Imo youths write Uzodimma, demand refund of counterpart funds

Imo Youths under the auspices of Ohaji/Youth in the oil-rich Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have condemned the alleged misuse of One hundred and fourteen million, nine hundred and fifty-one thousand, five hundred and seventy-two naira (N114,951,572) counterparts fund for the Umuapu/Obitti/Awards Court Area electricity project.

According to the youth, the money was paid by the Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission and Waltersmith Petroman Oil limited (ISOPADE), for the Umuapu/Obitti/Awarra Court Area electricity project, but was alleged to have been withdrawn for other purposes by the present government.

In a statement issued and endorsed by the President of National Youth of Ohaji, Comrade Ugorji Emmanuel Chinonye recalled that the developmental project was initiated by the aborted Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s administration, which demonstrated his commitment towards the development of Ohaji-Egbema at large.

According to the youth leader, they had anticipated that the present administration would sustain and continue the project within his administration.

The youth said that the panel of enquiries constituted by Ohaji-Egbema people had submitted that the electricity project fund was intact few months after the inauguration of the present administration, and regretted that the recent development where the electricity project fund had been withdrawn by agent of this government without consideration to the importance of the project, is totally unacceptable by the entire youths of Ohaji.

The youths enjoined Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the refund of the electricity project fund.

“The people of Umuapu/Obitti/Awarra Court Area and Ohaji clan, in general, are progressives and law-abiding citizens that are committed to championing the people-oriented policies of your administration and we urge you to consider the development of Ohaji communities by directing re-commencement of Umuapu/Obitti/Awarra Court Area electricity project,” the youth said.

When contacted for the government’s reaction to the allegation,  the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba, denied knowledge of the situation.

He insisted that there was no such information, adding that it did not happen.

 (Courtesy Nigerian Tribune)