Gov. Uzodimma and the Politics of Stakeholders Meeting

By Chuks Ofurum.

“You only have to do a few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.” (Warren Buffett).

The recent Stakeholders meeting sponsored by Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma had come and gone but it’s memories will obviously linger on in the minds of Imo State people for a long time.

What was primed to be a parley between the governor and critical stakeholders of Imo politics soon turned out to be an unforgettable event, an elixir and soothing balm for months of delibitating uncertainty and pain visited on Imo people by people who refused to disclose their identities and grievances.

From the 27 LGAs of the State, prominent and not so prominent Imo sons and daughters, not forgetting those that braved the odds from outside the state, honoured their governor to seek ways of erasing the memories of the dark days Imo people went through. Dressed in flamboyant attires and exuding a rare confidence and radiance, they forgot their party differences, forgot that some of them were whiskers away from death and thronged to their Douglas House. Their leader, the governor calleth, and they as patriotic citizens must obey.

Chief Ekeh

From Mbaitoli, the enterprising and visionary Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Managing Director/CEO of Zinox Computers led the hard-working people of the LGA. He left his tight business schedule to answer the Clarion call.

Iwuanyanwu

Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, (Ahaejiagamba of Ndigbo), respected BOT of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led the industrious people of Ikeduru. To him, the welfare and interest of Imo State supercedes any political consideration.

Dr. Ekechi

From Ngor Okpala, the remarkable and highly celebral High Chief Dr. T.O.E Ekechi, of the Imerienwe Declaration fame together with the eloquent and charismatic Chief Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu and other illustrious sons and daughters of the airport county came with one accord.

Ex-gov Ohakim

Former governor His Excellency Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Ochinanwata, led the good people of Isiala Mbano, while the medical icon, Prof Maurice Iwu led the Whims Mbano patriots. And then, the Nkwerre Opia Egbe ably led by the hard-working Chief of Staff, Chief. Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and the unassuming Nze Sir. Benneth Nwokejiobi.

It was a parade of who is who in the 27 LGAs. An assemblage of worthy Imo citizens. And they were happy. Happy that the months of uncertainty and anguish could not deter them from identifying with their governor who incidentally had put his life on the line and had sacrificed his sleep to make sure that peace and normalcy returns to the Eastern Heartland. And like the Biblical wise men, they came with their gifts, each LGA trying to outdo each other. Remarkable is the presentation of a historic chair and “George” wrapper by the Owerre Nchi Ise that inhabit the State capital.

The people of Isiala Mbano came with a symbolic palm fruits. There were cows and cows, both local and foreign and other gifts given to their governor. And the governor responded- not with gifts, but with smiles and appreciation that his people still love him despite some misguided assumptions. It was like re-annointing him the second time. A reconfirmation of the his divine mandate.

Remember that the Biblical King David of Israel was annointed the third time by his people. It was a glorious moment for the governor and his family that his personal misfortunes that saw the destruction of his ancestral home by arsonists was not lost on the minds of Imo people. He has had to bear both the physical and psychological trauma of a rampaging enemies of the State. But now he know that all along, his people were behind him and praying for him. What a confirmation. What an occasion. While we may look beyond the razzmatazz of the stakeholders meeting, it’s significance was not lost on the civilized world and right thinking Imo people both in Nigeria and in diaspora.

For Imolites especially governor Uzodinma, these past months are periods that cannot be forgotten in a hurry. It was a period that hell was let loose, blood and limbs littered the streets. A period when the citizens could not sleep even with their two eyes open. A period when businesses crumbled and families groan under hunger and deprivation. It was a dark and sad commentary of the once peaceful state, a people who are not known for extreme fanaticism, a peace loving people who are enjoying a rare performance from a hard working and committed leader. The people were waking up to a period of quality projects, good governance and accountability, the era of a strong leader who had taken them and the state to the mainstream of national politics. The people were waking up to the reality that things can be done well in the state if there is a political will and a sincere leadership. That was the situation before the misguided elements invaded the peace and psyche of the people, and things fell apart. But like a trojan he is, governor Uzodinma braved all odds to tackle the menace. He shuttled from Owerri to Abuja, on the risk of his life and health, to make sure that peace returned to the state. So far as a genuine leader and statesman, he has had to meet with victims and relatives of victims of the unfortunate carnage. Bravely, he visited the family of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak who was unfortunately murdered in Imo State putting to paid any revenge mission.

Governor Uzodinma went a step further to console the security personnel that were affected by the dark periods. He did not stop there, he identified with Imo people who also suffered from the ugly situation with an unbridled courage. Imo people are now beginning to know who their governor is. In all sincerity, they must have realised that all the campaign of calumny heaped on the governor were incredibly useless and unwarranted. Imo people must have by now realized that governor Uzodinma was God sent and meant well for them. As attested by credible leaders like Chief Iwuanyanwu, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako (Nwadaa) and others. Imo State can now boast of a strong leader, a bridge builder, a cosumate administrator who not only want to take the state to a higher level, but is determined to write his name in gold in the history of the State.

Imo people have now seen the real side of their governor. So to hell with propaganda. And that is why they have put implicit confidence on the governor as a man who has the Midas touch to uplift their condition and wellbeing of the ordinary citizens. Well, it is not yet uhuru but certainly things are shaping up. If the governor did not derail in the remaining months of his tenure, Imo people will, perhaps, re-annoint him for the second time in 2024. But if he eventually take the lesser path, we assuredly will be here also to consign him to the ignoble history of “unknown leader”. But for now, we must commend as well as encourage him to continue the good works he is doing. The stakeholders meeting was a masterstroke. We must learn to show gratitude because gratitude will move the Hand of God concerning any issues we asked of Him.

Well done governor Uzodinma. And kudos to Imo people for rallying round their governor.