Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has warned against shady deals in his administration, vowing to publish those who are found culpable.
Uzodimma disclosed this while speaking at the birthday thanksgiving mass in honour of Sir Jude Ejiogu, a former secretary to Imo State Government, held at Immaculate Conception Parish, Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government.
While assuring the people of the State the he would continue to pursue programmes that would promote people’s welfare, he advised those who see selfishness as part of government to have a change of mind face sanctions.
The Governor said, “Leadership is service and once you are able to serve well, whether now or later, people will appreciate you.”
Uzodimma called on Owerri people, especially those from Emekuku, not to allow their self-interest to supersede the interest of the state.
He admonished civil servants complaining that they had not been receiving salary, to find out whether they fell within the category of those who were receiving double salaries for more than 10 to 15 years, “because everything about payment of salary and pension has been automated.”
“The system we are operating now will not have any room to discriminate because the system does not know you, your face or where you come from,” he said, adding that arrangements were in place to solve the challenges a few genuine ones might be having.
The governor warned those who had been blackmailing the government on allegation of not being paid their salaries to stop and say the truth or else government would be forced to publish their names and their crime against the state.
He said, “Over 925 people have one discrepancy or another which stems from sharp practices.”
Governor Uzodimma lauded the priests for appreciating the things his government had done so far.
“It is not good to be worshiping God in an uncompleted building while we are living in completed houses, well furnished,” he said.
Governor Uzodimma donated N30 million to assist the parish in the completion of the church building project so that it will be dedicated before the end of his second tenure.
Sir Ejiogu thanked the governor and all that came to celebrate with him. He hailed his Emekuku community for always supporting him and what he believed in.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Anyaegbulem, commended the governor for the infrastructural revolution going on in the state, especially the building of Ekemele, Okigwe road, Orlu road, dredging of Urashi river “and all the good projects that are going on across the state.”
