Category: Last-Line

LASTLINE: Uzodimma,Imo APC and Council Election.
By Henry Ekpe

By the the Grace of God, and if the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC does not change its mind,the much hyped and waited Imo Local Government Elections billed for September 21,2024 will become a reality.
As part of the preparations, participating Political parties must produce Candidates to stand for the Elections after the party primaries.
Unfortunately, weeks to the excercise, except for a sprinkle of Candidates said to have emerged from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, nothing has been heard from other parties in terms of Candidates.
The Labour party LP, had made it clear that it is not getting involved in the elections with reasons given by the party, which include not being sure the excercise will be free, fair and transparent.
Shockingly,the ruling Party, All Progressive Congress, APC which should have shown the way by being ahead other Political parties in preparation, by following the rules of the ISIEC, has not helped matters.
Till date the party has not held her primaries and has postponed the exercise for more than four times,to the confusion and apprehension of its members and Aspirants.
The party has not explained the reason for the constant shifting of the primary dates.
But Political Pundits believe that it was the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma’s frequent trips to Abuja for National assignments that has delayed the APC primary.
Imo APC could not have held her Local Government Election Primaries with the Governor outside the State.
One of the burdens on the Shoulders of the Governor which was the Imo Governship Litigation hurdle has been lifted off with the Supreme Court’s final verdict that Uzodimma is the winner.
The Governor can now settle down and face the APC Election issue which will climax with the polls next month.
Since Uzodimma arrived Imo,activities have started and he has spoken to Imo APC members twice about the Contentious election.
First was at the Government House Chapel. The second time was at the APC State office, Okigwe Road, Owerri.
At the Chapel after a church service thanks giving for his Supreme Court triumph,he warned the Party not to work against Zoning formula in each LGA.
At the party office days after,he pronounced Consensus as the best option to produce the Candidates.
He also included adopting direct or indirect primaries to wriggle out of the tight corner.
But to Observers the two statements look opaque and ambiguous.
This is because there are clear differences between ZONING formula and CONSENSUS, including Direct or Indirect primaries.
While Zoning means the rules must be followed to balance the political equation in each given LGA based on their age long way of sharing Political positions, but Consensus means arriving on immediate acceptable solution based on what is on ground,not minding if it met balancing or not.
Under this scenario the Imo APC Chairmanship and Councillorship primaries have been left on the Altar of the survival of the fittest, lacking in democratic norms,but end justifying the means, with a looming implosion.
It has landed to the prediction many held regarding Imo APC and its ways of doing things.
This prevailing situation has placed the power to produce the Candidates in hands of the Leaders, rendering the delegates and party members comatose.
This was what happened in previous exercises by the party,as it resorted to what many called “Finger Pointing” to produce most of its Candidates in the 2022 Election.
Why the Governor and the Leader of APC in Imo suddenly changed the semantics from “Zoning” to “Consensus”,only God knows.
And To douse tension and appease the soon to be disgruntled Aspirants after the excercise,the Governor promised of refunds to those who would not emerge Candidates in the end.
But with a caveat;
They must behave well from the beginning to the end.
Now the battle has shifted to the Leaders in the LGAs. It has proved to the theory that all Politics is local.
All the Aspirants have Big Cats backing them.
So,it will be a fight to finish by the Leaders which is another battle that will leave a lingering feud among the Leaders.
Did Imo APC not foresee these impending danger when it threw her doors open for legions of Aspirants to obtain forms in Millions of Naira and now speaks about Consensus?
In this election it is predictably clear that whoever emerges Candidate of APC is assumed to have won his/her Election because there is no strong challenge from the Opposition parties.
And it has become a norm for political party in power to clear all local elections in Nigeria.
And this election is happening when the LGAs have gained Financial Autonomy with Humongous Funds expected from Abuja.
This has raised the stakes as even Councillorship positions are no more mean positions.
The Chairmanship race is now saturated with Men and Women with Governorship Qualities.
So,which ever Leader or Group of Leaders who manage to foist a Chairman on a Local Government are in Cosy position as the Kingmaker(s).
And Governor Hope Uzodimma will extremely be interested in the election. It begins from the primary to the end.
This will be the first time he would conduct Local Government election after years in office.
And he may leave Office before these Elected Officers,if their tenures will last Four years.
Imo Governorship seat which will expire in 2027 will not be Uzodimma’s last political outing.
Therefore,these would-be Local Government elected Officers will have roles to play in the life of Uzodimma’s next Political move.
He therefore must be sure that trusted Political allies are elected in the LGAs.
As an experienced Politician,and haven learned from what he passed through these years in the hands of assumed trusted allies,he would take charge directly than relying on proxies.
Infact,Orlu Zone cannot escape Uzodimma’s total scrutiny,even though there are the likes of Senator Izunaso,Rt Hon Opiah, Senator Rochas Okorocha,Chief Uche Nwosu etc.
What if Uzodimma decides to return to the Senate? So,Orlu Zone is very important and must be in the kitty.
In Okigwe and Owerri Zones,the Governor will not have passive interest, too.
He will be sure that trusted followers over saw that axis.
Indications are that the Candidates of the APC will be released next week.
This is wether it was by Zoning, consensus, direct or indirect primaries.
The Candidates must emerge and hit the streets on campaign trail and convince Imo People and the other Political parties that really the Elections must hold on September 21,2024.
The prosecutors may not bother how it pans out so as long as it holds.

