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."

Trouble for Uzodimma as "abandoned" SAs plot Revenge - A rebuttal

 

                     Gov. Uzodimma 

By Ben AHANONU

My attention and indeed that of numerous loyal appointees of the Shared Prosperity Administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, especially the Special Advisers (SAs) that were appointed earlier this year, have been drawn to the false, defamatory, loathsome and objectionable main story in the Friday, July 7, 2023 issue of the Trumpeta tabloid newspaper.

Ordinarily, I would have ignored that poorly written story because it is clearly a mere fabrication by the opposition - People's Democratic Party (PDP) in conjunction with sworn enemies of the Shared Prosperity Administration but for the sake of unsuspecting Imo people, who might be misled by such grievous disinformation, I felt compelled to issue this rebuttal.

One thing incontrovertible about the story is that it is as useless as trash, speculative posturing, part of an integrated smear campaign of the imploding PDP and a failed attempt to annoy the loving and kind Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, who has the best of intentions for Imo and set him on the warpath against his appointees.

The logical fallacies in the story were further underscored by the fact that it has no byline - meaning no author and the word "abandoned" which is the weightiest plank of that inciting story is in quotes meaning that it is not definitive - the fake writer is not quite sure of what he/she is writing and this is corroborated by the fact that the unknown author did not mention the name of the so-called appointee or appointees from Owerri North that allegedly issued the threat although the author might quickly claim that the identity of the source was hidden to protect him/her.

Nonetheless, why should someone on earth engage in such unprofessional conduct if not for pecuniary interest or intent to cause confusion.

According to the ethics of the journalism profession, the main story of any newspaper must be serious and consequential and must have concrete details about the who, what, when, where and why. It must not lack substance, rather it must have verifiable facts and details.

A newspaper main story must also be logically consistent or, as logicians are fond of saying: "Have some possible world in which they are all true."

Unfortunately, the fabricated story, which is libelous in the main, lacked logical consistency because certain paragraphs in the story contrasted with one another.

For instance a paragraph that stated: " However a source from the Government House said that Gov. Uzodimma did not abandon the new appointees as he is making elaborate plans for them immediately after their inauguration, which will come in weeks.

"The source said that the SAs will be paid all their arrears starting from the date in their appointment letters."

Then this other paragraph: "The abandoned SAs said that while they were still roaming the streets empty-handed and hungry, the Governor is busy giving red-carpet reception to defectors from opposition parties, while they are abandoned."

The question is which one is true - abandoned or did not abandon?

Government all over the world is not a child's play because it is backed up by the Constitution especially regarding its functioning hence anything done by the government or pronouncement by an elected government official especially from the executive arm is regarded as serious and the authority is duty-bound to fulfill such pronouncement.

Almost all the SAs are literate enough to understand the legal implications of their being announced as SAs to the Governor of Imo State, including the rights and obligations, hence cannot act in any despicable manner that will be a source of embarrassment to the Governor and the Government.

As part of the government, their primary duty is to do everything constitutionally appropriate for the success of the government.

They also know that it is just a privilege and not a right for one to be appointed by the Governor as his Special Adviser and this is in view of the fact that there are thousands of other qualified and competent Imo citizens, who can equally be appointed.

In addition, the new SAs are literate enough to  know that they reserve the right to resign their appointment if the terms and conditions are not suitable or if they feel constrained, inconvenienced or abandoned hypothetically.

Therefore, I am convinced that no loyai and reasonable appointee of the government can go to a partisan tabloid newspaper with strong support for the opposition - People's Democratic Party (PDP), to make unguarded remark against a Governor that is working so hard to ensure that it is well with them.

The SAs and other appointees know that their appointment was made in good faith and Governor Uzodimma - I know, does not, cannot and will never treat people, including his appointees with disdain.

The SAs know that no matter how long it takes, all their entitlements will be paid by the Shared Prosperity Administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, which has the welfare of Imo people as one its cardinal policies.

I believe that the new SAs cannot make such unguarded remarks as contained in the fabricated story, published by Trumpeta - a PDP - mouthpiece and propaganda outfit because the owners are either card-carrying members of the PDP or sympathetic to the cause of the PDP.

On the other hand, the SAs and appointees are Imo people with family and relatives. In informal setting, some of them might utter something that can fly into the ears of the naysayers and which could be blown out of proportion by the opposition propagandists just to score cheap political point or cause disaffection between the Governor and his appointees.

