By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI—Imo State Government has been challenged to publish the state accounts so  the citizenry would know the proper financial health of the state.

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, who threw the challenge to Governor Rochas Okorocha, yesterday, while delivering a sermon at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, also argued that the publication of the state account would enable the citizenry to know the true position of things.

“Lack of salary creates room for murmuring. It is necessary that parents receive their salaries and pensions to take care of themselves and their families. When parents do not provide for their families, it will lead to murmuring,” Archbishop Obinna reasoned.

It was the considered opinion of the Archbishop that there was no cogent reason why workers and pensioners should not be paid if the state was buoyant.

“If there is money, why is it not being used to pay workers and pensioners? If there is no money, it is important to let people know. Lack of accountability and transparency could lead to murmuring,” Archbishop Obinna said.