By Henry Ekpe

The incumbent Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma is in his second term on the Seat.

His first term got to him in a jiffy, and he confronted the situation then as he met it until now he was elected for a second term in November last year.

Therefore, it has become clear that the Governor now enjoys a secured term by his own making and has decided to make things in his own image.

Remember, he came into office firstly through a Judicial pronouncement after an Administration was already in existence.

What it means is that Uzodinma is now his own man, and out to tell that to Imo people through his pronouncements and policies.

After he was sworn-in in January, it took April for him to inaugurate his Executive, made up mainly of his old Appointees, when Imo people had thought that what delayed the formation of the Cabinet was to shop for fresh faces.

Now, the Governor has appointed twenty seven Sole Administrators for the Local Government Areas in the State.

A close look at the composition shows that the Governor is out to change the Political Status Quo in Imo to his own making, as he is the Leader in the State.

Uzodinma has been around Imo politics for decades and knows the Game thoroughly. And he remains taciturn, therefore leaving Political Pundits confused and guessing, since men are usually predicted from what flows out of their mouths. It is even in the Bible that out of the abundant of the Heart, the mouth speaketh.

But Uzodinma is not a talkative. He hardly talks. So, you can’t even claim he said “this and that”. Dropping his Name is difficult.

Under this shut- lips scenario the Imo State Governor, strategizes and unleashes his plans that usually take the people off their feet.

The latest LGA appointments shocked Imo populace, especially the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State.

Nearly all the party Leaders are bemused with surprise, but can’t say anything, as you cannot question the choices made by the Governor.

Uzodinma may not have danced to the tune of the Old Politicians that control the levers of power of appointments in their LGAs, but his choice of Imo LGAs Sole Administrators is nearly perfect.

The Governor is gradually giving power to a set of New Turks in Imo State. Youthful and ebullient young men and women. It speaks volumes.  He seems to be nurturing a new breed of Leaders in the LGAs, who will soon morph into State Leaders and gradually render the old and aged politicians redundant, but not neglected.

The New kid on the Block is a certain Oru Man, from Oru Nation. He is now a Commissioner and the Leader of the emerging bulk of structure through which the Governor appointed his present LGA Administrators. They will hold forth until elections are held to produce Executive and elected Council Chairmen.

These Guys are called “Monitors”. They were the people practically incharge of the Uzodinma election. The Governor trusted them, and they did not fail him.

These same “Monitors” had Coordinators in each LGA, and down to the Wards. They took care and protected Uzodinma’s results. They also literally husbanded the Logistics for the Election.

Therefore, while Party chieftains were collecting heavy Logistics for the Governor’s reelection, than contributing, he answered their demands, but hinged his hope on these uncelebrated Young Turks.

And prior to the election, the Governor made them promises. They delivered and Uzodinma also delivered on his promise.

Therefore, it is important to keep to your words, and keep to your promise. So, both camps have shown sincerity.

However, this Status Quo change is causing ripples in the hinter lands, as the old brigade politicians feel used and dumped. They are now revving with anger, and have only the opportunity of producing elected Council Chairmen, whenever the Local Government Elections are held or retire or be retired.

Since nearly all the members of the State Cabinet returned, these Leaders were also denied the chance of making submissions for appointments of Special Advisers and Commissioners.

Under this scenario, the weather may look quiet, while the storm brews. A lot of Imo APC Leaders are presently not happy.  But unfortunately  not every of their followers are with them in their situation, as they believe that with what the Governor is doing now by dealing directly with those who worked for him, their own opportunity is in the offing. So, the bulk of the Youths still look unto Uzodinma for salvation, not their Local Leaders anymore.

Politicians remain optimists, and thought that Governor Uzodinma will remain generous as he was in his first term, even after his own party men taxed him to no end to execute his election.

For the three months he was away after his swearing-in, the Governor has taken time to have a sober reflection of what had happened in the last four years, therefore, this term will not be like the one last.

