Uzodimma: One Good Term Deserves Another (1)

Recently, our workaholic Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma  unveiled Lady Mrs Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru as his running mate for the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo State.

However, before I get down to the nitty-gritty of the unveiling, let me declare that Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma means well for Imo people at all times and prepared to make more sacrifices for the betterment of Imo State.

For instance, when Governor Uzodimma assented to a bill repealing the law that created pension allowances and gratuities for former governors, deputy governors, speakers and deputy speakers of the state, he was aware that it will ultimately affect him when he finishes his second term in 2028  – but he was unperturbed for the fact that such a sacrificial and patriotic decision will free up money that will be channelled into real developmental efforts.

According to Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma: “The law runs contrary to the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a pensioner must have worked for at least 10 years and must be up to 45 years.

“Apart from the inconsistency of such a law with the provisions of the grundnorm, which is the 1999 Constitution (as amended), this has set for a very long time a precedent that does not encourage diligence and prudence in service delivery,” he said.

Gov. Uzodimma regretted a situation where some of the beneficiaries of such payments also get huge amount of money as salaries and allowances in other positions they occupy such as senators or members of the house of representatives.

Remember that before Uzodimma, there were other Governors – I mean, his predecessors, who could not muster the will to do the right thing because they were beneficiaries.

Of a truth, it is only a genuine leader like Gov. Uzodimma that can take such a tough and bold decision.

Gov Uzodimma, without doubt has proven that he is altruistic, determined, capable and focused on rendering excellent service to Imo people.

Next is the knotty issue of bad road network, which was scary and a ‘show of shame’ when Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma took over the reins of power.

Imo roads were impassable, nightmarish and dreaded by motorists but when Uzodimma came with immense courage and passion to serve Imo people sacrificially and not for what he will gain, he rose to the challenge and the result is the reconstruction of over 100 roads in the State and this is apart from the five roads being reconstructed in each of the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

These roads are verifiable yet to detractors and naysayers it is hard to accept because Gov. Uzodimma has proven them wrong with result-oriented, visionary, sacrificial and transparent leadership.

However, I keep reminding them emphatically that Gov. Uzodimma has surprised everyone, surpassed expectations and kept the promises he made to Imo people.

One thing certain is that Gov Uzodimma cannot fix all the roads in Imo State within four years given the limited resources at his disposal.

Meantime, contracts for many of those bad roads were awarded by previous administrations but the contractors and obviously in cahoots with government officials abandoned the projects and disappeared with the money without a trace.

It is no longer news that Senator Rochas Okorocha – who represented Imo West Senatorial Zone in the 9th Assembly and his son-in-law, Hon. Uche Nwosu – former political foes of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma are now part of the great Uzodimma revolutionary team. Yes, it is true.

The other day, Chief Rochas Okorocha, described Uzodimma as a worthy party man, who has promoted the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his administration of Imo State affairs and other national assignments.

According to Okorocha: “Governor Uzodimma deserves all the support he needs and I will work for his victory.”

Interestingly, Chief Uche Nwosu, took the 3R message to Abuja – where he told the world about the unbeatable and verifiable accomplishments of the Uzodimma administration and the reason for a second term in office.

If Senator Rochas Okorocha and Chief Uche Nwosu can become 3R administration “evangelists,” who else will resist it? Little wonder they say that in politics there is neither permanent friend nor enemy rather there is aggregation of permanent interest.

The permanent interest now is how to move Imo forward and consolidate the achievements of Governor Uzodimma, who is poised to do more for Imo State in his second term of office.

For the first time in the history of Imo State and yet another outstanding accomplishment by the administration of Distinguished Hope Uzodimma, the World Bank has through the instrumentality of the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability ( SFTAS ), awarded Imo State, the sum of 12 million Dollars (10 Billion Naira).

Governor Uzodimma revealed this during the official unveiling of his 2023 gubernatorial election running mate, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru at Landmark Event Centre, Owerri.

According to the Governor: “Even the World Bank has given us an award and prize money for our transparency. We received over 12 million dollars from the World Bank for transparency and management of the State’s resources.”

This is in addition to an award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for transparency and accountability in governance.

Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma disclosed that he is more satisfied with the awards than owning estates in the state or country adding that the shared prosperity Government is for the people and by the people, which underpins his administration’s resolve to continue prioritizing transparency, accountability and good governance in the state.

The Governor added that the 12 million dollars received from the World Bank will undoubtedly help in financing developmental projects and improving the lives of Imo people.

It goes without saying that this recognition by the World Bank, is a testament to the efforts made by the Uzodimma administration to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability in Imo State. The award equally serves as an encouragement for the government to maintain its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of the state’s resources and by focusing on transparency and accountability, Governor Uzodimma aims to create a more enabling environment for growth and development in the state.

