Every time election season approaches in Imo State, one name always comes back: Ikedi Ohakim. The former governor ruled the state from 2007 to 2011. Yet, he still seems obsessed with returning to Douglas House.
It has been over ten years since he lost his re-election bid to Rochas Okorocha in 2011. Still, his dream to secure a second term remains alive. This constant comeback strategy leaves many citizens asking a simple question: What exactly did Ohakim forget at the Imo State Government House?
Politicians often argue that four years is too short to finish a big vision. However, many development experts and citizens do not agree. Four years is plenty of time to set a clear path for growth. True leaders focus on building strong foundations instead of trying to rule forever. Governance is a relay race where one leader passes the baton to the next to continue the work.
A focused leader does not need eight years to make a real impact. In four years, a governor can fix public policy, build strong infrastructure, and set up open systems that last. Saying that a second term is mandatory suggests that the first four years were wasted or poorly planned.
For example, the late Sam Iheonunaka Mbakwe served just one four-year term. Yet, he completely changed the old Imo State. He did this with very little money compared to what states get today from the federal government.
Chief Dr. Samuel Iheonunaka Onunaka Mbakwe (1929–2004) was a respected lawyer and statesman. He was the first elected governor of the old Imo State. He led the state from October 1, 1979, to December 31, 1983, during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
Mbakwe did wonders in four years because he was ready. He built many factories to boost the economy and did not wait for a second term.
Here are the key industries he built and their locations:
Aluminium Extrusion Industry: Inyishi, Ikeduru.
Resin and Paint Factory: Aboh Mbaise.
Cardboard Paper Packaging Industry: Owerre-Ebeiri, Orlu.
Clay and Burnt Brick Products Industry: Ezinachi/Amuro, Okigwe.
Sacs Hercules Motorcycle and Bicycle Assembly Plant: Naze, Owerri North.
Modern Standard Shoe Industry: Owerri Municipal.
Nsu Tiles and Ceramics Industry: Ezeoke, Ehime Mbano.
International Glass Industry: Aba (now in Abia State).
Modern Ceramics Industry: Umuahia (now in Abia State).
Amaraku Power Station: Amaraku, Isiala Mbano. This was the first independent power plant in Nigeria.
Izombe Power Station: Izombe, Oguta.
Imo Modern Poultry Farm: Avutu, Obowo. This was a massive automated poultry farm.
Golden Chicken Poultry Project: Ogwe, Ukwa (now in Abia State).
Ada Palm Plantation: Ohaji/Egbema.
Imo Concorde Hotel: A luxury five-star hotel in Owerri.
Oguta Lake Motel: Oguta.
Abadaba Lake Resort: Obowo.
Imo State University: Built as a multi-campus school.
Mbakwe did all of this in just four years. May God bless his soul. He also made Owerri the cleanest city in Nigeria with non-stop waste disposal. He hired the Monier Construction Company (MCC) to start proper road building. When the military overthrew him in December 1983, he never looked for a second term. He rested until he passed away.
To understand why the public doubts Ohakim’s endless quest, we must look at his record. Here is what his administration is remembered for:
The Clean and Green Initiative: This project planted flowers and improved sanitation in Owerri. However, planting flowers is not a major development project.
The Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA): This was a big plan to fix rural roads. It failed over time due to bad management and a lack of vision. It ended up creating more problems for the people.
Ohakim’s tenure was filled with heavy political fights. He clashed with civil society and had a major public fallout with the Catholic Church. He also had a misunderstanding with President Goodluck Jonathan. Because of this, Jonathan did not use federal power to help him win. Furthermore, the people of the Okigwe Zone complained that he neglected them. These factors cost him the 2011 election.
He had some good ideas, but his political baggage was too heavy. Voters rejected him in 2011 because they wanted to move in a new direction.
Imo Is Moving Forward, Not Backward
When old leaders keep running for office, they block fresh faces. Imo State has many young, brilliant, and energetic leaders. They have modern ideas to fix today’s economic problems. Relying on leaders from twenty years ago keeps the state trapped in the past. If a leader cannot prove his vision in his first four years, asking to return feels like personal entitlement.
Imo State faces serious issues with youth unemployment and broken infrastructure, which Governor Uzodimma has worked hard to address as much as he can. The state needs modern solutions, not old memories. Political actors must realize that when voters move on, leaders must move on too.
Ohakim’s constant desire to govern again blocks progress. It is unrealistic and takes Imo State backward. He became governor by luck because his main opponents, like Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, faced political troubles. Meanwhile, Imo people have already seen the best Ohakim can offer.
He had a great chance to make a difference with lasting projects, but he failed. He wasted a golden opportunity. He ignored real governance and focused on fights, chieftaincy titles like “Otunba Temitope of the Source,” and trips to South Africa. He also chased nicknames like “Ochinanwata.”
One thing is certain: since he did not perform well then, he will not perform well now. The people of Imo have had enough. Luckily, his wife is now an ambassador thanks to Governor Hope Uzodimma. I advise him to move on and stop living in the past. Imo State has moved on.
Besides, his wife is busy as “The Tinubu of Poland.” If he stays stuck in local politics, he will be apart from her for too long. Who will warm the bed for her? Chief Ikedi Ohakim should please not create room for temptation.
God bless Imo State.
Prince Ben AHANONU
Spokesperson,
AlaIgbo Political Watchdog