For the first time in the history of Imo State, Governor Uzodinma became the first to share the office of the Special Adviser SA, to nearly all the three Hundred and Five Wards in Imo State.

Even though he may also have done that for his reelection purpose, but those appointments benefited a lot of families in the State.

Therefore, expecting that the Governor will do same thing in his last term is illusionary.

As an incumbent Governor who will in next few years be addressed as “Outgoing Governor,” Uzodinma has to plan his exit, which commences with his second term.

Therefore, every appointment he is making now are strategic, and those opportuned  to get any should  be graceful and thank God.

I foresee these young men appointed in the LGAs to be his fore bearers to his political many plans in the future.

Most of the new Sole Administrators were once Councilors and therefore know the terrain of their LGAs. Infact they are sent there now for political cum Administrative purposes which will soon become clearer in the days ahead.

While some of these “Monitor” LGA Sole Administrators came from the known LGA party Leaders, the majority of them were from the new Leaders Uzodinma is gradually producing in the LGAs. And most of them are young and vibrant.

The only challenge facing the Governor now is how seamless these emerging new Turks would be received by the already entrenched old Leaders who feel threatened of being retired too early or by force by the latest development.

The scenario is nearly the same in all the LGAs. It is certain that soon the reactions will start spilling out from the LGAs.

But the Governor has the power to rein in such resistance. Though political solutions usually last when done through round table discussion.

The Governor would have helped the situation more if he had appointed some members in to the LGA system to work with these Sole Administrators, to accommodate more people in the LGAs and the Leaders too.

Much as the Governor said they would last sixty days for elections to hold, but such pronouncements in the past were not kept, making the Leaders apprehensive that their days are now numbered if the present SOLADS stay longer in office.

Had the Governor opened opportunities for others who also worked for him, the grumbling may not be this loud.

Now, the opportunity left is only Board membership, which if Leaders fail to make any contributions will postpone but shift the battle line.

However, it will be pleasant to these frustrated leaders if Governor Uzodinma will be magnanimous enough to release more funds to the LGAs this time, so that the Appointees can be able to execute some physically seen projects, and extend hands of succor to the Leaders through award of contracts.

During the reigns of Governors Okorocha and Ihedioha, even though they dealt with unelected Administrators in the LGAs, infrastructure could be pointed at as achievements, which even the grassroots can attest to till now.

But during the Uzodinma era, it seems as if all the Sole Administrators do is to pay only workers salary, while the LGAs suffer lack infrastructural development.

Well, since Uzodinma is changing “Status Quos” in his second term, we pray that Imo LGAs will from hence wear facelifts that will gladden the hearts of the Local Communities and the masses, which will add to Uzodinma’s Government rating.

And to the newly appointed Sole Administrators, to whom much is given, much is expected.

But then, they need the tools to carry out their jobs. The development of LGAs is the sum total of a State’s development. May these “Monitors” monitor well.

By Henry Ekpe

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has beaten the sixty days dateline given by the constitution, at which President or State Governors would submit the names of their Executive members.

Governor Uzodinma submitted just twelve (12) names, who have since been cleared by the State House of Assembly. But certainly, there may be more names, as it does not seem the Governor will have only twelve Commissioners in a twenty seven- Local- Government- Area Imo State.

However, in the last outing, the Governor had a bloated Executive Council, which many believe was  as a result of the situation on ground then, since the Governor had wanted to solicit support for his second term election success, hence the large Executive to please many.

But now that he has secured a second term,  Uzodinma is no more ready to please many people through over bloated Appointees.

Already, by the list of his new Commissioners,  there is an indication that Uzodinma will be stingy is dishing out appointments this time as some certain things must qualify you for a position in the present Uzodinma era.

The Governor was too magnanimous that he even lost count of his own Appointees, as over three hundred people were made Special Advisers SAs.

Therefore, whoever thinks that Uzodinma will repeat same act this time must have been shocked that since the Announcement of the “Twelve Apostles,” the Governor simply went quiet as nothing more has been heard about appointments.

He has since been busy in Abuja, with Federal Assignments, leaving his new appointees, followers, and the entire State guessing.

Meanwhile, looking at the “Twelve Apostles”, it is a mixture of the Youth, Elderly, “Old and New”.

