Imo: Shunning Political Melee In The Coming Electioneering

By Sampson Uhuegbu

Last year, The Executive Governor of Imo, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma announced that he would make known to the public names of those he alleged to have been funding insecurity in the State. That pronouncement threw some big wigs of Imo extraction into unimaginable anxiety. Also, names calling and trade blames trailed the urgly development as Imo stakeholders were accused of chasing shadows without making effort to tackling the security issue squarely.

Expectedly, on January 4th, 2022, It was held. But before the long- awaited meeting which took place at the Sam Mbakwe Extended Exco Chambers of the Government House, Owerri, the social media had already been awash with the news that the Governor was going to mention names of his political foes at the venue. Tension was seemingly hightened. Lo and behold, he made a sudden “U- Turn”. Not only that tension was dounced, Invitees and viewers who watched the programme’s live broadcasts on AIT and Channels Televisions network were dismayed by the “briddled tongue of the Imo state government”.

Verily, verily I say unto you, the governor can be said to have chewed his words to avoid casting aspertion on other Imo politicians which could advertently or inadvertently hunt him in near future. He exonorated former Governors Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha and challenged Owelle Okorocha to bear in mind that he (Rochas) had ruled Imo and should therefore leave his administration alone now that he (Uzodimma) is in the helm of affairs.

Apparently, the 2023 election is now drawing nearer. Political alliances and re-alignment are gradually screewing up as supporters of Governor Uzodimma and the governing party, All Progressives Congress( APC ) were in attendance. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Former Speaker Acho Ihim, Ex Imo Deputy Governors; His Excellencies Chief Douglas Acholonu, Ebere Udeagu, Prince Eze Madumere, Chief Tony Chukwu, Leo Stan Eke, Imo APC State Chairman, McDonald Ebere and other political, religious leaders and people from all walks of life were in attendance.

He reeled out his two (2) years achievements in the Agriculture, Health, Transportation, Tourism, Housing, Education, Commerce& Industry, Land Administration, Local Government Administration, Social Development, Administration of Justice & Rule of Law, Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition and Security. Governor Uzodimma also said at the meeting that he had repeatedly maintained that some of the security breaches were politically motivated- pointing out that it was based on intelligence information at their disposal.

Meanwhile, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his supporters are yet to have settled for any political party for the forthcoming election. Senator Uzodimma and the former Governor Okorocha’s long-standing fiasco is not supposed to linger unnecessarily considering the fact that the duo come from Orlu Senatorial zone. Not only that, Okorocha, now a Senator, was a former Governor; while Governor Uzodimma was once a Lawmaker that represented the district in the upper Legislative Chambers of the National Assembly. Peace and unity should be fostered for posterity purposes.

One of the greatest challenges that should be tackled now before commencement of the election is insecurity. Staff of Independence National Electoral Commission (the recruited Ad-hoc workers, The electorate and contestants might be living in fear over uncertainties and these may slightly paralyze activities if not properly handled now before the electioneering.

Governor Uzodimma was very careful with choice of his words, perhaps, to avoid being misquoted or escape litigation by anyone. Faces that were ate meeting indicate that he may plant his men in strategic positions, at the State and federal levels in order to deliver him for second term as governor in the next election.

It is now behold on Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his brother in-law, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu including Senator Hope Uzodimma to reunite and lift Imo to greater heights.

The political elites in Imo are in support with the present Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma in which he had done well in certain areas and had dissatisfactorily attracted criticisms by the general public on others they feel unsatisfied.

It is expedient that Imo APC should reconcile with its agrieved members that had formed a coalition group and forge ahead for political business which has already begun in earnest. Those ones they deemed to have gone politically astray should be congregationally reached to for the purpose of their excellence in the forthcoming polls.

The Deniel Nwafor – led group of the All Progressives Congress, APC shall also join the ruling party to see if the Imo APC could clinch to victor in 2023. The People’s Democratic Party ( PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other parties that would field in candidate for any political position. Whosoever that emerges next Governor of Imo – be it Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma or another candidate should not fail to gear its policies towards the overhaul transformation of the state.

Pull- him – down syndrome, illegal dismantling of political campaign billboards cum related politicking unrighteousness could be interpreted as symbol of hatred and should therefore be jettisoned intoto by any visionary, resourceful, focused and purposeful politician that is centrally coming to render selfless service rather than to greedily accumulate wealth at the painful mercy of people of the State.

Sampson Chibueze Uhuegbu is an Owerri-based Journalist. He can be reached at brosamfamouswise@gmail.com, +2348064524404