•Directs forensic audit of land documents issued from 2007 -2023

•Signs 2024 budget into law

Dissatisfied by alleged discrepancies in the lands administration sector in the state, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has suspended approval, recertification of land and issuance of building plans and Certification of Occupancy (C of O) till further notice.

Also, the governor has directed a forensic audit of land documents issued between January 2007 and December 2023.

The directives were contained in a statement issued, yesterday, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Cosmas Iwu.

The statement reads: “The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has approved the immediate suspension of approval and issuance of building plans and Certificate of Occupancy by relevant government agencies.”

On the forensic audit, the statement read: “His Excellency has approved the forensic audit of all land documents, including but not limited to, Building Plans and C of O issued from January 2007 to December 2023.

“Consequently, anybody claiming to be in possession of such land documents purported to have been issued by the government or its agencies should submit three copies of the title deeds or any evidence to the office of the Secretary to the Government of Imo State within 21 days of publication of this notice.”

The statement also stressed that the Imo Housing Corporation was not authorised to sell lands, advising those, who have such transactions, to let the government know.

MEANWHILE, Uzodimma, yesterday, signed the 2024 appropriation bill into law. It has a budget size of N592.2 billion.

The governor christened the law the ‘Budget of Renewed Economic Growth.’ At the event, held at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Chambers, Government House, Owerri, and witnessed by the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Kelechi Olemgbe, and other government officials, the governor warned that he would deal ruthlessly with any government official found to cause an impediment to the economic growth of the state.

He also warned them to adhere strictly to the letters of the budget, expressing joy that it was the first time the capital expenditure went up to 85 per cent of the budget size.

He said: “I will be ruthless with any public officer or political appointee, who doesn’t understand the importance of and significance of growing the economy of the state and will leave no stone unturned to advance the cause of history in our state.’’

“Never in the history of this state have we brought a budget with a capital expenditure of 82.5 per cent. It is an economic revolution.” (The Guardian)

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