• Tinubu, Obasanjo, Akpabio, others attend inauguration
From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has vowed to execute more projects in his second term in office that will dwarf his first term performance.
He also promised the people of Imo of his determination to ensure his economic and developmental plans which is anchored on the 3Rs mantra are deepened in what he called his second ‘missionary’ journey.
Uzodimma stated this, yesterday, shortly after taking oath of office, administered on him by the Chief Judge, Theresa Chikeka, at Dan Anyam Stadium for his second term.
The governor, who thanked the people for returning to office for second term, pledged to serve them honestly and faithfully.
He said: “I have just performed the ritual of the oath of office which is a renewal of my covenant to serve Imo people honestly and faithfully. This is because I won in the entire 27 local governments of the state which is unprecedented in the political history of this state as no governor has ever won in all the 27 councils before. It is a contract with Imo people.
“I thank President Bola Tinubu, who, in spite of his very busy schedule, honoured us with his presence. It speaks volumes for the love he has for our people.
“In the last four years, we have addressed the infrastructural decay, the decay in the civil service and laid the right foundation for the prosperity of the state.
“In this second term, we will focused on deepening on the infrastructural and industrial development of the state as already captured in our 2024 budget and my second term will be much better. Prompt payment of salaries and pensions will remain a priority of this administration.”
President Tinubu, who is the special guest of honour, congratulated the people of Imo State for being discerning enough to return the governor to office.
“I congratulate the people of Imo State for being discerning to vote for second term a very unique individual that resonates with a progressive agenda.
“Here today, you have gotten a good and dependable governor. As you have taken the second oath in office, make commitment to continue to show hard work for development.
“We assure you that your hopes are renewed. This man has just gone into the record books for winning well in all the local governments, and he has to show work to ensure hard work and of economic recovery both in your state and the nation.
“I am here today because you have Hope, you’re inaugurating him for second term and I am here to tell you that things are getting better, you have the real Hope,” the president said.
Prominent Nigerians who graced the event were the National Chairman of Ruling All Progressives Congress and former governor of Kano State, Abduallhi Ganduje, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, President Senator Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodu, Otu Bassey; Sim Fubara, Babagana Zulum, all governors of Lagos, Ogun, Cross Rivers, Rivers and Bornu states.
Others include Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ojaja II; Estu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe; King Jaja of Opobo, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Luicius Iwejuru Ugorji and many others.