The Imo 2023 Governorship Candidates Forum has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in building infrastructure and doggedness towards economic development in the first year of his second tenure.

The forum said this in a statement jointly signed on Sunday by some group members while assessing the governor’s performance in Imo.

The signatories are Lawrence Okwara, Iwuanyanwu Nnamdi, Ishiodu Uchechukeu and Edoziem.

The governorship candidates said it became necessary to outline Mr Uzodimma’s transformative action to spur him for greater works ahead.

“The first year of the governor’s second tenure has witnessed tremendous activities through the open governance policy.

“The governance of the state has always been shrouded in secrecy, but Uzodimma was able to bring in an open, transparent, accountable, and inclusive government that always documents and details an account of his stewardship.

“This has restored the true definition of democracy and inclusive governance. This is accountability in action,” the forum said.

The forum said Mr Uzodimma’s administration has also promoted a gender-balanced society, adding that education and health had improved tremendously.

The forum said the administration embarked on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of major roads serving as major economic arteries linking various parts of the state and neighbouring regions.

“We also see your footprint in the transformative move you made in the agricultural sectors, with reforms aimed at improving food security and empowering rural farmers.

“Your administration provided subsidies for farm inputs, introduced mechanised farming initiatives, and partnered with private investors to revitalise commercial institutions and others, to boost agricultural productivity.

“We also celebrate your administration’s achievements in the information and technology sector. You embraced technology to improve governance and service delivery,” it said.

The forum urged the governor not to slow down the rate of his developmental strides but to increase the tempo to enable him to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

(NAN)