Following his overwhelming victory at the November 15 governorship election, Chief Hope Uzodimma, Onwa Oyoko, was on Monday, January 15, sworn in for a deserved second term as the governor of Imo state. The swearing in took place at a historic event that held at Dan Anyiam Stadium which brought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the umpteenth time, to Owerri. The turnout of Imo people at the event was more of an appreciation for Uzodimma’s pragmatism in the pursuit, and delivery, of his mission statement since 2020. It was also a show of support for him in pushing further the development trajectory of the state from where he left off at the end of his first term.
Imo people are welcoming Uzodimma, and his team, to office a second time amidst high hopes and expectations that he will surpass the notable achievements of his first four years. The atmosphere in Imo, at the moment, is one of a renewed sense of hope and optimism among the citizens who believe that his second term will deliver better dividends than his first which witnessed challenges, especially, with the security of the state. The majority of Imo people spoken to argue that Hope is better poised to address major developmental challenges facing their state.
During his first term, Uzodimma faced significant opposition and criticism from various quarters. His administration, like every administration before him, was accused of corruption and mismanagement. Like his predecessors, Uzodimma also faced protests and demonstrations most of which were sponsored by his opponents. They were not unexpected. However, despite these challenges, Governor Uzodimma remained resolute and focused on his vision for the state and in the process demonstrated a key factor in leadership –focus.
One of the key achievements of Governor Uzodimma’s first term was the implementation of various infrastructure projects across the state. These include roads, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities which were either constructed or renovated. Through them, he improved the overall quality of life for the people of Imo state. Additionally, the governor initiated several programs aimed at boosting the state’s economy and creating job opportunities for the youth including mass housing projects in the three senatorial zones of the state.
He also made efforts to improve governance and transparency in Imo state. He implemented several anti-corruption measures and worked to strengthen the state’s institutions, ensuring that they operate efficiently, independently and effectively. His administration also prioritised the welfare of civil servants, implementing policies to improve their working conditions and ensure prompt payment of salaries and allowances.
Therefore, as he rides back to Douglas House, Imo people have high expectations for continued progress and development of their state. Their expectations emanate from the governor’s promise to build on the achievements of his first term and address the remaining challenges facing the state. He has outlined his plans for further infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare programs, all aimed at further improving the lives of the people of Imo state. One major area where this expectation is very high is Uzodimma’s vision of opening up Imo to sea navigation by the drainage of the Orashi River from Oguta to the Atlantic Ocean. Already, the first phase of this strategically important project, which will boost the industrialisation visions of Uzodimma for Imo, has been concluded in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy. Most Imo citizens pray, and hope, that he delivers on it by 2028.
The industrialisation of Imo state has been a key vision of the Uzodimma leadership since 2020. This vision, however, received its biggest challenge in the security of the state. Going forward, most Imolites believe that the governor and his team are now better positioned to address and arrest the situation. Analysts argue that the governor needs to be more strategic in tackling the issue as well as addressing the question of unemployment and inadequate social services. “The governor will need to work tirelessly to address these challenges and ensure that the people of Imo state feel the impact of his administration,” some analysts say.
Uzodimma had pledged to continue his focus on good governance, transparency, and accountability. He has promised to work closely with all stakeholders in the state, including the legislature, civil society, the opposition and the private sector, to ensure that his administration delivers on its promises and fulfills the aspirations of the people of Imo state. He has also emphasized the importance of peace and unity in Imo state. For this, he has called on all citizens to set aside their differences and work together for the common good of the state. He has also inspired support with his stated commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served to all citizens, irrespective of their background or status. These are hallmarks of statesmanship which has placed Uzodimma in good stead with the people.
Thus, the people of Imo state are hopeful that he will deliver on his promises and lead the state to greater accomplishments. His re-election is, therefore, a testament to the confidence and trust that the people have in his ability to govern effectively and bring about positive visible change. With the support of the citizens and the cooperation of all stakeholders, Governor Uzodimma is poised to make a lasting impact on the development and prosperity of Imo state.
However, the greatest support Imo people will give their governor is to assure him of peace throughout the state. Those who forment trouble, and cause violent breach of the peace of the state, ought to know that the governor is no longer facing re-election. Therefore, the security of Imo ought to be to everybody’s advantage. It will serve every Imolite well. It will also serve positively for visitors to the state. Security of the state will be in the best interest of businesses and investors because it is a huge boost to job creation initiatives. It will boost industrialisation and indeed, any policy geared towards opening Imo for more business including encouraging Imolites to invest in the state. This fact is buttressed by the realization that no society grows amidst insecurity as funds available for developmental purposes, including building social infrastructures, would be spent fighting insecurity. As everyone knows, no government, national or regional, ever accounts for funds spent fighting insecurity.