Imo under my administration not indebted to any bank, Okorocha insists

Gov-elect, state legislators receive certificates of return, Ihedioha promises good governance
Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, has again, restated that his administration never borrowed money from any bank either within or outside the country.

Okorocha stated this yesterday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeido, insisting that under his watch, workers and contractors were not being owed in the state.

According to him, the clarification became necessary in view of allegations by the incoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government that his administration owed financial institutions several billions of naira.

He maintained that any bank that claims otherwise should provide details of transactions to the state government for proof.

“Okorocha’s administration has never borrowed money from any bank either within or outside the country.

“And we challenge any bank with contrary claim to indicate and give details of such transactions for all to see. We also give such bank seven days within which to make public such claim,” the statement reads.

The governor said the state government has also paid workers under its employ up to February 2019, while payment of March salary was about to commence.

On contractors, Okorocha said any contractor claiming that the state government was owing for completed projects, should go to Secretary to the State Government (SSG) with necessary documents before May 29.

Meanwhile, the governor-elect, Chukwuemeka Nkemakolam Ihedioha has promised to provide all-inclusive government in the state upon assuming office on May 29, 2019.

He stressed that he would hold every indigene of the state in high esteem irrespective of his part where he comes from, adding that he would ensure that he beefs up the state’s revenue base to meet the growing demands of governance.

Ihedioha made the promise yesterday after receiving his Certificate of Return with his deputy, Alphonsus Gerald Irona, from the National Commissioner in-charge of Imo and Abia states, Professor Okey Ibeanu, assisted by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu.

The brief ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters on Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, where 26 of 27 House of Assembly members-elect also received their Certificate of Return amid a large crowd.

At the event attended by former ministers, Professor Viola Onwuliri and Chief Charles Ugwu; the state Chairman of PDP, Charles Ezekwem, among others, Ihedioha, who commended INEC for a job well done, promised to lead a responsible government.