Democracy Day: Uzodimma gives N5m each to families of slain policemen

• Confirms Killing Of Two Air Force Officers
• Says God Sent Him To Govern Imo

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has paid compensation of N5m each to families of slain policemen in the state.

The governor disclosed this, yesterday, during a phone-in programme on the state-owned Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Orient FM, to mark Democracy Day.

He said funds were disbursed through the state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Abutu Yaro. He advised all affected families, who were yet to receive to approach the CP for their money.

The governor said he was sent by God to restore everything destroyed by his predecessors and that he was running an all- inclusive and focussed government to achieve it.

He said: “I was sent by the Almighty God. Owerri was abandoned for many years. Now, we are recovering it. The master-plan was altered. My government is an all-inclusive one. It is only when we come together that we can move forward.”

He disclosed his administration was not owing any government worker, stressing that building of 305 classroom blocks, conference rooms and e-libraries, in the 305 political wards at the cost of N35m was on going, clarifying that schools were in session and no teacher was owed, explaining that plans were on to provide feeding arrangements for public schools pupils

He also revealed that two Air Force officers were killed recently, but dismissed reports that 35 bodies of young men allegedly killed by security agents were dumped at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri’s morgue.

He said investigation was going on in the case of a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, who was allegedly shot dead by an Air Force officer.

Uzodimma also alleged Sienna vehicles used by bandits in their operations were given to them by politicians during campaigns.

He lauded the military and other security agents for carrying their duties in the area.

He said Southeast governors, at the weekend, resolved to implement the ban on open grazing in the zone. He also said he would ensure those who instigate and finance banditry in Imo State face the wrath of the law, adding that in the next two weeks, a Panel of Inquiry would be set up to investigate cases of banditry, kidnappings and social vices in the state.

On the security, he said: “We are not going to allow economy of Imo State to crumble. “We have a simply destination. And that destination is to recover Imo State. I have come to work. I will partner with those who are ready to partner with us. I will defend government’s policies and programmes without fear or favour.”

He said he would not allow anyone to defraud the state government, warning those who allegedly forged contract papers without going through the procedure not to agitate for payment.

He disclosed that 2,000 youths would be recruited for agriculture and farming, promising to replicate free distribution of fertilisers as carried out last year to registered farmers.