Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo state, has maintained that the opposition is to blame for the state’s insecurity.

On Saturday in Owerri, he delivered his New Year’s address to the people of the state.

However, the governor stated that he was relieved that the plotters of insecurity had been defeated by God.

Gov. Hope has pushed for a fresh and collaborative effort by the people of Imo state this year to eradicate violence and other forms of criminality in the state.

Uzodimma promised the people of Imo state in his new year speech that the government will collaborate with security agencies to make the state safer in 2022 and beyond.

He also promised that his administration will redouble its efforts this year to address the infrastructure deficit that it encountered upon taking office.

According to him, the large capital outlay in this year’s budget of more than 74% of the entire budget was a hint that the state will see more development initiatives.

Uzodimma, however, stated that progress could only be done in a peaceful environment.

He added that some opposition groups had attempted to destabilize the state and halt its progress, but he thanked God that they had been defeated. He also extended gratitude to all patriotic citizens who aided the government’s efforts to defeat them.

He was pleased that, despite distractions from the opposition and criminal groups, the administration had made significant progress in all areas of state development.

Uzodimma stated that the administration is also determined to put its recovery plan into action by ensuring that any public assets that have been looted are recovered.

He stated that the recovery of the state’s KO Mbadiwe University, valued at N40 billion, from a former governor, as well as the shell Campsite, was intended to protect the state’s assets.

The governor urged state residents to collaborate with the government to ensure the state’s peace and growth.

He urged them to make a commitment this year to solely engage in activities that would benefit both Imo state and Nigeria’s peace and stability.

He noted that it was worthy of note that the state’s Christmas and New Year celebrations have thus far been peaceful to the glory of God, and he vowed that every effort would be taken to ensure that Imo people and residents enjoyed peace throughout the year.