Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep concern over the recurring problem of newly elected governors abandoning uncompleted projects initiated by their predecessors. He described this trend as one of the major causes of waste in governance and a key reason for the lack of consistent development across various states in Nigeria. Speaking during a public event, Jonathan emphasized that continuity in governance is essential for sustainable development. He lamented that many state governors, upon assuming office, prefer to start new projects instead of completing existing ones—often for political or personal reasons. According to him, this act of neglect not only drains public funds but also deprives citizens of essential infrastructure and services that could have improved their living conditions. Jonathan highlighted that governance should be seen as a long-term commitment rather than a competition between political administrations. He noted that when leaders fail to complete inherited projects, resources already spent on those projects become wasted, and the developmental progress of the state is disrupted. “One of the greatest challenges we face as a nation is the abandonment of government projects. A new governor comes in, and instead of continuing from where his predecessor stopped, he decides to begin new projects to make his own mark. This approach is counterproductive and wasteful,” Jonathan said. He called for a change in political culture, urging future and current leaders to prioritize the completion of inherited projects before embarking on new ones. According to Jonathan, true leadership should focus on service delivery and continuity, not political rivalry. The former president further stressed that the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly should play a stronger oversight role in ensuring that government projects are completed, regardless of changes in administration. He noted that many developed countries thrive because their systems emphasize institutional continuity, not individual achievements. Jonathan’s remarks have reignited public debate about accountability and continuity in Nigeria’s public sector. Many political analysts and civil society organizations have echoed his concerns, describing the habit of abandoning projects as a key factor behind Nigeria’s slow infrastructural growth. A recent report by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) also revealed that trillions of naira worth of government projects remain uncompleted across the country due to this persistent trend. Experts argue that enforcing policies that promote project continuity could significantly reduce waste and enhance development outcomes. Jonathan concluded by urging both federal and state governments to establish strong institutional frameworks that ensure all initiated projects are completed, regardless of political transitions. He added that only through continuity and accountability can Nigeria achieve meaningful progress in its development journey.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has formally presented a comprehensive performance review of his administration’s achievements over the last 18 months of his second term to the Imo State House of Assembly. The governor used this platform to reaffirm his commitment to building a progressive and economically viable state. While addressing the legislators on the floor of the State Assembly, Governor Uzodinma reflected on his leadership journey, describing his administration’s effort as a transformation that Imo citizens can proudly associate with. He emphasized that within a year and a half into his renewed mandate, his government has repositioned Imo on what he termed “an irreversible path of sustainable growth and development.” He pointed out that the foundational values of his administration rest on transparency, accountability, and people-first governance, which have guided all key policies and developmental strides. Governor Uzodinma explained that he chose to personally deliver this performance report to keep lawmakers and the general public informed about the state’s progress, especially as it relates to his second-term agenda. In a lengthy and detail-rich address that lasted several hours, the governor itemized his administration’s strides across multiple sectors including education, health, road infrastructure, and the digital economy. He stressed that these milestones were not mere coincidences but the outcomes of well-thought-out strategic planning. He recounted inheriting a system marred by institutional decay and neglected infrastructure, but noted that his immediate resolve was to reset the governance framework to prioritize the needs of the people through efficient service delivery. One of the administration’s core priorities, he explained, has been the welfare of workers. This includes the regular payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the clearing of longstanding pension arrears, aimed at creating a more economically viable and people-centric state environment. Governor Uzodinma also highlighted the success of the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, as well as improvements in health and educational infrastructure. He noted the positive impact of investments in digital technology and the broader digital economy, which he said are already reflecting in the lives of ordinary citizens. Among the flagship projects mentioned was the Light Up Imo initiative, which he described as a game-changer for economic development. According to him, “When a state has stable electricity, functional roads, skilled youth, and business-friendly policies, it naturally becomes a magnet for investors.” The governor further emphasized the strategic economic importance of the Oguta Lake to Atlantic Ocean dredging project, expressing confidence that once completed, the project would unlock new economic potentials and bolster the state’s position as a future hub of commerce in the Southeast. He recounted that his leadership over the past 28 months has been a journey marked by key milestones. Notable among them are the Assumpta Flyover, the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, upgraded access roads, and modernization of the Imo Airport, which recently began handling international flights. Governor Uzodinma also revealed remarkable fiscal improvements under his tenure. The state’s debt profile dropped from ₦259 billion in 2020 to ₦99 billion in 2025, while internally generated revenue (IGR) rose from ₦400 million to nearly ₦4 billion during the same period. He attributed this to responsible and prudent fiscal management by his administration. Grateful to the people of Imo for their ongoing support, Uzodinma reiterated his administration’s unshakable commitment to delivering good governance. He also thanked the members of the State Assembly for their collaboration and swift passage of executive bills, which he noted has significantly contributed to the administration’s ability to meet its objectives. In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, expressed appreciation to the governor for engaging directly with the legislature. He assured that while the Assembly remains independent, it would continue to work in synergy with the Executive to deliver effective governance in line with its constitutional responsibilities. The Speaker affirmed that the legislature is fully committed to ensuring that governance in the state remains impactful, transparent, and geared toward the collective interest of the citizens.