The Commissioner Nominees are Hon Mrs Nkechi Ugwu from Ideato  South LGA, Hon Chimezie Amadi from Nwangele LGA, Hon Bede Eke, Ngor Okpala LGA, Hon Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba, Oru West LGA,  Hon Modestus Osakwe, Isu LGA, Bar Raph Nwosu, Oru West LGA, Chief Cosmos Maduba, Isu LGA, Hon Onyeoha Obinna Everistus, from Orlu LGA, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu, Ihitte Uboma LGA, Dr Sir Chike Ben Abazu, from Ideato North LGA, Hon Anyanwu Anselem Eze Chinyere, Ahiazu Mbaise and Barrister Emenike Ejikema Chuks Major, Onuimo LGA.

From the list, only Nine Local Governments in Imo State have been represented in Imo State new Executive Council, with Isu and Oru West LGAs having two slots each.

It means presently that Eighteen (18) LGAs are yet to get representatives. They are Owerri Municipal, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte, Oru East, Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Orsu, Owerri West, Mbaitoli, Ikeduru, Nkwerre, Njaba, Obowo, Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, Okigwe and Owerri North LGAs.

Under this scenario, the Governor still has a lot of tinkering to do in constituting his Cabinet to carry everybody along.

For those who have already been penciled down, it is the Governor who appointed them that can attest to why he chose them, since he is the only person the appointees owe their stewardship, as he (Gov) is the only person that can judge and gauge their performances.

Indeed, they are all Imo citizens and qualified in their own rights.  The Governor will soon inaugurate and assign them their portfolios.

Mrs Nkechi Ugwu is a “Returnee” and is in the good book of the Governor. Ugwu has a close relationship with the Imo First Lady, who hails from Ideato South, where Ugwu is married.

Ugwu coordinates most of the Philanthropic Organizations of Bar (Mrs) Uzodinma. So she earned her return on that basis.

Hon Chimezie Amadi showed sarvy and class while he served as Commissioner for Digital Economy. He deserves his return, even though he is close to the Deputy Speaker of Imo House of Assembly, Rt Hon Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, a Guy who has the ears of Governor Uzodinma.

Hon Bede Eke caught Uzodinma’s attention when he sought for somebody who could be used to crumble Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha’s political strange hold in Aboh Mbaise and Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency. Uzodinma picked Eke who served that purpose and executed it to the admiration of Uzodinma.

Eke also mobilized youths in that axis for Uzodinma’s second term election.

Therefore, this is a payback time for the youthful politician, who had served in Imo House of Assembly for Eight Years, as well in the National Assembly for Eight Years too.

The latest Executive position will be an added experience and challenge to Eke as he is expected to perform in which ever Portfolio he is assigned.

Bar Raph Nwosu is one of the closest and trusted allies of Uzodinma. Nwosu has been with him for years. When Dr Ikedi Ohakim was Governor, Uzodinma nominated Nwosu as Commissioner, and Nwosu was given Works Ministry.

When Uzodinma became Senator and Ohakim left office in 2011,  Nwosu became Uzodinma’s Chief of Staff. Therefore, when Uzodinma became Governor, Nwosu was returned to the Works Ministry he held under Ohakim.

And the man, who is a Lawyer by Profession has done in the Works Ministry what many Chartered Engineers cannot do. So, he deserves his reappointment.

Hon Declan Emelumba has remained Uzodinma’s Media linchpin for decades. He was automatically made the Commissioner for Information in the first term. It was no surprised he has returned again. You hardly change your Media Team. So, “Lumbas” is back.

Hon Modestus Osakwe was the only House of Assembly Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that survived the Uzodinma Volcano that swept through the 26 LGAs that led APC to clean up all the constituencies in the State.

Even as PDP Lawmaker, Osakwe, along side Sir Martin Ejiogu, erstwhile Deputy Chairman of Imo PDP, worked for Uzodinma’s Governorship election in Nov 11, 2023.

However, that could not stop the courts from sacking Osakwe as Imo House of Assembly member. Today, the young man has been penciled down as Commissioner, at least to cushion the devastating shock of losing his seat in the House. He is now an Uzodinma Apostle.

Chief Cosmos Maduba has been a close Ally of the Governor for too many years. It seems Oduebube Isu is in the Executive Council to represent the Governor’s old pals. The Governor can’t leave all his friends out, in pursuance of youthful takeover. Maduba’s experience and age will be a big factor in deliberations in the State Executive Council.  He is fearless and speaks from the heart. You can’t buy Experience, it is earned.

I don’t know much about  Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu and Hon Anyanwu Anselem Eze Chinyere. They could be the Technocrats we heard the Governor will include in his Cabinet. I have heard much of their exploits in Imo State political Circle. Certainly they should be good materials.

Sir Chike Ben Abazu was the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC in the  Ideato Federal Constituency election.

And Abazu stood toe to toe with the PDP candidate, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere. But it was not possible for Abazu to defeat the renowned Activist, Ikenga.

