A former commissioner in Imo State, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, has made shocking allegations of corruption and contract inflation against Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration.
Dr. Ihekweme, who served as the Commissioner for Foreign and International Affairs, accused Governor Uzodimma of inflating major infrastructure projects to unimaginable levels, putting the state’s finances at risk.
According to Ihekweme, corruption in Imo State has reached what he described as “alarming heights” under the current administration. He claimed that the state’s citizens are suffering as a result, and many are deeply concerned about the handling of public funds.
Ihekweme expressed his concerns in a statement issued on Monday, where he criticized the administration for failing to maintain financial transparency. He described the inflated budgets of two major road projects as evidence of severe financial mismanagement.
One of the projects he mentioned is the Owerri-Okigwe road, which was initially budgeted at N58 billion but has reportedly soared to a staggering N125 billion.
“How can we explain the rise from N58 billion to N125 billion for a single road?” Ihekweme questioned. “Who is really benefiting from this outrageous inflation?”
Ihekweme also pointed to the Owerri-Orlu road project, which he claimed started at N45 billion and has now ballooned to N105 billion after several revisions.
“These projects were meant to improve our state, but it seems they have become a means to drain our finances,” Ihekweme lamented. “Is Governor Hope Uzodimma working for the people of Imo State or his own interests?”
He demanded transparency and asked for public disclosure of contract details, saying, “Shouldn’t we have access to information about how much Imo State is spending on these road constructions?”
Ihekweme, known in Imo State as “Omu-De Ancient Seer,” said his concerns extend beyond just road projects. He also raised serious questions about the Nekede Zoo in Owerri, which he described as an important cultural and tourism site for Imo State.
He expressed worries over the zoo’s current condition and the fate of its animals, many of which were rare native species. He asked, “Where have the animals and botanical trees of the zoo been relocated?”
In particular, he mentioned his fears for the safety of rare animals like lions and monkeys that were once preserved in the zoo. “I hope the lions, rare monkeys, and other native species preserved there have not been harmed or misappropriated for illicit purposes,” he said.
The former commissioner urged Governor Uzodimma to address these issues openly and directly with the people. “The citizens of Imo State deserve transparency and accountability,” he said. “These inflated contracts must be explained.”
Ihekweme’s criticisms highlight the growing tension in Imo State over financial management and public spending. Calls for transparency have intensified, with civil society organizations and residents urging the government to release detailed financial records for all ongoing projects.
The Uzodimma administration has not yet responded to Ihekweme’s allegations. However, citizens are hopeful that his call for transparency will prompt action and lead to more responsible governance.
“We need leaders who are accountable,” Ihekweme said. “Imo State cannot afford to waste money that should be used to improve the lives of its people.”