I believe that the SAs are working very hard for the success of the Governor in the polls on November 11, 2023 and this was amply demonstrated during the extended revalidation exercise and registration for the Imo State Social Security Benefit Number. 

The SAs including those from Mbaitoli and Ikeduru hit the ground running and did their best for the success of the extended exercise in the two Local Government Areas.

The SAs are solidly in support of the Governor as he goes to the polls on 11 November , 2023; therefore, Imo people should regard as false, premeditated and wicked the said publication by the Trumpeta that attempted unsuccessfully to stoke bad blood and confrontation between the caring Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and his new appointees.

It is not true that the new SAs are murmuring against the new members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, especially defectors from the opposition parties because the APC as a party, is big enough to accommodate everyone and the party equally needs more capable hands to get the job done on November 11, 2023,  even as we are all Imo people.

One thing that is abundantly clear is that in the run-up to the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo State, the PDP and its agents have been acting desperately, deploying deceptive strategies including dissemination of falsehood and incendiary propaganda to mislead Imo people , dumping of hot asphalt on newly constructed roads like the incident on Owerri-Okigwe Road precisely at Ekemele, Akabo, Ikeduru, unwarranted outbursts and crying wolf, false accusations as being done by one Ikenga Ugochinyere - a known PDP agent but the chickens will soon come home to roost because Nigerians are now aware of his heinous tactics and propensity for making much noise and telling malicious lies through frivolous press releases and inconsequential press conferences but Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma remains strong and indomitable.

Nonetheless, the new appointees must be wary of the evil antics of the vanquished PDP and their agents to avoid falling into their devious trap.

In addition, they should never behave like the proverbial tortoise, who was in a pit of melancholy for long but on the eve of his evacuation from the pit, he yelled at the rescue team for delaying and that prolonged his dreadful ordeal in the pit.

One thing I know for sure is that Gov. Uzodimma will never start what he cannot finish. 

All we need as appointees is patience for in no time, there will be a falling of good rain upon us all.

Uzodimma must win!

God bless Imo State.

Ben AHANONU is Special Adviser to the Governor on CSDP.

    

    

Imo International Seaport: Realizable signature project with a dream

 

By Ben AHANONU 

In the long and somehow checkered history of humanity on Earth, every great accomplishment started with a dream and when the Americans talk about "American Dream," it is about their desire to rule and subdue the world by mastering uncharted paths and creating something out of nothing through uncommon ingenuity. 

That was how the United States of America became the first country in the world, to conceive and manufacture "atomic bomb," though with dangerous consequences but efficient enough to end a raging Second World War that wanted to exterminate normal human existence on Earth as the defeated Nazis and their allies like fascist Italy and militarist Japan then wanted to enslave humanity.

It was the same "Dream," that landed the legendary astronaut Neil Armstrong on the Lunar surface.

On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Apollo 11 Lunar Module (LM) pilot Buzz Aldrin became the first human beings to land on the Moon, and the next day they spent two and a half hours outside the Lunar Module Eagle spacecraft while Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit in the Apollo Command Module, Columbia. When Armstrong first stepped onto the lunar surface, he made the historic comment:  "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." 

It was broadcast live to an estimated 530 million viewers worldwide. Apollo 11 was a major US victory in the space race, which fulfilled a national goal/dream proposed in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy "of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth," before the end of that decade.

The same dream and determination to subdue the Earth, fuelled the Industrial Revolution and all the great inventions like electricity, automobile, airplane etc which modernized the world.

The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes in Great Britain, continental Europe and the United States that occurred during the period from around 1760 to about 1820–1840.

When the first civilian Governor of old Imo State, comprising Imo, Abia and Southern part of Ebonyi), late Dee Sam Mbakwe, conceptualized the idea of an airport for Imo State in 1983 - many thought he was joking but as a great and visionary leader, he had his eyes focused on the strategic project - envisioned to address a yearning.

Through generous contributions of the people of old Imo State and throughout Igbo land, like Chief (Engr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, (Ahaejiagamba) - (who not only contributed money and joined the construction work proper with his Hardel and Enic Construction Company, but also floated Oriental Airlines to keep the airport busy), Prince Arthur Eze, Chief Sab Ejiofor, Chief Ilodibe, Mike Nkworji, OzoIgbondu etc the Imo Airport Dream was realized under Navy Captain James N. Aneke, who saw to its completion, commissioning and operational commencement on 15th July, 1994 during the military regime of  late General Sani Abacha and it became  the first state-owned airport in Nigeria and first airport built by the people without any support from the federal government.

