NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
In a saner clime, citizens’ interests and needs should be the focus of every political decision-making process at all levels of governance. It is the heart of democracy that citizens’ concerns are the basis for change. And of course, participatory democracy allows exactly for that– they give citizens the possibility to take part in decision-making and to give impulse for change through consultations, negotiations, dialogue and partnership.
The above background set the tone for a motion for adoption of membership of the numerous stakeholders; seasoned politicians, technocrate, respected community leaders, lecturers, astute administrators, legal practioners, businessmen, market women, different support groups and student union leaders across partylines, who converged in Owerri on Saturday, September 2, 2023, for the inauguration and madien meeting of a powerful socio- political Movement, Imo Social Contract Group, as spearheaded by a pioneer Imo Commissioner for Foreign and International Affairs, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme.
With a singular bold mission statement of “Charting a new path to progress and taking ownership of governance through a responsive leadership and mass mobilization”, the Imo Social Contract Group distributed forms of its contract document and template, which created a platform for the Imo governorship candidates for engagement with the electorates ahead of the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election.
During his opening remarks, the Convener of Imo Social Contract Group; Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a dangerous boardroom political strategist, strong opinion moulder, scholar of international note and Imo pioneer Commissioner for Foreign and International Affairs, reiterated the commitment of the group to engage governorship candidates on issue based debate with a view to critically dissecting both the approach and technique of their policy thrusts beyond mere political manifestos in the following words:
“We shall no longer accept manifestos prepared by university professors and speech writers for candidates. Even when the candidates themselves don’t know the contents of those manifesto they’re parading.”
“The decision to sign a contract agreement with any Gubernatorial Candidate will not be dependent on me. It shall be an Imo thing.”
“If you look at the galaxy of people here in this meeting, you will know that this group is made up of eminent personalities.
There is nobody here looking for a job, considering the caliber of people here.”
“We will not just sign a social contract with anybody that we see. We shall engage ourselves based on what is on ground and make our decision.”
This time around, people want to own the government, hence this social contract is the only way to achieve that.”
“This group and its meetings are not for any particular political party. But it’s a gathering of like-minds, who are ready to make sure the government works for the masses.”
“I am not championing this because I want any position from a government. I don’t want any position from any government. I just want the people to be part of the government.”
“The final decision that will be taken won’t be my own personal interest. Rather the interest of the group and Imo State in general. As it stands, I have no interest, and everybody participating in this course is advised not to have a mindset until we achieve the best.”
Dr. Fabian Ihekweme’s presentation of issues beyond partsian politics and beneath the surface is what gave impetus to the resounding applause and commendations from the participants, who took turns to eulogize his leadership dexterity and political sagacity in the Imo social space despite not occupying any positions in the government. Sound, cerebral, organised, boardroom strategist, Imo Social Contract Group, a brianchild of the Obowo born scholar and politician has come to stay as the calibre of personalities and critical stakeholders in the Group gives a renewed hope that with the right kind of people and well tailored political ideology the old political order and ugly narrative could be altered and changed.
Dr. Mrs. Uche Ejiogu, a former member of the Imo State House of Assembly; a former Commissioner and prominent woman leader in the state, commended Dr. Ihekweme for his laudable idea and enjoined others to support him instead of kicking against such people-oriented political movement.
From one speaker to the other, those who had the stage to address the stakeholders at the epoch-making event, expressed confidence in the political ideology as encapsulated in the blueprint of Imo Social Contract Group, inunciated by Dr. Fabian Chijiogu Ihekweme.
However, moving a loud motion for adoption of membership of the Group, a respected community leader and influential speaker of Okigwe Forum, Ozo Collins Anoro (Ozo Atita), moved not just for the adoption of Zonal, LGA and Ward Coordinators, but that every other leader seated should be adopted as members of the enlarged leadership structure of Imo Social Contract Group.
Not one, not two, but everyone in unison seconded the motion, thereafter, they ayes had it.
– Njoku Macdonald Obinna
Media Consultant|Newspaper Columnist|PR- Expert,
Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters.
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