By Chybyke Jones
According to data from the Debt Management Office of Nigeria (DMO), as at January 15 2020 that Gov Hope Uzodinma took over as executive governor of Imo state, Imo state total domestic and external debt stock stood at approximately N164.4billion and USD64.76million respectively.
Also, as at December 31 2023, Imo state total domestic and external debt stock stood at N217.11billion and USD77.8million respectively.
In other words, Gov Hope Uzodinma in his first term in office increased Imo state’s domestic and external debt stock by approximately N52.68billion and USD13million respectively.
To be honest, Governor Hope Uzodinma deserves a resounding commendation in the area of debt management given the plethora of mind bugging economic challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, Unknown Gunmen, terrorists and political instability in the state vis-a-viz the appreciable level of infrastructural development delivered by the Uzodinma led administration across the state within the time under review.