Therefore, for his Battles and wounds, Abazu deserves his new post to forget the heavy troubles that Nigerian elections represent, especially confronting Ikenga Imo.

He also has some relationship with the Governor dating years back, through marriage.

Barrister Emenike Major is a known Politician in Imo with Intellectual prowess, and circulates very well. Which is the reason he was close to nearly all Administrations in the State. He is a good pick and will add fervor to the new Cabinet.

While Imo people wait for more additions to  the Commissioners list, and  the announcement of  Special Advisers and other Appointments, it is hoped that these ones already cleared by the House of Assembly be assigned portfolios and inaugurated soon so that the much awaited second term of Governor Hope Uzodinma can kick off.

Just the announcement of these appointees triggered off some positive developments in Imo State that has been in a null for months now, because there is no constituted Cabinet in the State.

However, the Nominees should by now be “warming up” for the task ahead, for whom much is given, much is expected. The privileged few should count themselves lucky as the Appointment slots this time will be limited, because Uzodinma has learnt his lessons and now a second term Governor.

By Henry Ekpe

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma was sworn-in for a second term on Jan 15, 2024.

Many political pundits had predicted that he would immediately after the second inauguration announce a skeletal number of Appointees right there at the venue.

But Eighteen days after, Uzodinma is yet to appoint his inner Staff, like the Secretary to the State Government SSG, Chief of Staff, Special Advisers SAs, Senior Special Assistants SSAs etc, before the list of Commissioners that must pass through the House of Assembly.

Majority of Imo people believed that even before Uzodinma ran for a second term, which he campaigned vigorously and was sure of victory, because of the caliber of his challengers, he would have penciled down his Executive, only for replacements and adjustments, where necessary.

But indications are that the Governor has decided to take his time before arriving on the list of his New Appointees.

Various factors may have caused this. The major reason we heard is that at the dying period of his first outing, the Governor discovered that most of those he relied on as his confidants and first eleven of his cabinet, got involved in shoddy land deals that embarrassed the Governor.

Even to the shock of the perpetrators, the Governor did not cover their misdemeanor and allowed the law to run its full course, as some of those indicted spent weeks in police cells.

Therefore, those he ought to have left behind to look after his Government while searching for fresh faces for his new cabinet got swept off in the blanket State Executive Council dissolution that spared no body, because of the land deal saga.

Following this ugly scenario, Uzodinma is now  taking his time, and even shopping outside the Imo political shore to fish out people to help him drive the State in his last four years in office.

And again, following the humongous fund pumped into the Uzodinma reelection project, it seemed the Governor had paid off his party stalwarts and members who worked for him during the election.

The party members did not spare a kobo and showed no pity on the Governor as they demanded for the Head of Goliath for favourable election results.

With this development, nobody should blame the Governor, if he believes he had paid off most Imo APC Leaders and therefore not dwell on Godfatherism in choosing his Appointees, but quality and qualification.

In that case, it will not be surprising if some of those from other political parties who joined in the “November 11 Battle of Douglas House” on the side of the Governor are given plum positions, against their APC counterparts.

From the Governor’s body language, he is likely to use more of Technocrats than “Professional Politicians”, as that experiment failed him in his first few months in office,  and the reason he dropped politicians and used more of Technocrats to complete his first term.

From all indications, Uzodinma is not ending his political career after four years as Governor in 2027.

Many people who believe that Uzodinma will use the next four years to “Settle Friends and Enjoy”, will be disappointed as the Omuma, Oru East born political Avatar, has other ideas.

In this case, he will try to improve his records when leaving office, as part of his political selling points to gain more political leverage in 2027.

Therefore, Uzodinma’s latest and last outing as Governor may not be all about “Bread and Butter” for desperate politicians.

One thing sure is that the Governor will not act another “Father Christmas”  as before where he created over Five Hundred Appointments that dug deep hole into Imo coffers.

Although that exercise  helped to create numerous jobs for Imo people, but it also helped to create more lazy people who now have  sense of entitlement, as most of those Appointees refused to create a second address for themselves and thought Government Appointment is a Profession.

While the “Busy” ones among the legion of Appointees have since moved on in search of what to do, some are still loitering around Government House, after sleeping every night with the hope that they must return as Government Appointees.

Therefore, Imo people are now looking for a Manageable State Executive Council, where each member will have his/her job cut out, and not a situation where three or four persons were assigned to  the same job as we witnessed  in the last State Executive Council.

One has been thinking how much it would cost Imo State to pay off “Severance Allowances” to these numerous former Appointees, who  were Special Advisers, SAs, a position nearly that of a Commissioner.

It is believed that the Governor made those Appointments because of the crucial Governorship election then that is now gone.

