The outgoing Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has said he would be handing over N42.5bn to his successor, Emeka Ihedioha, Punch reports.

He said he decided to keep the money for the incoming governor so that there would not be excuses in carrying out government’s activities.

Okorocha spoke while inaugurating 11 new permanent secretaries, including the new Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Donald Igbo; and the new Head of Service, Mrs Ngozi Eluma.

He said N8.1bn was meant for the payment of salaries and capital projects, while N5.2bn was for pension arrears.

He added that N7.6bn was meant for the renovation of schools, while N21.6bn was for rural roads.

The governor asked the new permanent secretaries to reposition the state civil service and shun corruption.

“I gave this state my best. I will do all I can to support the incoming government.

“Imo State Government has kept aside a total of N42.5b for the incoming government, and for that reason, I will set up a sub-committee to make sure that the projects they are attached to, come to fruition even when I am out of office”, he said.