Abuja: A former Imo Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Macdonal Ebere has called for an honest conversation about continuity and consolidation beyond the tenure of incumbent Imo Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma. Ebere, the immediate APC State chairman and currently, Board Chairman of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ebere emphasized the need for Imo APC to present a compelling case to the people of Imo based on the achievements of Uzodimma’s administration. Ebere stated that Imo is undergoing important structural changes that require political stability and continuity rather than disruption.
He highlighted that elections should be viewed as a deliberate choice about the future, rather than just a change of government. Ebere pointed out that when Gov. Uzodimma took office in January 2020, the state was facing significant financial challenges, including a debt of over N280 billion and low internally generated revenue.
Ebere argued that the administration’s 3R Government of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery was crucial for the state’s survival. He noted that the positive outcomes of these efforts are now evident and should not be interrupted.
According to him, significant infrastructure developments have been achieved, with over 150 roads completed in Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe zones, reducing travel times significantly. The administration has also improved financial discipline, increasing monthly internally generated revenue from N400 million to over N5 billion and reducing the state’s debt to less than N90 billion.
Ebere highlighted the success of the Orashi Power Plant and the Light-up Imo initiative, which have restored public power to parts of Owerri. Additionally, Imo has been recognized as a leader in ICT human capacity development, training over 65,000 young people in areas like AI and cybersecurity.
Furthermore, K.O. Mbadiwe University was recovered for the people, and four state universities are now operational. The administration is also revitalizing healthcare and social protection services, enhancing hospitals, and offering a functional health insurance scheme.
Ebere noted the revitalization of Concorde Hotel, Owerri, and the construction of a new International Conference Centre, which have renewed investor confidence and garnered commendation from the U.N Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammad.
In terms of grassroots development, the state launched the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) scheme, creating over 600 businesses and benefiting 20,000 members.