The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has called for increased cooperation between all residents of Imo State, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The governor called on those fanning the embers of insecurity across the state to repent and embrace peace
Part of his speech reads, “My esteemed Imo people, my brothers and sisters, I address you on this New Year’s Day of 2025 with a heart full of joy and gratitude to God. Please join me in thanking and praising God, the giver of life, for the privilege of beholding another New Year’s Day.
“This new year brings with it great promise of hope, peace, and progress for all Imo people. It is worthy of celebration that we are alive to behold the new year, in spite of all odds and challenges, including the harsh global economic environment.
“Those of us who are blessed to see this new year should be filled with gratitude to God. We are aware that many of those who started last year with us are not here today. While we thank God for sparing our lives, we should spare a thought for all those who have departed.
“Indeed, I can say that God was good and merciful to Imo State and its people in the preceding year of 2024. Security-wise, it was a year of God’s mercy. We had a relatively calm and secure year in which serious security breaches and associated senseless killings of the past were kept to a minimum.
“While we give God all the glory, I must also thank the security agencies for their sacrifices and proactive responses to these security challenges. I also appreciate the members and leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria for their relentless prayers for peace in our state.
“To those who promote insecurity and social tension in the state, I urge you once again to repent and embrace peace. Take advantage of this new year to make peace with God and your conscience. If you persist, the long arm of the law will catch up with you, and you will be held accountable for your evil deeds.”
He urged the people, regardless of political affiliations, to work with the government in its relentless quest to bring more development to our dear state.
“With the signing into law of our administration’s Eight Hundred and Seven Billion Naira Appropriation Bill on Monday, I can confidently say that I have set the state on an irreversible path of economic growth. As you know, 86.09%, or Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and twenty Naira (N694,786,04,220), of the budget is allocated to capital projects. This is a clear statement of my determination to vigorously pursue the industrialisation of the state by strengthening our infrastructure.”
