By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, October 20, 2024.

It is often said that the truth stands firm no matter how loud the lie is spoken. I have taken time to reflect on the emotional rhetoric presented by Dr. Fabian Ihekweme “Dr. Omu”, and I feel it is important to address some critical misconceptions, especially as they pertain to governance in Imo State under the #PeoplesGovernor Hope Uzodimma.

The comparison drawn between the life and teachings our Lord Jesus Christ and modern political leadership is, at best, misapplied. While it is true that leaders, both spiritual and political, are expected to uphold integrity, righteousness, and justice, it is misleading to equate Jesus Christ’s divine mission with the challenges of political governance. Jesus Christ’s apostles were tasked with spreading the gospel and leading the early Church, not with managing the economic and infrastructural needs of a state.

Dr. Ihekweme suggests that political loyalty should mirror the spiritual loyalty Christ’s apostles had for him, but this fails to recognize the fundamental difference between religious leadership and political service. In politics, loyalty must align with the greater goal of public service, not personal reward. Governance, by its nature, requires tough decisions that prioritize the welfare of the majority, even if it means disappointing individuals who feel they should be rewarded.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration is anchored on the principle of Shared Prosperity, which focuses on improving the lives of the people of Imo State through key developmental projects like the free medicare to all Imo people thru the instrumentalities of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, infrastructure like the Okigwe-Owerri thru which Dr. Fabian passes when he’s going hom thru Okigwe or the almost completed Owerri/Mbaise/Obowo/Umuahia road which passes thru the village of Dr. Omu, and policy reforms like the ongoing policy frameworks on power generation that is about to give Imo people 24/7 electricity supply, etc.

The notion that those who “sacrificed” for the governor’s rise have been abandoned is a gross misrepresentation. The government is not a vehicle for distributing favors, but an institution meant to serve the public good. Like the #PeoplesGovernor has always stated, he cannot afford to used public funds to cater for his friends while neglecting his core duties to the state as her Governor, that friends and family can be handled outside government as ‘Hope Uzodimma’ but must be gubernatorial as the Executive Governor of Imo state for the people’s good.

Dr. Omu must be made known that competence, service, and merit guide this administration’s decision-making process, not personal allegiances or nostalgia for past relationships.

Dr. Ihekweme also raised the issue of rewards and compares Governor Uzodimma unfavorably with President Bola Tinubu. While it is true that political appointments are made based on loyalty and competence, no leader—whether Tinubu or Uzodimma—can run a government by relying solely on past loyalty — that will be a recipe for disaster.

What the Uzodimma administration seeks are individuals who are capable of delivering on the governor’s vision for Imo State, regardless of their political history.

Moreover, the claims of “poverty” within the ranks of government officials are an exaggerated portrayal of the current situation in Imo State.

The challenges faced by government officials, like in every state, are often part of the broader economic realities of the nation. The country is passing thru an uncomfortable economic situations and the government officials are not immune to these prevailing national economic realities. However, this administration continues to prioritize economic reforms that will benefit all citizens, including public officials, through job creation, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.

Invoking religious imagery and warnings of “hellfire” for political leaders is both sensationalist and unhelpful. The people of Imo State deserve leadership that focuses on addressing their real-world concerns, not divisive rhetoric aimed at inflaming emotions.

Governance is about service, progress, and the ability to lead with fairness and justice.

Governor Hope Uzodimma remains committed to these principles, and the results are visible in the transformative projects across the state.

As a matter of public service, it is essential that discussions about governance be rooted in facts, fairness, and a shared commitment to the common good. This administration will continue to uphold these values for the benefit of all Imo citizens.

Former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, has debunked insinuations in some quarters that he is aspiring to be President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide.

In a statement, the former governor described the report as malicious and reckless disinformation.

The statement reads;

“My attention has been drawn to a widely published media report linking me with a certain move in some quarters to install me as the next president- general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, worldwide; and as a result of which I have been inundated with inquiries from well meaning Nigerians seeking for clarification. Despite the report’s baseless and defamatory nature, I am compelled to address this misinformation.

“Let me be clear: I have no knowledge of any plans to elect or appoint me as the next president- general of Ohaneze Ndigbo. No individual or group has contacted me, neither have I expressed interest in the position

“Our beloved leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, who headed the organization till July 25, 2024, when he passed away, is yet to be laid to rest. As a member of the national burial committee, I am committed to ensuring that he receives a befitting farewell. It is customary among our people to refrain from discussing succession until after the departed hero is buried

“I urge those spreading these malicious and reckless disinformation and bringing up the politics of Ohaneze Ndigbo at this stage to desist from it and allow Ndigbo mourn and reflect on the late Ahaejiagamba’s legacy, which brought peace and tranquility to our organization and Ala Igbo as a whole

Uzor-Kalu said single-term for leaders would help reduce the cost of governance.

According to the former governor, such a plan would also foster rapid growth across states and the nation as a whole.

He added that the current two-term of four years per tenure is expensive and a distraction for the leaders who spent their entire time planning and restrategising for the reelection.

He said, “When you become a governor or a president, their eyes are on re-election.

“They are not even thinking about what people will do or what people will get. Every politician is looking for re-election.

“So, the only way to solve this problem is by giving no incentive to anybody, doing one term of six years.

Uzor-Kalu said the move would go a long way to improve development and boost performance among leaders across the nation.

“It will go a long way in boosting performance because most of people think they need to make money for re-election,” he said.