Governor Okorocha Slashes Imo Security Vote

The government of Imo State has slashed the state’s annual security vote from N6.5 billion to N2.5billion to make provision for the free education programme announced by the new governor during his inauguration on May 29, 2011. This was disclosed by the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, at a thanksgiving Mass in honour of the new administration held on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.

While speaking at the event, the governor commended the chief celebrant, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, for standing by the truth always and enjoined him to always assist in guiding the government aright.

Governor Okorocha admitted that his administration would live by the tenets of sacrifice as exhibited by Christ, and would use every accruable fund judiciously for uplifting the state, adding that everybody, especially the civil servants, must join hands to accomplish the tasks ahead.

Earlier, Archbishop Obinna prayed for the success of the new administration and called on it to concentrate on achieving the goals of free education, agriculture, roads rehabilitation, potable water and workers’ welfare.

He also enjoined Governor Okorocha to remain focused and upright in the discharge of his duties in order to meet the aspirations of Imo people who had borne long years of deprivations and hardships in the hands of previous administrations.

The elated prelate stressed that this was the first time in many years that people’s votes counted and commended the common man and the army for joining hands to defend the votes, but called on the police to live up to expectations in protecting the interests of the people.

“God has visited his people and redeemed them. The supreme might of God is shown in his supreme mercy. Only God himself can explain what made it possible for this young man to become governor of Imo. Expectations of Imo people are beyond imagination. He needs to be pitied.  He may not be able to work wonders,” the Archbishop said.