The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State Chapter, has criticized Governor Hope Uzodinma’s leadership over the state’s economic decline.
The party claims the recent VAT data reveals the diminishing fortunes of Imo’s economy under the governor’s watch. In a press release signed by Lancelot Obiaku, the PDP alleged that the state’s leadership style had made Imo unattractive to investors.
The PDP expressed concern that Imo generated the lowest VAT revenue among Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. According to the party, the state’s VAT revenue of N235.41 million is the lowest nationwide, a figure described as “paltry.” The second-worst performing state, Zamfara, generated N432.80 million, which is almost double Imo’s amount.
The party also noted that the second-worst-performing Southeast state, Abia, earned three times more in VAT revenue than Imo. Meanwhile, Ebonyi’s VAT performance was nearly ten times higher, and Anambra’s was twenty times more than Imo’s. These figures, the PDP claimed, underscore the severe economic challenges facing the state.
Imo’s VAT contribution amounted to just 0.2% of Lagos’s revenue, revealing a significant disparity, the PDP emphasized. The party suggested that the state’s weak VAT performance reflects its poor economic health and unproductive business environment.
The PDP also criticized the lack of a coherent economic plan to address the state’s economic decline. According to the party, the dismal VAT performance mirrors Imo’s overall economic stagnation, with no clear plan for recovery.
