Rochas Okorocha, the former Governor of Imo State, has responded to Governor Emeka Ihedioha’s alleged indictment in misappropriation and diversion of N6 billion meant for the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) during his tenure. Okorocha stated that he would only make public the details of how he utilized the funds during his 8-year tenure if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state provides an account of their use of funds meant for the same commission after governing the state for 12 years.
In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Sam Onwuemeodo, the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district criticized Governor Ihedioha’s administration, claiming that it only exists online. He further contested the allegations against him, referring to them as a “smokescreen” and challenged the current government to reveal the utilization of ISOPADEC funds during the 12 years of PDP governance in the state. Okorocha also accused Ihedioha of diverting attention from his government’s inactivity by engaging in constant clashes with him.
The statement by Okorocha’s administration highlighted the purported achievements during his tenure, including the development of infrastructure, empowerment programs, and appointments of individuals from the oil-producing areas into the government. The statement criticized the current administration’s performance, alleging a lack of tangible progress and accusing Ihedioha of being disconnected from the people.
The statement emphasized the need for more mature handling of issues by the Ihedioha government and called for accountability regarding the utilization of state funds. It also accused the current government of squandering state resources and failing to deliver on its promises to the people. The statement concluded by suggesting that the current administration has regressed and failed to continue the progress achieved during Okorocha’s tenure.