Imo has discovered ghost workers on its payroll leading to monumental fraud, Governor Hope Uzodimma said in Owerri on Monday.

Addressing journalists as part of activities marking his first anniversary in office, Mr. Uzodimma said ghost workers and ghost pensioners received salaries and pensions in the state.

“This government has paid every genuine worker; those complaining of non-payment are either ghost workers or fraudsters.

“I am challenging anybody who has not received his or her salaries to come to Government House with his employment details, and we will pay him or her immediately,” he said.

The governor said the era when permanent secretaries were chosen through appointment was over, adding that directors must pass promotion examinations and interview processes before being appointed as permanent secretaries.

He also promised to revive all abandoned state-owned industries to enhance the state’s economy.

Mr. Uzodimma said he would upgrade the Imo State Zoological Gardens and Wildlife Park to a world-class facility to position the state as one of the country’s tourism centres.

He said he would address the challenge of encroachment on the zoo premises by the host community.

On his achievement in the last year, the governor said he had delivered good governance and assured that he would not renege on his campaign promises.

Mr. Uzodimma also pledged to protect people’s lives and properties and condemned the recent killing of two siblings in the Ihite-Uboma council area.

The murder led to the burning of the divisional police office in the area by a mob.

The governor promised to ensure that the dead got justice and warned against the destruction of social infrastructure during crises.