Ihedioha accuses Rochas of mismanaging as much as N1trn during his eight years as governor

GOVERNOR Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has accused his predecessor Senator Rochas Okorocha of mismanaging as much as N1trn ($2.75bn) during his eight year tenure in office that lasted between 2011 and 2019.

On May 29 this year, Governor Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took over from Governor Okorocha of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and  since then, a war of words has ensued between both camps. Governor Ihedioha has accused Senator Okorocha of plundering the state while the former governor has accused his successor engaging in a witchunt against him.

Upon leaving office, Senator Okorocha has been elected as the lawmaker representing Imo West Senatorial District but several of the structures he build when he was governor are being demolished. Yesterday, Governor Ihedioha upped the rhetoric when his spokesman Steve Osuji accused Senator of bleeding Imo State dry.

Mr Osuji said: “Available records show that in eight years, former Governor Okorocha mismanaged about $1trn belonging to Imo State. We are taking our time in unveiling the numerous atrocities of the last administration and certainly, he must answer for all the evil he did against the people of Imo State.

“Okorocha also alleged that Governor Ihedioha has, within two months in office, built a Hotel in Abuja and new houses in Owerri and his village. This further shows that the man, Okorocha is sick.

“As at today, Governor Ihedioha operates from his private residence in Owerri, following the pillage and vandalisation of Government House by former Governor Okorocha and his cronies. How could he say the Governor is building new houses, when he owns a palatial residence in Owerri, where he operates from and mansions in his village built many years ago? Are houses built in two months?"

“Only Okorocha can build a house in two months and it collapses after a short while and Imo people already know that Okorocha is a habitual liar and should not be taken seriously. The truth is that Okorocha wrecked Imo State and all he is doing is to attempt to divert the attention of Imo people but fortunately, people are smarter than that."