Sunday, January 21, 2024

The mystical Hope Uzodimma

 




By Ben AHANONU 


"Iro-na Hope oru, iga amamma di egwu, mana igba Hope okwu, igadi nkirikankrika, nkirikankrika, mgbe ahu ijoor njo di egwu, iyie chimpanzee."


The foregoing popular Igbo chorus often sang at political gatherings (and which when translated into English means that those who work for Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma are fortunate and always blessed while those that work against him are eclipsed and attenuated by poverty and tormented by hardship to the point they look like chimpanzee), lends credence to the mystical quality of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and part of what stands him out as a great and visionary leader.


The word mystic is always misconstrued by some people especially the make-believe "puritans," religious fanatics and so-called "rapturables," whose acts and deeds make them so heavy to fly for the rapture.


Mystic or mystical within this context is not related to magic or having magical powers, especially of a secret, dark, or mysterious kind - no.


The word, mystic or  mystical as used here is in the sense of having an effect not apparent or obvious to intelligence. It is beyond ordinary understanding; it is relating to the belief that there is hidden meaning in life, or that each human being can unite with God:


In fact, Something that is mystical involves spiritual powers and influences that most people do not understand.


Therefore, when I describe Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma as mystical, I mean his ability to connect and unite with God Almighty, his creator, to get things moving for him.


Mystical is being phenomenal in life and succeeding where others fail. 


Being mystical is having a charm effect (not the voodoo stuff) on people that they are influenced to follow you and do your bidding.


It means one is  fascinating; enchanting; hence, pleasing in the highest degree and  delightful. 


Let me declare that all those that turned against Gov. Uzodimma or worked against him - one way or the other are regretting it today. They are in pains and agony. They are lamenting secretly, praying for an opportunity to reconnect with the mystical man, who has the sublime character of a winner.


In fact, it is inappropriate and dangerous to fight a mystical man with the mantle.


I therefore advise those our brothers and sisters that went astray like Cain to return and sin no more if they can, because Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is compassionate, has a big heart of forgiveness nourished by his abundant milk of human kindness.


Only a mystical man can reclaim his mandate twice. Recall that Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma first did it to become a Senator and later to become a Governor.


Due to the fact that he is a man of honour and contentment, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has no appetite for self-enrichment or aggrandizement - quote me.


He has never appropriated any piece of land as Governor and will never. He has never stolen any kobo belonging to Imo State and will never do that because as a mystical man, Uzodimma is neither greedy nor avaricious.


Recently, I heard a rumour that Uzodimma has partitioned and distributed the land where the Zoo once occupied at Nekede, to his friends and plans to build a housing estate there - so laughable.


It is obvious that man in a state of nature cannot be pleased, and as long as Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, could not please the wicked man, I wonder who can do that.


One thing certain is that Governor Uzodimma does not have any housing estate anywhere in Nigeria.- not that he cannot afford it but he just does not want it and if for any reason he is building a housing estate anywhere in Imo State, it is for the people.


He had the opportunity to build estates as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for eight years but he never did, rather he has been busy building and empowering men and women, some call it human capital development but I call it the mystical Uzodimma masterstroke.



The Uzodimma endearing leadership philosophy and part of what makes him mystical is what I refer to as his sacrificial-selflessness. 


Did you know that Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma within his first 100 days in office, abolished the payment of pension and gratuities to former Governors, their deputies and others?


Only a mystical man, can take a tough decision, which will ultimately affect him.



Recently, something remarkable happened. Guess what! A commercial motorcycle operator that ferried me to a location in Owerri saw a banner bearing the image of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and started testifying to the goodness of our Governor.


He said:"I love Governor Uzodimma. In fact, God Almighty will bless him. Look at the solid roads he is constructing. Honestly, he is doing well. I have not met him one-on-one but the day I will have the opportunity to do that, I will gladly hold him and tell him that he is a good man." I was overwhelmed by the proud declaration of the young man and told him to continue spreading the good message.



According to the Holy Bible in Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."


So it is in Imo State today. A good man, the mystical is in authority and many like the commercial motorcycle operator are happy, rejoicing because of the good work and the achievements, unlike those ugly years when Imo people groaned because the unrighteous were in the saddle.


God bless the mystical Uzodimma and God bless Imo State.




Hon. Prince Ben AHANONU is former Special Adviser (CSDP) to the Governor of Imo State

I will leave rich legacy for Imo people - Uzodimma assures

 


..Rolls out 15-point agenda




The Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has vowed to leave a legacy of sustainable prosperity, development, peace and industrialization by the end of his tenure that will stand the test of time.


Governor Uzodimma stated this during the valedictory session with his expanded executive council and other appointees of the government in Owerri recently.


He assured Imo people that his administration will continue to deliver dividends of democracy and called for their support in the efforts to move Imo forward.


Recall that Governor Uzodimma recently dissolved his cabinet for the first term of office in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution.


In a similar vein, Governor Uzodimma has rolled out a 15 - point agenda for his second term of office.


His words: "My priority areas going forward will be on 15 critical sectors needed for the sustainable development of Imo State.This will be in tandem with my 3R mantra and the 10-year Development Plan.


The areas include:

Road infrastructure, Education, Health,

Sanitation, Water Supply, Agriculture and Food Security, Housing and New Cities Development,

Digital infrastructure, Transportation Infrastructure, Market Access, Industrial Policy, Safety / Security, Enabling Laws and Policies, Public Financial Management and Electricity Infrastructure.


Gov.Uzodimma, who disclosed this in a speech during his inauguration for second term of office, pointed out that the move is In line with the standard institutional framework and each is to be implemented in such a manner that the results would readily impact the economy and standard of living of the citizenry. 



His words: 'My dear brothers and sisters, as you know, Imo State belongs to all of us, and building the state of our dream will require the contributions of everyone of us, irrespective of our political affiliations. The time has come to bury all those differences so we can work collectively to develop our state. Remember, this is the only state we can truly call our own. Therefore, we should all think of how we can contribute to her growth instead of leaving it to the government alone.


"The least we can do to demonstrate our love and patriotic zeal for our state is to be law-abiding and responsible citizens, who take our civic obligations to our state seriously. Our simple civic obligations like paying taxes, observing traffic rules, and keeping our environment clean can go a long way toward helping the government succeed. 


"Equally, I urge all those with the wherewithal, to think of establishing industries, especially in the rural areas, to help create jobs for the youths. On our part as government, we will continue to provide the enabling environment and assistance to encourage all well-meaning investors.


"The task is to make Imo State the industrial hub of the South East, Nigeria, and West Africa. It is one that our generation must accomplish, to the glory of God."

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