I chose to engage in this historical inquisition in order to position the Imo Seaport Dream contextually and emphasize the efficacy of dreams.

According to Inc.Africa: "To be an effective leader, you need to think like a leader.  Problems are real and they warrant our attention, but they don't go away without solutions. Knowing things are not working is a good first step but nothing more. Great leaders understand that focusing on problems brings more problems but focusing on solutions opens up opportunities"

Without doubt, since Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma assumed the leadership of Imo State as Governor, he has been consistent with effective and productive leadership, deliberately focusing on solutions to the problems challenging Imo State.

Gov. Uzodimma, understands the diverse needs and strengths of Imo and has assembled a team of best brains from the State, to create and maintain success. 

Successful leaders like Gov. Uzodimma, tend to share habits of thought that set them apart. The reason is that positive thoughts grow into positive attitudes that in turn grow into positive outcomes, while negative thoughts do the same in the other direction. 

Successful leaders like Governor Uzodimma, understand this principle well and they express it in specific and highly disciplined ways.

Successful leaders like Gov  Uzodimma, understand that it is 'we' before 'I' and 'us' before 'me.'Their team, the people they lead, are at the forefront and more important.

As Imo State Government under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma intensifies efforts for the dredging and conversion of Orashi River into an international seaport - (which is a yearning), with all the necessary paraphernalia, there is also need to eliminate excessive complications - I mean those things that are unnecessary, while more attention should be given to the core issues. I believe that this approach will help the government of Imo State actualize the signature project quickly and effectively.

Indeed, Gov Uzodimma thinks big for Imo State and every well-meaning Imo citizen including the strong and skilled Diaspora should support him as he works towards the success of Imo Seaport project and other projects including the reconstruction of Imo International Conference Centre (IICC).

While some people do not have the discipline and patience to stay focused because of nonstop distraction of modern life,  successful leaders like Gov. Uzodimma, have the strength of purpose, patience and determination to see things through to completion.

Gov. Uzodimma has the  spirit of excellence that enables him give his all to Imo people, not because someone is looking over his  shoulder but because it is the right thing to do. 

That is what propels him to help people - yes, Gov. Uzodimma is truly helping Imo people with his "massive welfare-driven and people-oriented" style of governance - ask Imo workers, who are now paid promptly and automatedly. They are also enjoying free mass transit, free medicare, 13th-month salary and other packages including promotion and retraining. Ask traders in Imo State, who are enjoying the greatest support from government since the creation of the State. Ask journalists, who have the privilege of working with a media-friendly Governor and all attendant benefits including annual awards. Ask Imo youths, who are major beneficiaries of Governor Uzodimma's milk of human kindness with projects like "Skill-up Imo" and cash transfers.

While many like him are at least somewhat preoccupied with wanting recognition for their hard work, Gov. Uzodimma, as an  altruistic leader, is more concerned about giving recognition than receiving it and that makes him unique. 

As a driven leader, Uzodimma is preoccupied with what he will do to succeed as Governor and bring enduring prosperity to the state. He thinks like a successful leader, always looking for transformational opportunities to change the Imo narrative from glory to greater glory of economic prosperity and sustainable development.

Like late Chief Sam Ononuka Mbakwe, whose desire for more federal presence (in terms of projects being located in old Imo State) turned him into a "weeping Governor," literally, Uzodimma equally has such appetite for more coming to Imo State but with the different approach of constructive and strategic engagement with critical economic actors and decision-makers - federally and internationally - such ambition thus  informed the conceptualization of the Orashi International Seaport project, which has the potential of turning Imo into a major economic hub in the Southeast geopolitical Zone.

While some naysayers and political foes may be moving in the opposite direction regarding the Imo Seaport project, the determination and resolve of Governor Uzodimma to actualize the signature project is unshaken but all he needs is the support of peace-loving and development-conscious Imo people.

All he needs is a second term to enable him complete the Orashi International Seaport project and other people-oriented projects.

Let me add that Gov. Uzodimma is not the Governor of Orlu Zone but the Governor of entire Imo State without any iota of sectionalism or unproductive zonal inclinations and this is amply demonstrated by his all-inclusive and broad-based style of governance.

