Imo Assembly Passes Vote of Confidence in Uzodimma, Despite Rising Calls for Accountability

From Tony Icheku in Owerri

The Imo State House of Assembly during plenary session Tuesday, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hope Uzodimma applauding him for outstanding achievements and leadership capacity in governance.

However in a related development, a former Commissioner in the Uzodimma administration, Dr Fabian Ihekweme has persisted in calling out the Uzodimma administration for lack of accountability and transparency, stressing that what is obtainable in Imo under Uzodimma is “…shared poverty, starvation and deprivations, not shared prosperity”, contending that the governor had for five years (allegedly) siphoned the 13% derivation due to oil producing areas of the State.

The motion for vote of confidence, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, was co-sponsored by 20 other members of the House

The motion acknowledged the Governor’s achievements since assuming office on January 15, 2020, and his smooth transition into a second term. Members acknowledged his efforts in transforming critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, which have directly enhanced the welfare of Imolites.

The legislators also applauded the Governor’s ambitious infrastructure development agenda, including ongoing road rehabilitation projects aimed at connecting rural communities to urban hubs. The motion noted that this progress has improved accessibility and fostered economic integration across the state, especially in previously isolated regions like Ideato.

The House further commended Gov. Uzodimma for fostering harmonious collaboration among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, leading to peace, stability, and effective governance.

Speaking on the motion, Hon. Iwuanyanwu described the Governor’s tenure as a “turning point” for Imo State, emphasizing that his administration’s developmental strides have elevated the state to a model of effective governance in Nigeria.

Political observers told THISDAY that the vote of confidence vote is a belated attempt to bolster the ego of the governor as his former aide calls him out on issues of accountability, transparency and lack of good governance.

In his several articles on the social media, Dr Ihekweme, former Commissioner of International and Foreign Affairs in the Uzodimma administration alleges that the government does not adhere to transparency and dues process, even as he queries the award of contract for the renovation of Concorde Hotel at a cost of ₦18.5 billion which he alleged was awarded without invitation for tenders.

Ihekweme further slammed the Uzodimma administration for pilfering resources to fund frivolities and political exigencies even as the Imo citizens battle poverty and infrastructural decay. “The Uzodimma administration is purposeless, insensitive and self-serving”, he said