Senator Hope Uzodinma, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wednesday gave four days to permanent secretaries and heads of parastatals to submit award of contracts made so far in the state.
He spoke this in Owerri, after he was sworn in as the sixth governor of Imo state, with his running mate, Placid Njoku, by the Chief Judge of Imo state, Paschal Nnadi.
Vanguard had monitored the development since, 11:00am on Wednesday, as thousands of Imo people continued to occupy the Heroes square in order to witness the ceremony.
Just as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomole, and the minister of state for education, Emeka Nwajuba, joined Uzodinma in the swearing merriment.
The swearing-in happened in such a way that unity played out between the warring factions of Imo APC in the state, as they were seen working tirelessly to ensure that Uzodinma’s swearing-in was a success.
Importantly, it was like the first time the members of the Allied forces led by Theodore Ekechi that stopped Okorocha from installing his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as governor in 2019, and Okorocha’s camp met for a common interest.
Uzodinma became the governor, after the Supreme Court of Nigeria, nullified the declaration of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the winner of the 2019 governorship election of Imo state, based on the reason that Ihedioha did not win lawful votes.
However, the apex court upheld that Uzodinma was the winner of that election.
Joining in the welcoming of the governor of the people was former governor Rochas Okorocha, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, Uche Nwosu.
House of Representatives member for Okigwe South, Chike Okafor, member representing Oru West, Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta local government areas of Imo state, Kingsley Uju, member representing Nwangele/Nkwerre/Isu federal constituency, Ugonna Ozuigbo.
Also, the Speaker of Imo state House of Assembly, Chiji Collins, Deputy, Okey Onyeahialam, as well as other lawmakers of the Imo state House of Assembly.
Others included the former Secretary of the Imo State Government, Jude Ejiogu and Mark Uchendu, Spokesperson of the Allied Forces, Theodore Ekechi, this gathering also witnessed the presence of the hundreds of Imo traditional rulers led by Imo state traditional rulers council, led by Samuel Ohiri, Chief Felix Idiga, Chief Charles Orie and others.”
According to Uzodinma as captured by Vanguard, he said: “Let me start by recognizing the national chairman of my party, Adams Oshiomole and former governors of our party in the state. This victory is of God. I dedicate this victory to God. I express my gratitude to God.
In this historic moment, the judiciary stands out for important recognition. The judiciary is the last hope of the common.
“Even when they came up with technicalities the judiciary still stand firm. I thank you for your support. I must admit the success of today cannot be successful without the party APC. The members of the National working committee. I say to all the good people of Imo state. The time is now to build the new Imo of our dream.
“This victory is for all Imo people. My victory against corruption and Victoria for justice. No-one will be “I shall execute the 3rs of my administration reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery. I shall begin a reconciliation among our leaders.”
“Accountant is given four working days to submit to my office, a comprehensive statement of the expenditure and income of Imo state. I will allow the judiciary the necessary powers that they deserve.
“All permanent secretaries and heads of parastatals, a comprehensive statement of contracts awarded and payments made so far and state of the contracts.
“I will allow the all arms of the government to work in the principle of separation of powers.” VANGUARD