I therefore advise some desperate politicians trying to whip up zonal sentiments to desist from such unproductive and divisive posturing that is wrong and condemnable.

The zone from where a governor comes from is irrelevant so long as he or she is performing well and working for the good of entire Imo people.

Shall we because of the quest for zonal equity, enthrone mediocrity and incompetence in Imo State? Will Gov. Uzodimma and people from Orlu Zone govern Imo State forever? The answer is no.

There is time for everything under the Sun and very soon it will be time for a competent, tried, trusted and tested Owerri Zone person with the capacity to deliver good governance and economic prosperity to all Imo people to take over the mantle of leadership but Gov. Uzodimma must first finish his second term of four years as approved by God Almighty.

One thing certain is that we are all Igbo people united by one great and common ancestry hence we must see ourselves as one big family and great ethnic group, irrespective of geographical and administrative demarcations made to enhance development planning and not division.

Those in support say Aye! The Ayes have it!

God bless Imo State.

Prince Ben AHANONU is Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State on CSDP.

UMUOZIRI

 UMUOZIRI

By Benedict Ahanonu

My home, my pride,

Beautiful plain like Jerusalem

In ancient, alluvial Inyishi,

Where good things happen,

Blossoming and blessed land

Where God and peace reign,

Ageless land of hope

Full of modern architecture

That speaks with one voice,

Wonderful land, full of wonderful people,

We know ourselves, we love ourselves,

We eat from one pot, we drink with one cup - mmanya Orie,

We mourn and merry together

In Umuoziri,

Where Sun rises but never sets...

Resplendent Umuoziri,

My place, my joy,

Decorated with ancient landmarks,

Like Mkpara Azala Anyanwu, like Akpaka Ukwu, like Nwohii...

Watered by Onu Iyi Ude,

Our stream of life,

Where hope and dream intersect,

Fruitful Umuoziri and bountiful

Of Ama Nkwu and Aghidi,

Comprising ever resilient and expansive Ama Orji, enterprising Duruaku, irrepressible Durueke, gentle and high-ranking Ezealaji, buoyant and indomitable Ezealaodu, strategic Opara, peaceful Obinudo, overflowing and  blessed Ogo na Aluma...

Umuoziri of mission and vision,

Interspersed with valleys of treasure,

Intellectual Umuoziri, outstanding...

With academics and sharp minds,

Too numerous, so many,

Both living and dead,

Like Erasmus Akudinobi - headmaster !

Geoffrey Agu - headmaster!

Moses Nwanguma - headmaster!

Jude Anunne -headmaster!

Jude Ahanonu - my gentle father and origin - headmaster!

Ecclesiastical Umuoziri,

Where faiths interface,

Umuoziri of arch deacon Aaron - Royal Priesthood!

Historical Umuoziri, political Umuoziri,

That shone and still shines,

You gave Ahanonu Nwaezeocha,

Audacious warrant Chief,

Who brought Anglican Church,

But never attended ,

You gave Chief Edwin Ukonu  -

Courageous wise man,

You gave Chief Matthew Opara -

Sagacious strategist,

You gave Chief Ignatius Akujor -

Ever dogged and masterly,.

You gave Chief Julius Ahanonu -

Bold and brave,

You gave Alfred Opara - level -headed arbiter,

You gave Peter Njoku - faithful and patient man,

You also gave J. T. Maduakolam -

Successful contractor...

Umuoziri, my home, my pride,

Wonderland where everything is beautiful,

Holy land, where evil is abhorred,

Amazing land, where evil is cursed,

Industrious land, where criminals don't thrive, don't last,

Where everything is by dint of hard work,

It must be on merit,

Otherwise it is not Umuoziri,

On Afor Lolo, we converge,

At Eke Inyishi, we transact,

Umuoziri, obodo oma...