Since the polls are over and the Governor not seeking for fresh mandate, there is no need for “Pepper Soup” appointments to attract voters sympathy.

However, one thing certain is that many of those in the last State Executive Council will return.

They will come back either because of their strategic relationship with the Governor, or their performance while in Government.

The Commissioner for Works, Bar Ralph Nwosu, I think is one of those that deserve a return, because of his sterling stewardship.

If there is anything Uzodinma can point at as glaring achievement in his first four years, it is road construction.

And the man that made that happen is the ever-present Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, who has also been a long term buddy and Ally of Uzodinma.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon Mbadiwe Emelumba has been Uzodinma’s Media Man for decades now. So, apart from his close relationship with Uzodinma on a personal ground, Emelumba stood his ground in the early days of the administration, when he  met a solid star studded Imo PDP Media Machine.

Emelumba was on Radio Stations every day and was writing to counter heavy bombardments against the Government every hour

The Government even resorted to poaching the PDP Media Personnel, the reason Ogubundu Nwadike, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu and others joined the Uzodinma Train.

Presently Emelumba has also repackaged the moribund Imo owned Statesman Newspaper.

But my grouse with Emelumba has remained his poor relationship with Imo Journalists, which is his major constituency. It is not a good story for the ear that for four years in office, Governor Uzodinma has never met Imo based Journalists.

Even when he was running for a second term and briefed all groups in Imo State about his ambition,  Uzodinma did not meet Imo NUJ.

Bar Cyprian Akaolisa (COC) has been Uzodinma’s man for years and has done well as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. In such position you are not seen but only heard.

Akaolisa lost his House and that of his father for supporting Uzodinma

Another person I noticed through his work, is the Commissioner for Digital Economy, Dr Okere. The man did a lot in that sector, and suddenly arose attention to the Ministry one thought was alien here.

Bar Rex Anunobi  (Sokom) has also did  well in the area of Traffic Management in the State Capital. The usual Traffic Jams are vanishing, by blocking most of the junctions that cause the gridlocks.

The security issue is getting better than before it was unpredictable for one to move around even in the State Capital, Owerri.

Today, most of the incidents are outside the State Capital. But the guerilla type of attacks are very difficult to control because it is not conventional.

Now, as Uzodinma plans his new Executive, attention should be given to Agriculture. Agriculture does not need a Rocket Science method to succeed. And neither would it succeed with a Commissioner sitting in office and signing papers.

Governors Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim administrations showed that it is feasible for Imo State to make progress in Agriculture and even feed herself.

Even the seven months administration of Emeka Ihedioha also made Agriculture a priority and the results were quickly noticed.

The teeming unemployed Imo Youths can turn Imo to a Food Basket if the Governor makes it a priority. Even if we send out all Imo Youths to Overseas, their parents and relations at home need to eat.

Agriculture is a pratical profession, and any person to be appointed in that position as Commissioner should throw away his suit and tie and fold his shirt. Chief Longers Anyanwu did it during the Ohakim era.

There are massive lands in Ngor Okpala, Ohaji/Egbema, Owerri West etc begging for attention.

As Imo people quietly wait for Uzodinma’s new State Executive let their patience worth the while.

By Henry Ekpe

The much expected Nov 11, 2023 Imo Governorship election has come and gone, at least for now. While contestants who are not comfortable with the result head to Tribunal/Court.

Since January 14, 2020 Senator Hope Uzodinma dethroned Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha  as the Imo State Governor, via the Court, it has been a tough journey on the Seat.

Now, with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC pronouncing him the winner of the Saturday Governorship election, Uzodinma can now beat his chest and say he has won his “Own Election” as he discards the vexatious tag of “Supreme Court Governor”.

He now waits for the inauguration and swearing-in which come on January 2024.

To savour the next four years with him, when sworn-in, his freshly-minted Deputy, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, who replaces Prof Placid Njoku as the next number two Citizen of Imo State.

To arrive at the present position of a Governor-Elect, a lot of factors enabled Uzodinma to coast home to victory easily.

Easily because according to the INEC result, Uzodinma won in the entire twenty-seven (27) Local Government Areas of the State.

Such magic wand has never happened in the annals of Imo Governorship elections.

It also occurred in the last House of Assembly Election, where the APC cleared all the twenty seven Assembly Seats, but one.

However, that of Nov 11, Governorship election which Uzodinma clinched without much ado, was made possible through many happenings in the State.

First of all, nobody will take away the fact that  Uzodinma since his political career has never campaigned such vigorously in any of his elections like the latest Governorship race.

He took the election so seriously that the Governor gave attention to every strategy, including meeting every Group, as possible and as available.

