Imo Roads: Of Ihedioha And The Empty Flag-Offs

MAZI EJIMOFOR OPARA

It is not surprising to see that 7 months after the deserving ouster of the illegal “rebuild” con artists, the leader of the gang, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, made his first appearance at the Anglican synod in Abuja – a church function. This is deservedly apt for reasons not so unconnected with the apparent need for him to seek for divine forgiveness for his atrocious abuse of public trust and resources within the brief time his locust festered. 

Today, his co-travellers, like him, are caught up in the allegory of the “benched player”. The benched player is that player who performs poorly on the turf but readily becomes fastidious and thinks himself a better player while sitting on the bench. Get him back on the pitch and he would make the exact mistakes for which he was benched.

On roads, while Ihedioha lasted, what he did with contractors can only be described in one word – abominable. How Ogu Bundu Nwadike is unable to know this shows one of two things; mental aloofness or deliberate ignorance. 
If things could be done so magically as expected by members of the “Mbutu Social Club” how then was it so difficult  for them to turn Imo into the “heaven” of their dreams knowing that the Shared Prosperity government is just about the same age as they were before their ouster. This shows clearly that Imo State was actually rescued from the hands of do-gooders. 

I do not claim that Governor Hope Uzodimma is perfect or will solve all of Imo’s problem. But, I am very certain that his resolve to do his bit to perfection will engender a prosperous Imo. This is the reality of leadership, not some utopian thinking that tends to sensationalize the obvious inadequacies of a flawed Ihedioha. Ogu Bundu Nwadike should know better. 
If there is anything truthful and well known to Imolites, it is the fact that Governor Hope, upon assumption of office, not only announced that all contractors should continue with the projects in their lot, but went a step ahead to monitor compliance. What did he discover? While some were still on site, many others called for a meeting with the Governor. In that meeting what was revealed was nothing short of sophisticated graft. More like “the more you look the less you see”. 

Ihedioha and his social club must have fooled Ogu Bundu Nwadike and his likes, certainly not discerning Imolites. 
I am glad Ihedioha has thought it wise to seek for divine forgiveness. However, he must follow same up with open restitution to Ndi Imo. Anything short of this will continually get calm off his nerves and sleep off his eyes. Indeed, there can never be Peace for the wicked. 
Ogu Bundu’s restlessness mirrors the injury on Ihedioha’s conscience. Sadly, it is very difficult for one to deceive himself. God help us all.

– Mazi Ejimofor Opara writes from Ngor Okpala, Imo State.