From Ogo na Aluma,

Home of Ike na Agubosim, Akudinobi na Ijezie, Iwuchukwu na Abiakam, Maduakolam na Ihejirika, Ikeogu, Abraham, Awurumibe, Ahunamuzo, Njoku tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

From Ama Orji,

Home of Opara na Anunne, Onyeargbulem, Ihejirika na Ohalete, Ebiriekwe, Ijezie, Nwachukwu, Nwanguma, Ezeala, Ogumere, Mbajiuka, Nwigwe, Osuji, Iwuchukwu, Ekushie, Uzocha,tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

From Obinudo,

Home of Obichere, Nwokoro, Igwe, Osuji, Nwanguma, Nwachukwu, Iwuchukwu tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

From Duruaku,

Home of Nwachukwu, Oguamanam, Obi, Amadi, Aaron, Akujor, Ohakwe, Mark, Meshack, Ihenacho, Dikeocha, Anumata tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

From Durueke,

Home of Agunobi, Njoku, Maranzu, Kammere,Ibe, Chukwuocha tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

From Umuopara,

Home of Anuforo na Njoku, Mgbigwe, Ihunyere, Mbanu, Ugwu, Arisikwu, Emereonye, Meke na Echenaikpeazu, Ukonu, Anumihe, Omire, Ihueze, Nnadi, Opara, tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

From Ezealaji,

Home of Aghalagbule, Ureme, Ugwoakpozu, Opara, Mbegbu, Ugwueleke, Okpoebo, Ekwonna, Njoku, Unegbu, tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

From Ezealaodu,

Home of Ahanonu Nwaezeocha, Emeribe, Abangaha, Uche, Anagaraku, Mmadu, Onyemekara, Oparaocha, Nwigwe, Elihe, Mbawuike, Ahutaragini, Nwachukwu Nwaezeocha, Ayoka, Mgbeahurike, Iroka, Opara, Asomugha, Onyejiuwa, Kamange, Njoku, Ukawuba, Ibe, Unachukwu, Onyenwoke, tinyekwara igwe ndi ozo...

We are great people,

We are godly people with pride,

We are pacesetters of good things,

Tenacious people who don't give up,

We are Umuoziri, stronger together,

We are Umuoziri,  we are one,

God bless Umuoziri...

Copyright ©2023 Benedict Ahanonu

Gov Uzodimma: A case of proven credibility, accountability and integrity

 

By Ben AHANONU 

Upon assuming office as the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma declared that he has a covenant with God Almighty to serve Imo people and deliver good governance underpinned by shared prosperity, world-class infrastructure and guided by deliberate intention to do what is right and good for the people.

At any given forum he has repeated the avowal to use his position as Governor to serve God and that cannot be questioned.

According to Uzodimma: " It is God that determines, who will be the Governor," and I cannot agree more, given the miraculous manner he emerged as the Governor, following the ill-fated 7-month attempt to steal his mandate by a group of wrong people and enemies of the masses with the garb of pretence in alliance with the Resident Electoral Commissioner then, who for reasons best known to him, decided to do the wrong thing by announcing, who did not win the election (and did not meet the requirements as stipulated by the law) as Governor and pushing Uzodimma - the first and the winner to the fourth position in the most heinous political contrivance and recklessness as a biased umpire.

However, God Almighty overturned the evil machinations of enemies of the State in the most miraculous manner and restored Uzodimma's mandate but the wailing cannot stop.

As bad losers they conspirators vowed to make Imo ungovernable by instigating a wave of circumscribing insecurity kick-started with the.attack on Owerri Correctional Centre and release of over 800 hardened criminals yet Uzodimma was not deterred. He took the bull by the horns and the result is massive infrastructural development and people-oriented governance.

During the recently held 7th Imo Stakeholders'Forum - a bold initiative of the All Progressives Congress, APC - led administration, Gov Uzodimma challenged anyone with any evidence of corruption , appropriation of land, renovation of estate or building of new one against him, to report the matter to appropriate government agencies and it is only a leader without any skeleton in his cupboard that can be so bold and courageous.

Without doubt, late Chief Sam Mbakwe, the iconic first civilian Governor of Imo State, who continuously and posthumously serves as a reference point for good leadership, did very well (although he had running battle with teachers over non-payment of salaries), but as it stands Gov. Uzodimma with his sterling performance is on the threshold of surpassing the legendary Mbakwe.

When Uzodimma embarked on the reconstruction of Trunk "A" roads in Imo State, Viz: Owerri -Orlu, Owerri - Okigwe and Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo, he was not prompted by the desire to recoup the money from the Federal Government - no. He reconstructed the roads because he made the promise. He reconstructed the roads because  they form part of the cardinal programmes of his administration for accelerated economic and infrastructural development of the State.

That it pleased the Federal Government to refund Imo State money spent on the reconstruction of the roads is heartwarming and fortuitous. 