From Vulcunizers Association to Clergy. Uzodinma met all but except the Media in Imo State.

One America President said that three things are important in politics, one, money, two, money, three, money.

Uzodinma deployed funds to his campaigns and the Election proper. No Election can become a success anywhere in the world without funding. He made financial resources available where necessary and needed, and the result is overwhelming.

Another factor that facilitated Uzodinma’s triumph was the gradual poaching of new followers.

The Governor kept recruiting possible allies till the day of the election.

Apart from decimating the vibrant opposition political parties, he curted all the political Big Wigs in Imo State that worth their salts.

Before the election last Saturday, almost all the Big Men in Imo State were personally campaigning for Uzodinma’s return. From Okigwe to Owerri to Orlu Zones.

Whatever was the magic he used to entice and retain these political Heavy Weights is best known to him.

To worst was that Uzodinma balkanized the major opposition political party in Imo State; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The bubble burst when the entire Imo PDP State Working Committee SWC collapsed, leaving only  the State Chairman, Chief Charles Ugwu,  standing alone.

These PDP decamped chieftains were immediately given positions by Uzodinma in his Government, making them drop all they got from PDP as political experience into Uzodinma’s political Bucket. They put all they have at Uzodinma’s disposal and this seriously depleted Imo PDP human resources.

The same crisis bedeviling PDP was also pursuing Labour Party, whose candidate, at last, Senator Athan Achonu was in Court days before the election.

Then, the Emeka Ihedioha factor cannot be over ruled. Had Ihedioha contested the election, only God knows what would have been the final outcome.

The absence of Ihedioha left most Imo electorate the option to choose between “Uzodinma and others”. In the end the electorate preferred moving on with the “devil they know, than the saints they can define”.

And again, the final straw was the late introduction of what APC called “Charter of Equity”. This political masterstroke enabled many agitating Imo citizens, especially those of Owerri Zone extraction, to take the final Uzodinma option, believing that “we will not die if he finishes Orlu’s four years and handover to Owerri”.

Therefore those who were even partisan politicians voted for Uzodinma to round off twenty four years for Orlu, and allow other Zones test power like them.

The Uzodinma plethora of Appointees went to work. The Governor has over four hundred Special Advisers, SAs, who believed that at least their November to January salaries are dependent on their outputs in the polls.

Some of them even paid high prices to return Uzodinma, as I know one whose entire House was vandalized for supporting Uzodinma.

So, these number of Appointees, though expensive to maintain at Government expense, worked for Uzodinma’s reelection.

Indeed, Uzodinma’s challengers also helped in handing him victory on a plate.

The signs appeared early on time that Uzodinma will easily demolition his fellow contenders.

Though Labour Party had more robust campaign, but it was not following the tempo till the end.

At a point, the Labour Party candidate allowed himself to be distracted by the Uzodinma people, by joining issues with them, than executing his own plans as mapped out. This led Achonu to abandon the campaign train, and momentarily headed for Abuja.

On the final day, Labour Party lacked presence at the polling Units, as their Agents forgot that the Peter Obi election, which was like a Peoples Movement, was different from the Achonu Election. They had no “Logistics”.

For Imo PDP, since 1999 it started contesting Governorship election, the Nov 11 debacle is better forgotten.

PDP has remained a big “Shaddow Government” in Imo State. Even when it loses Elections, it lost Big, as the ruling party would lick its wounds after a testy battle, escaping by the whiskers.

This election was the first time PDP did not win even one Local Government in Imo Governorship poll. It was tragic and disastrous.

No matter the story of intimidation or rigging, PDP always matched whatever ruling party with whatever they will bring to the battle front.

The contentious PDP Governorship primary battle resurfaced during the main election as PDP had lost many of its top members and financiers. Those still hanging in the party, just sat down, hands akimbo during the polls.

The candidate, Senator Sam Daddy Anyanwu could not even help matters, as he was confused whether to concentrate on the Governorship race, or retain his office as National Secretary of the party.

He also did not make any reconciliatory move to bring the warring Groups together before the election, as he felt his “faction of followers” will deliver him.

In the end,  Anyanwu came second with Eleven thousand votes. And before he could race back to Abuja, to continue as Secretary, that one was also lost. What a Loss!

Now, Governor Uzodinma should feel humble in victory and bring all Imo people together, and rein in those in his Government who see others as enemies. It is time to do away with brigandage and “bubuyaya” because nobody remains a Government Appointee forever. Let peace reign in Imo.

When sworn-in on January, Gov Uzodinma  would be heading for his last term, which has to do  with working for  Imo people and a successor, even as  no Governor in Imo State has succeeded in doing  that yet.

