Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has disclosed that the Federal Government is yet to refund the money his administration spent rehabilitating and reconstructing key federal roads in the state.
The governor made the disclosure during an expanded meeting of the Imo State Executive Council held on Saturday, October 11, where he gave a detailed account of his administration’s achievements and outlined new developmental policies.
The meeting, attended by commissioners, aides, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders, served as a platform to review the state’s progress and address crucial governance matters.
According to a statement signed by the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma explained that his administration had undertaken major road projects that were originally federal responsibilities.
“We have done the Owerri–Okigwe Road, Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road, Owerri–Orlu Road, Orlu–Ugah–Akokwa Road, and we are currently working on the Owerri–Omarelu Road, but the Federal Government has not refunded a kobo.
“The governor after me might even be the one to receive the refund if I do not get it. Of course, I didn’t build the roads because of refunds; I built them so that Imo people can use them,” the governor said.
Uzodimma stated that the decision to embark on the rehabilitation of federal roads was driven by the need to improve transportation, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
He also announced plans to launch a 24-hour power supply in Owerri by November 2025, with the initiative to later extend to Orlu, Okigwe, and Mbaise. The project, he said, aligns with his administration’s goal of creating a more business-friendly and economically vibrant environment.
In another policy initiative, the governor disclosed that workers earning below ₦150,000 monthly would soon be exempted from personal income tax, noting that oil companies operating in the state would help offset the impact on revenue.
Uzodimma further revealed plans to introduce free transportation for students and pensioners across major routes, including Owerri–Okigwe, Owerri–Orlu, Owerri–Aba, Owerri–Onitsha, and Port Harcourt Road, using newly procured CNG-powered metro buses.
On youth empowerment, the governor emphasized the need to nurture a new generation of leaders who will sustain Imo’s progress.
“We need a new generation of politicians to run the affairs of Imo State,” he said, adding that mentorship and capacity-building remain integral to his leadership model.
The governor also announced the ongoing construction of a Revenue House to centralize and strengthen the state’s revenue system, noting that 50 percent of the project’s cost has already been paid.
Speaking on security, Uzodimma reaffirmed Imo’s readiness for a state police structure, saying the existing vigilante network would evolve into a formal security outfit once the Federal Government finalizes the constitutional framework.
“The outfit will be well-equipped to the standard of any military to effectively combat insecurity,” he assured.
Uzodimma reminded public officials of their duty to support the ruling party financially through personal contributions, stressing that state funds meant for public projects must not be diverted for political purposes.
He also urged Imo’s federal lawmakers to advocate more vigorously for the state in national budgets and project allocations.
Concluding the meeting, the governor reiterated his commitment to accountability and transparency.
“When I finish my tenure, call EFCC or ICPC — I will answer every call because I have nothing to hide,” he declared.
Uzodimma reaffirmed that his government remains focused on good governance, youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, and economic stability, emphasizing that every policy is designed to build a sustainable and prosperous Imo State.
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