Next is the show of shame and defeatist desperation displayed by the conceited and pompous gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu at the venue of the 2023 “Iri Ji” Mbaise Cultural Festival.

I decided to use the words “conceited” and “pompous,” because many Imo people are aware that Senator Anyanwu is not serious otherwise how can he intentionally come late to an occasion where the Governor of Imo State (as the Special Guest of Honour), was still speaking and barge in with his noisy gang of thugs so indecorously, breaching protocol, moving from canopy to canopy and in the process demonstrated the highest level of rascality quite unbecoming to a gubernatorial candidate.

Is that how he dreams to govern Imo State? Thank goodness his ambition is a short night dream that will eventually vanish into thin air and prove to be a mirage.

For one thing, Senator Anyanwu, should have respected the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and the office of the Governor, which he is aspiring to.

Hypothetically speaking, if one day in the distant future and much after 2028, he becomes the Governor and someone does that to him; I am sure, he will not be happy.

Senator Anyanwu, should be reminded that it is election and not warfare, hence there is no need for all the nastiness he exhibited at the venue of the 2023 Iri Ji Mbaise Cultural Festival.

I really commend Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma for his equanimity, sense of maturity and good leadership he showed during the provocative incident.

Next is Evangelist Mike Ikoku, a stakeholder of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, who has accused Governor Hope Uzodimma of targeting his businesses.

He made the allegation after parts of the popular All Seasons Hotel premises belonging to him were demolished by Imo State Government through the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) led by the General Manager, Frank Nzenwodo Nkem.

However, the true story is that OCDA, embarked on the demolition exercise in accordance with a court order –  but Ikoku, strangely was silent about the court order.

According to the Director-General, Imo Geographic Information Service (IGIS), Mr Chukwunyere Amaechi: “The management of All Seasons sued his agency following an official notice to vacate the government verge.

“The partial demolition was in line with extant law and neighbourhood plan. Judgement was passed in favour of IGIS and communicated to the management of All Seasons Hotel Limited before the demolition took place.”

The question is why should Evangelist Ikoku blame Governor Uzodimma, when there is a court order authorizing the demolition? Of course, he wanted to curry favour with the public and appear as the victim and victimized – thus demonizing our Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma but he failed woefully.

To the glory of God Almighty, the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), has conducted Computer-Based Test (CBT) to recruit best-qualified teachers for primary schools in the state.

The Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma recently lifted the embargo on employment when he approved the recruitment of 6000 community based teachers and mandated IMSUBEB to accept applications from qualified applicants.

Governor Uzodimma as a good leader insisted that due process must be strictly followed in the employment process.

Indeed, Governor Hope Uzodimma places a high premium on learning and wants the best for Imo children – another reason why one good Uzodimma term, deserves another.

The Super Falcons players from Imo State namely: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Desire Oparanozie, Osinachi Ohale, and Tochukwu Oluehi are already counting their blessings and singing: “Uzodimma: One good term deserves another.”

Now, let me dwell on the unveiling of Lady Mrs Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru,  (wife of a former governorship aspirant, Barrister Chukwuma Ekomaru SAN), as the running mate of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma for the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election.

Lady Mrs Ekomaru, described by many political observers as a great mobilizer and consensus builder, has been in politics for more than 40 years and her choice means winning supporters from the Anglican Communion, academia and social groups where she belongs, from the Judiciary where her husband belongs, from the health sector where her child belongs, and more importantly, from the numerous women social groups where she also belongs.

According to Governor Uzodimma: “I don’t have any problem with my deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku. If anything, he is a very loyal and committed partner in progress. My confidence in him has not waned in any way. I want to assure you that he is still very relevant in our political family. His political career is not by any means over. The truth is that as representatives of the people, we need to be sensitive to the ecumenical nature of the environment.”

The foregoing thus informed the choice of Lady Chinyere Ekomaru. It is an act of necessity vis-a-vis certain ecumenical and political permutations ahead of the forthcoming election.

“Ndi Nne mama!” “Umunwanyi Imo aahhh!” The die is cast. “Oruela na omume.” I know that Her Excellency, Lady Betty Anyanwu – Akeredolu  – “Ada Owerri” and millions of other Imo women are now happy and singing zealously: “Uzodimma: One good term deserves another,” and I expect her and millions of other great Imo women to mobilize support for Uzodimma preparatory to the crucial and historic November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo State because Governor Uzodimma as a caring, listening and sincere leader that is gender-sensitive and married to the most beautiful First Lady in Nigeria deserves a second term in office to consolidate and continue the good work that is evident everywhere in the State.

God bless Imo State!

– Hon. Prince Ben AHANONU is Special Adviser (CSDP) to the Governor of Imo State.