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