August 12, 2022

Oil-producing communities in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo state have called out the state government over the royalties allegedly paid by oil firms as tax for the rehabilitation of dilapidated infrastructures in the state.

The leaders of the community under the umbrella of Egbema Forum, are accusing the state government of abandoning them, saying instead of rehabilitating roads in the oil bearing communities, the state government has deployed the funds for rehabilitation of Owerri-Mbaise and Orlu-Akokwa roads.

Spokesperson of the group, Israel Onyeoyibo, alleged that the Federal Government brought to Imo State N70 billion as Imo state share of the taxes paid by the oil companies operating in Imo state.

However, the Commissioner for information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, has denied the claims, saying no such money was released to the state government.