Governor Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that his “State of the State Address” to Imo people through the State House of Assembly yesterday was in keeping with his promise to keep the people abreast of how he is managing their commonwealth.
Uzodimma stated, “By this act, I would also have kept my promise to remain accountable to the people of Imo State, with whose mandate I serve as governor. I have always considered this a sacred mandate, and I will never take it for granted.
“Let me also use this address as another opportunity to thank the people of Imo State for their steadfast support over the last five and a half years. Even in the face of deliberate provocation and misinformation by detractors, you stood firm in your support.
“Above all, your overwhelming support in the November 2023 governorship election was not only a clear endorsement of our efforts, but also a powerful statement of trust, appreciation and belief.
“This is why I have redoubled my efforts in this second term. Your massive endorsement given across the 27 local government areas came across as a clarion call to duty, to work even harder for your well-being. And that is exactly what I have done in the past 18 months, as I will soon outline”.
The governor disclosed that he has always maintained that he has a covenant with God to serve the people of Imo State with honesty, integrity and transparency, adding that he held firmly to the commitment since he took the oath of office on January 15, 2020.
He emphasised that it was for that reason he established a platform for direct accountability- a stakeholders’ forum where he regularly presents reports of government activities to Imolites, through the stakeholders.
“First of such engagements was held on June 12, 2020, just six months after we took office. Since then, we have held no fewer than 12 such engagements, ranging from general stakeholders’ meetings to sector-specific consultations with labour unions, town union leaders, market associations, traditional rulers and the Elders’ Council. The goal has always been consistent: to render an account of our stewardship and receive valuable feedback”.
The Imo’s number one citizen enthused that returning to the Honourable House to present the State of the State address was both necessary and appropriate, describing the lawmakers as a critical part of governance and development.
“I am proud to say that this House has been a dependable partner throughout. While we operate as separate arms of government, we have worked in genuine harmony and synergy, guided by our shared commitment to serve the people of Imo State.
Whenever I enter this chamber, I am reminded of what it once was. This edifice, now one of the most impressive in the country, used to be in a state of ruin, and honourable members had to flee to exile for their safety.
“Today, it stands proudly, restored with state-of-the-art fittings. I dare say it rivals, if not surpasses, any state legislative complex in the country. It remains a signpost of the standards we have brought to governance, standards of quality, durability, and excellence”, Governor Uzodimma enthused.
The governor also used the opportunity to comprehensively enumerate the massive achievements of his administration since its inception in January 2020.
