Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has said that the internally generated revenue (IGR) system in the state is shrouded in scam.
Mr Ihedioha said on Tuesday when he paid state workers an unscheduled visit that he would need their help in generating revenue for the state to meet its obligations.
Ihedioha, who was accompanied by his deputy, Gerald Ironna, and Secretary to the State Government, Uche Onyeaguocha, said: “Preliminary findings show that our source of revenue in the state is thin. Apart from FAAC, the only source of revenue is Internally Generated Revenue and I am certain that you have a duty to help the government generate revenue.
“IGR in Imo is shrouded in scam. There were myriads of concessions; we have been trying to find out whether those concessions were made in public interest and if they are of any economic benefits to the state.”
Ihedioha assured the workers that he would pay full salaries, away from the 80 per cent paid by the last administration.
“My government will be ready and willing to pay your full salaries but you have to match productivity with output. I am aware that our indebtedness is huge and I have been notified that there will be huge deduction from July.
“I am ready to do the adjustment to your salaries but you have to tell me how we can make savings for it. We decided to undertake this visit to have a firsthand appraisal of the state of the facilities in this complex.
“As civil servants, you need to be paid. I am of the belief that a worker deserves his wages but the money has to be generated. There is need for justification for the money we pay to you,” he said.