Yet some naysayers in their incurable vindictiveness will want to gainsay that giant step of altruistic and visionary leadership by equating it to what they call ' round tripping" - such I describe as vehement display of chronic and incurable political bad-belly.

Be that as it may and without prejudice to anyone the point has to be made that Uzodimma's predecessors also could have reconstructed the roads and recouped the money spent as 'round tripping." Why they failed to reconstruct or failed to initiate such and 'roundtrip" using the parlance of the detractors, is a question the invidious critics should answer.

 Gov Uzodimma also paid N1.6 billion naira to recover Imo Standard Shoe Factory seized  by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria,  AMCON, over a loan of N450 million. As it stands now, the 'talk and do Governor' as he is called by friends and admirers is discussing with foreign investors from Italy with technical know-how to relaunch and transform the shoe factory into a world-class factory with immense multiplier effect on the economy and  population - I believe there is no round-tripping.

They said ah! the money of Imo State has finished, in fact Uzodimma has expended it all on champagne and hiring of private jet but in their littleness and myopic reasoning, they forget that the same Governor Uzodimma stopped the payment of pension to former Governors and other top political office holders( irrespective of the fact that it will affect him)  because of the burden it bears on the lean resources of the State as such money can be judiciously spent on developmental and infrastructural projects.

I have been attending state events and for once, I have never seen champagne served and I know there is no bushbar at the Government House anymore so where is he drinking and serving champagne lavishly?

About private jets, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma (Onwa n'etieti) "omena dollar," has been using private jets even before he became the Governor of Imo State, that is for those that do not know.

If he is extravagant as the naysayers and political detractors allege, why are they also complaining to high heaven that Uzodimma is now tightfisted? 

If Uzodimma is corrupt and profligate, he will not operate with single treasury account. Instead, he will follow in the footsteps of his predecessors by running the government with multiple bank accounts.

If Uzodimma is corrupt, he will not recover stolen hectares of land and return same to the real owners as nothing stops him from appropriating such.

If Uzodimma is corrupt and self-centered, he would have appointed his siblings and relatives as Commissioners, Special Advisers and more.

According to Governor Uzodimma: "Imo State money belongs to Imo people and I must use it for the development of the State because I will also give account of it. If you see anywhere I have built a new house, estate or acquired even a plot of land since assuming office as Governor, please expose it, report it to the relevant authorities. In fact, I am tired of and saturated with material acquisitions."

Indeed, Distinguished Senator Uzodimma, has proven within three years that it is possible to serve the people with credibility, accountability and integrity.  He has proven that Imo State is not in want of genuine leaders, who are prepared to serve without recourse to personal aggrandizement.

I think Imo State needs more of Uzodimma democratic phenomenon for another four years.

Let those in support say Aye! The ayes have it.

ISAMATA determined to crash price of rice in Imo - Ezeanochie

 By our correspondent 

The Imo State Amalgamated Markets and Traders Association (ISAMATA), under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Ezeanochie, has vowed to bring down the price of rice in the State by flooding the entire State with quality long grain rice.

He stated this during a recent chat with a section of the media in his office, at the State Secretariat,  Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.

The decision to engage in the rice project according to Ezeanochie, was informed by the desire of ISAMATA Executive to align with the Shared Prosperity policy of Governor Uzodimma Administration, which aims at improving the lot of the masses, especially in the area of food security.

It would be recalled that when Ezeanochie assumed office, as the President of ISAMATA, he vowed to bring positive change that will be beneficial to the traders and the rice scheme, which has the blessing and support of the Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is one of those innovative projects.

Hon. Ezeanochie said that the long grain, stone-free rice project, numbering 600 bags per trailer load is selling at N34, 000 per 50 kilogramme (kg) bag against the current market price of N42, 000 per bag and the rice project, which is in partnership with Mountain Peak Concept, is aimed at eradicating hunger in the State by bringing down the price of the essential commodity, that serves as staple food for millions of Imo people.

So far five trailer-load of 600 bags per trailer have been supplied and it will continue until March, 2023.

The ISAMATA President thanked the Governor,  Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma for approving and facilitating the project, which underscores his burning desire to improve the welfare of traders and Imo people.

 

Meanwhile, the President of ISAMATA, has enjoined traders to remain peaceful and vigilant during this festive season and avoid doing anything that will lead to breakdown of law and order.