Over N330 billion local govt funds missing in Imo

A group in Imo, The Mazi Organization (TMO), has alleged that more than N330 billion accrued to local governments in the state since 2020 is missing.

At a press conference in Owerri on Tuesday, the group alleged that the funds, which came from federal allocations, ecological funds and international interventions, have not translated into any visible projects in the 27 LGAs.

Cajetan Duke, spokesman of TMO, said Governor Hope Uzodimma has instead resorted to intimidation, blackmail and false accusations against Chima Amadi, a governance advocate who recently raised questions on accountability.

“Between 2020 and 2025, the 27 LGAs in Imo State collectively received over N330 billion in federal allocations.

“Mbaitoli alone received about N15.63 billion; even Nkwerre, the lowest, received N10.75 billion. Yet across the state, schools, health centres, sports facilities and roads remain in scandalous decay,” Duke said.

He alleged that the state government created a proxy group called the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) to spread “wild lies, propaganda and conspiracy theories” against Amadi in a bid to silence him.

The group accused the state internal revenue service of issuing a backdated demand of N17 million in income tax arrears to Amadi, describing it as “illegal and politically motivated.”

“Simply put, they are afraid of Dr Amadi because he is the mirror reflecting their corruption back to them,” Duke said.

TMO urged the EFCC, ICPC and other agencies to launch a forensic investigation into the use of local government allocations, ecological funds, UBEC funds and donor interventions, adding that Uzodinma must be held responsible if anything happens to Amadi.

“The haemorrhage must stop. The looting must end. The truth must prevail.

“The Egyptians you see today, you shall see no more. We urge our principal, Dr. Chima Amadi, and other good governance advocates and lovers of democracy, irrespective of these attacks, to remain unbowed to lead the march for accountability and good governance,” Duke said.