Thank goodness, September 9, 2021 has come and gone. For Imo people, it was a day shrouded with uncertainty. A day two decrees were issued. A day conflicting informations and directives were issued.
First, it began with the good news? That the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, will be visiting the State on an official visit. A rare privilege. But sadly, it was turned into a boxing match. A brutal fight to the death between many contending forces with Imolites caught in between.
First, it was a supremacy battle between the government of governor Hope Uzodinma and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on one hand, and IPOB against IPOB over authenticity. Then, the unfinished war between Prof. George Obiozor’s group of Ohaneze and the rebellious Chief Chidi Ibe faction.
Imo State, sadly became a Cauldron of different but devilish interests boiling with rage. While a faction of IPOB ordered for another sit at home, Ghost Thursday, their splinter group denied that such order emanated from the incarcerated Nnamdi Kanu.
The State government on the other hand and in apparent confusion, ordered all markets in the State closed but urged citizens to throop out to welcome Mr. President warning of dire consequences against trouble makers. And if your mind is working with mine, indirectly telling traders to sit-at-home.
Then the Ohaneze battle was carried into the President’s visit. A shame and ridicule on Ndigbo. Indeed, September 9 like September 11, will remain indelible in the minds of Imolites both at home and in the diaspora. But President Buhari has come and gone with fond memories of the people but without a new name.
Remember that it was in Imo that the President was baptized with a new name of “Okechukwu”, by Owelle Rochas Okorocha, former governor and now Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Till then, the name had stucked to the President like the security challenges in the country. I believe that Mr. President was hoping for another name by governor Hope Uzodinma. Probably “nnorom eluwa.” But trust Onwa Oyoko, rather than awarding Mr. President a name, he surprised him with projects.
It was a big surprise. Numerous quality road projects with standard drainage systems especially the balloon drainage system that will hopefully reduce the perennial flooding caused by some unrepentant “acid rains”. Mr. President could not have imagined that he will commission the Nekede/Ihiagwa road, Chukwuma Nwoha, criss cross roads at Aladinma, the notorious Relief Market road, Dick Tiger, World Bank road, Port Harcourt road, the beautifully constructed walk ways, not roundabouts.
And when Mr. President is done with commissioning, he will relax with a delicious “agwushi” soup in the new exquisite Banquet Hall. But before then, the President will have a glimpse of the wonder in the new EXCO Chambers with a deliciously decorated EXCO Lounge abandoned by previous administrations, the remodelled First Lady’s office and the Pentagon which did not escape the touch of the governor.
By the time “Sai Baba” and his entourage went round the Heartland he was dazed with what he saw. And these memories will linger on him for a long time. The General has also witnessed first hand that Imo people are peace loving and hospitable people despite all insinuations. Having said that, this Column must seriously commend governor Uzodinma for braving all odds and bringing Mr. President to Imo State. It was not easy. Not with the innuedos from insatiable politicians and hatchet writers.
The governor developed a thick skin because he knew the benefits Mr President’s visit will bring to the people and the goodwill his administration will enjoy from Abuja. He is a master in political chess game and it paid off. With this historic feat, governor Uzodinma has demonstrated that he is indeed a strong and courageous leader. With the arrangements and detailed protocols on ground, his days at Abuja is not afterall a waste.
We will not also fail to appreciate his developmental strides especially in the area of giving Owerri,.the State Capital a befitting outlook. In less than two years, the governor has left no one in doubt that he is a man on a mission. A mission to leave Imo better than he met it with quality and durable infrastructures. A mission to take Imo to the next level.
That he has succeeded in connecting Imo to Abuja, which has started to yield democracy dividends is a pointer that he is a global player, an astute administrator and a patriot.
We salute the governor and wish him well in the remaining years of his tenure. Kudos must also go to the Commissioner of Works, Barr. Ralph Nwosu who stood day and night, rain or sun to supervise and make sure that the projects to be commissioned are in order.
Though the contractors were still working at the time of the President’s visit, majority of the roads to be commissioned were almost completed, thanks to Nwosu. We will not also fail to commend Sir. Benneth Nwokejiobi, Duke of Owerre Nkworji and his amiable wife, Dr. Lady Obianuju Nwokejiobi, Duchess, for their Commitment, Sacrifice and flawless devotion to the success of the Presidential visit. For Imolites who do not know, these couple single-handedly changed Imo Douglas House to the glory it is today.
They invested their energy, money and other resources to make sure that Imo people and their governor were not disgraced as the President visits. It is rare to see any Contractor invest his/her money into any government project without the usual mobilization but this was not the case with Sir. Nwokejiobi and his wife. We must give honour to whom it is due so that other patriotic Imolites would know that a prophet is indeed recognised in his home town.
Governor Uzodinma must honour these couple to set an example of loyalty to the State. They did not spare any Kobo to ensure that Imo gets the best. Infact, Imo State now can boast of a real Government House. Finally, we want to commend those Imolites who brazed the intimidation to come out to give President Buhari a rousing welcome. Everybody played his/her role.
We also wish to commend the security agencies for ensuring that no one was brutalized during the President’s visit. While we may not be in the same page politically, Imo State belongs to all of us. We must contribute our quota to ensure that things return to normal. To God be all the glory.
By Chuks Ofurum
chuksofurum18@gmail.com
08036527465
