GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA’S RUNNING MATE : LET US RESPECT HIS CHOICE

by Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha

….. IT IS HIS RIGHT

While awaiting official confirmation that the name of *Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru* has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the running mate to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, in the November 11, 2023 Governorship election in Imo State, let me repel the news in circulation that loyalists of the Governor and members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, are in shock over the reported choice of *Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru* , popularly known as *Lolo Obiaozuma*.

It should be noted that it is the right of the Governor to retain or choose whosoever he wants as his running mate. Therefore, his choice should be respected. It is his right.

As the governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodimma should be seen as the Governor and Father of the whole State , and not that of any Party. Also, those reportedly murmuring and complaining on the reported choice of a woman as running mate, should bear in mind that Hope Uzodimma is a Gender-friendly governor and leader, who is not only grooming young men for leadership, but also young women and youths alike. This, the People’s Governor has severally demonstrated in his appointments, nominations and submissions.

In Nigeria, there has been a long battle agitation on better and proper inclusion of women in leadership positions, especially in politics. While some leaders, especially, Governors, turned a blind eye to this agitation, the Gender-friendly Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma jumped into the boxing ring and started fighting for women inclusiveness in politics and in several other leadership positions. As far as I am concerned, Governor Hope Uzodimma should be applauded for giving our women a sense of belonging in the polity.

For the first time in the history of Imo State, a female Chief Judge of the State emerged , few weeks after Governor Uzodimma was sworn-in in January 2020. Her name is Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua. And she was in that position for almost two years. Not done, Our Governor ensured another woman of substance succeeded Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Chief Judge. She is Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka -Chikeka (MPOM, FCIArb, MDRI). And she has been in the position for over one year.

Also, for the first time in Imo State, a female Principal Secretary to the Governor was appointed by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma. She is still dutifully and creditably performing her duty.

As a further confirmation that the 3-R administration of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma is Gender-friendly, this crusade for women inclusiveness in governance and leadership positions was extended to the Legislative Arm Of Government, where we have another woman of substance, Barrister (Mrs) Chinelo Emeghara as Clerk and Head of Legislative Services, Imo State House Of Assembly. Opinion poll confirm she is the best Clerk in the history of Imo State House Of Assembly, in terms of administration, legislative service, welfare of staff, open door policy etc. This was made possible due to women inclusiveness in governance and leadership positions by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Furthermore, it should be noted that before now, women were never allowed to inherit and partake in the sharing of family property. But the Imo State House Of Assembly, which is the Legislative Arm Of Government, ( though independent but working collaboratively with the Executive ) few months ago, passed the Bill empowering women to inherit and share in family property. This is another clear evidence that the 3-R administration in the State is Gender-friendly.

On other political appointments, Governor Hope Uzodimma has further given Imo women a Pride Of Place in his administration. There are women Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Heads of Government Agencies.

In the State Civil Service, a Number of women have been appointed Permanent Secretaries in our Ministries. This also include the appointment of female Judges in our High Courts, to dispense justice.

In the Education sector, the 3-R administration has ensured that our women are not missing out. Many female teachers are today Headmistresses of Primary Schools, Principals and Vice Principals of Secondary Schools. Furthermore, it is not a coincidence that a woman is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Of Technology Owerri, FUTO, during this 3-R Administration in the State. The forthcoming local government election will have women elected as Councillors and Chairmen. Indeed, from my political barometer, I see our women being elected as Vice-chairmen, while our men will be elected as Chairmen. I strongly believe the Governor’s action in promoting women inclusiveness in governance and leadership positions is to encourage young people to be more interested in political leadership. No wonder, there are many youths occupying various positions in the administration.

Let me open the minds of the reading public :

* The State Chairman Of the ruling party, APC, is a youth.

* Majority of Commissioners in the State are youths.

* Majority of Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants are youths.

* Majority Of Local Government Sole Administrators are youths.

* And so on and so forth.

Evidentiary, Governor Hope Uzodimma has shown, through practical demonstration, that he does not discriminate against anybody ; whether you are a man, a woman or a youth. Neither does he discriminate against any zone in the State. Having been elected Governor under the platform of APC, he sees everybody in the State as his constituent, irrespective of the person’s political party affiliation.

The point I am making is that the reported choice of a female running mate by Governor Hope Uzodimma should be respected and supported by all Imo Citizens, irrespective of political party affiliation.

On Lolo Obiaozuma, she is a round peg in a round hole. As a committed Anglican Christian, she will compliment the Catholic Christian lineage of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma. On a personal note, I have known Lolo Obiaozuma for over 35 years. She has credibility, integrity and dignity. She is a successful wife of Sir Chukwuma Ekomaru SAN (Obiaozuma), Mother of three grown up young men and a grandmother. Although Newspaper and Social Media reports described her as a practicing lawyer of over 20 years, I don’t know her to be one. Nevertheless, I am 100% confident that Imo women, across party lines, will support the reported choice of Lolo Obiaozuma as running mate to His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma.

I Rest My Pen.

Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha (Ekenwohia Ndigbo)
01/06/2023