a bankrupt government saddled with N292 billion in debt, completely collapsed infrastructure, and a demoralized civil service. He further went on to mention that the roads across the state were impassable, the Government House was uninhabitable, and even basic amenities like clean drinking water were unavailable. He stated that the situation was so severe that his predecessor Emeka Ihedioha couldn’t occupy the Government House during his seven-month tenure.
Uzodimma described how his administration immediately embarked on rebuilding the state’s physical and institutional foundations. From operating out of a guest chalet initially, his government reconstructed the Government House and completely rehabilitated the state secretariat. A massive road construction program saw 120 roads rebuilt, including critical arteries like the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Umuahia routes. The long-abandoned Owerri water scheme was restored within six months, providing clean water to residents after years of neglect. The civil service was completely reorganized, with the governor proudly noting that salaries have been paid consistently since 2020, including raising the minimum wage from N18,000 to N70,000, with further increases planned for teachers and other critical sectors.
On security challenges that plagued his first term, Uzodimma pointed to political opponents and separatist groups as key instigators. He described how election losers conspired with IPOB/ESN elements to create chaos in hopes of triggering a state of emergency. He also spoke about how the 2020 prison break further exacerbated problems by releasing hardened criminals into society and how his administration responded with both security measures and economic interventions, transitioning from direct cash grants that were often misused to the successful Skill-Up Imo program that has trained 45,000 youths in digital skills with a 99% employment rate.
The governor expressed frustration with oil companies operating in Imo but maintaining no physical presence in the state. His administration passed legislation requiring local offices and employment of indigenes, while also developing infrastructure like the upcoming Concord-Hilton Hotel to attract corporate investment. Uzodimma particularly emphasized Imo’s vast gas reserves, lamenting that while the state contributes 45% of Bonny LNG’s gas supply, it sees little benefit. He is pushing for local petrochemical and fertilizer plants to create jobs and retain more value from the state’s resources.
Financially, Uzodimma detailed how his administration transformed Imo from a bankrupt state unable to secure N500 million in counterpart funding to one with strong creditworthiness. Through strict fiscal discipline, automation of revenue collection, and eliminating leakages, the state reduced its debt from N292 billion to under N100 million while increasing monthly IGR from N400 million to N4 billion. The governor dismissed opposition coalition talks, stating his confidence in APC’s continued dominance based on performance. He noted that 79% of initial political opponents have now joined his administration, attributing this to visible results that have won over skeptics.
