Gov Uzodimma And His Fantastic Choice Of A Sound Deputy Governor

NWAMKPA MODESTUS (KSM)

It was on a certain day in March 2020, shortly after Governor Uzodimma took over the reins of power of the state, I had accompanied a friend of mine to University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State for his private deal. We were in the office of one Faculty Dean discussing and laughing when suddenly, our discussion snowballed into a minor introduction of ourselves. While my friend from Anambra state had done his own,   I introduced myself as having come from Imo state. Our guest, a man I guess should be in his 70’s or late 60’s immediately retorted ‘ Oh Imo state my great in-laws (He later told me his wife is from Ahiazu Mbaise). He went further to tell us that in his estimation, Imo state is blessed with the best Deputy Governor in Nigeria and that he could say that without equivocation. He said to us inter alia “Prof Placid Njoku’s record as Vice Chancellor of this University (referring to University of Agriculture Umudike) is  unequaled and has remained  unbeatable  till date. I salute the foresightedness of Sen. Hope Uzodimma  in choosing Prof Njoku to be his Deputy. The choice is apt” He partly said.

Oh my God! I instantly felt proud of being an Imolite. He had all manner of kind words for Prof Placid Njoku, reminiscing his glorious days as Vice Chancellor of that citadel of learning. He described his integrity as impeccable and hmsaid that the deputy Governor was highly unassuming. He said that Governor Uzodimma must be a wise man and must also be desirous of  having peace in his state and the government  insisting  this could apparently be  the reason why he chose a character like Prof Placid Njoku to be his Deputy especially having seen the experience of others across the Country. Among other things he said concerning Prof Njoku, was  that Governor Uzodimma could comfortably be rest assured that he has a man who can stand by his back at any time.  

I had to use this narrative to draw home the essence of this discourse. It is a truism that the choice we make in life and the type of friends we keep, to a large extent determine who we are. Therefore, the choice we make in life is very important.  Even the choice of a wife we make determine the kind of home we will build. “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are” is a popular but factual maxim. 

I cannot claim to have known him very well before now but my close observation of him and the little time I have come close to him confirm that Prof Placid Njoku is a special breed. His very humble and highly incorruptible nature as people who knew him before now have continued to testify is blending very well with the life of Governor Hope Uzodimma. His taciturn nature fits tightly into the taciturn nature of Governor Uzodimma. For me, he is not the conventional politician yet he  is not a loafer in administration. As a former vice Chancellor, he is not new to the handling if power.  He has no baggage as he has lived a life of self contentment. He is very calm and always looks relaxed.

Prof placid Njoku has no political agenda of himself except the one of his Boss and thus doe not quarrel over being in control of one political structure or the other. His political structure is Gov Uzodimma.  He does not hold nocturnal political meeting to feather his own political motive. He moves with military precision as is being coordinated  by his boss. He does not over step his bounds. He is loyalty personified. He is everything a reliable Deputy Governor should be.

So, I agree with the University of Agriculture lecturer that, Governor Uzodimma made a good choice in Prof Placid Njoku as the deputy Governor. That carefully made choice is today benefitting the state in so many ways. I wish the Governor and his dutiful Deputy Governor the best in their effort at leading Imo state alright. 

Truthfully Yours, Nwamkpa Modestus is my name and I approve of this piece.