The newly sworn in governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha has lamented the failure of his immediate predecessor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to handover the state’s financial documents to him.

Speaking with journalists in Owerri, the state capital on Sunday, Ihedioha said that he has no documents showing the financial status of the state hence his administration is facing difficulties to hit the ground running.

While condemning the condition of the state’s Government House which he described as an eyesore, Ihedioha said he has asked all financial institutions in the state to stop transacting with his predecessor.

“We have difficulties operating from Imo Government House now. But I told Imo people that we will start work and give no excuses. We will give dividends of democracy irrespective of the state of facilities I inherited from the out-gone administration.

“The government that ended was not prepared to handover or ready to receive us. I thank Imo people for receiving us and we shall serve the state with the fear of God.

“All financial institutions that have a relationship with Imo State Government should not honour any withdrawal instruction by cheques, transfers or in any form.

“No financial mandates, ISPOs or any form of financial instruction should be treated. All outstanding financial instructions already with banks and financial institutions should be put on hold.

“This directive covers all the accounts of ministries, departments, parastatals, local government councils, quasi-government agencies and all revenue generating organs of government.

“Banks and non-bank financial institutions are to take note and ensure compliance as the state government will not be responsible for any disbursement, effected contrary to this directive,” Ihedioha said.