He will also use the last term to leave legacies that will attest to his real achievements, and not that of his First term, which sychophants used to worm themselves into him. And second terms are usually shorter.

Uzodinma should ask Udenwa, Ohakim and Okorocha.

By Henry Ekpe

The November 11, 2023 Imo Governorship election which seemed too far away, is here with us.

By next week, the contentious contest would have been won and lost.

All the Gladiators in the race have been traversing all the nooks and crannies of Imo State, canvassing for votes. And no incidents of Mayhem or chaos.

For the first time ever since he has been a politician, the incumbent Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma is taking his campaign seriously.

He has taken his advocacy of a return to office to everywhere in Imo State. And Uzodinma is helped by the numerous organizations he set up to help him facilitate his come back to office.

They range from his plethora of Appointees numbering over four Hundred.

The ironic thing about the situation is that even the Appointees who have not received a kobo since their appointments are rooting for Uzodinma’s return.

Church Leaders have visited to pledge their loyalty, Driver’s Association has gone, Hunters are not left out, Students also have joined the band wargon, even Native Doctors. Including Civil Servants, who lament in the dark of being owed several months pay and allowances.

Even those declared as “Ghost Workers” are also in the Train, hoping that when Uzodinma returns he will declassify them as “Workers”.

Despite these open “adoptions”, the Governor is not leaving anything to chance, as he keeps poaching more followers every day.

This is unlike the Uzodinma we know, who usually relies on the end justifying the means in his elections. This time Senator Hope Uzodinma has campaigned vigorously to the shock of his fellow political competitors.

However, Pundits believe that if Uzodinma will win, he will do that clear and clean without subterfuge.

This is based on the number of people and Bodies that have already agreed to vote for him on November 11, 2023.

Following this theorical permutation, many believe Uzodinma has no reason to indulge in acts like the viral story that alleged that Imo State Government had instructed all Hotels in Owerri Metropolis to reserve all their rooms during the election.

Although the Government has come out to deny that story, but it has stuck as Observers swear that there is no smoke without fire.

However, Uzodinma is a politician and knows that no election is easy even if all the citizens come to you to endorse your acceptance.

A lot of intrigues play out in elections as even those who put a candidate up can pull out at the last minute, without giving any immediate reason.

Even inside the All Progressive Congress APC, which Uzodinma is the Candidate, there is internal wranglings which the ordinary eyes cannot see, except you bend down enough.

Within Imo APC, there are those who are core APC members, there are those who are in the party for the sake of Uzodinma, there are those who are running away from crisis in their previously political parties, there are those who are  there for their personal interests, there are those who are in the party for what may drop during the election etc.

Therefore, it will be a mistake for any APC member to go home and sleep, thinking the Trophy has already been won.

One of the things going good for Uzodinma in the election is the known crisis bedeviling the major opposition political parties that would have given him  a run for his money.

Presently, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha is not on the ballot of PDP. And following  how the PDP candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu emerged, the PDP has remained in turmoil in the State, as many members drifted into other political parties, while some just “Siddon de look”.

The expected reconciliation move from the PDP Governorship candidate could not happen, creating a deep lacuna within the party till date.

But despite these short-comings, Anyanwu is not leaving any stone unturned and has marched on.

The PDP has marched Uzodinma propaganda for propaganda. Any time Uzodinma’s side drops one bullet, the Anyanwu Group releases one salvo.

It was Uzodinma’s people that said PDP was planning to invade Imo with miscreants from neigbouring States.

The PDP replied immediately that Uzodinma and APC have imported Chinese Nationals to hack into INEC IREV Machines.

While that was yet to cool off, the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comr Joe Ajaero who was in Imo State was manhandled, and PDP quickly fingered  Uzodinma of masterminding the assault on the Owerri North LGA born Labour Activist through his Thugs.

In retaliation, APC and Uzodinma accused Anyanwu and PDP of funding  Ajaero’s visit to Imo to  use Imo  workers and  cause mayhem in the State.

This is the level we at as the moment, and obviously more will come as the Election runs into its final lap by next week.

Meanwhile, the candidate of Labour Party, Senator Athan Achonu has left many LGAs confused on whom to vote for with his lively outings.

Achonu’s crowds look organic and natural, that it would be a risk for any candidate to relax on his oars, in the morning of November 11, 2023.

Gener Ogunewe who was touted to would have been the Labour Party Candidate, now hoisting the flag of Action Alliance, AA, has also been doing his beat.

He was yesterday sighted inside Ekeonunwa Market Owerri campaigning. And the euphoria shown by the Traders and reception given to him was not artificial. Tony Ejiogu of All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, and Ikenga JohnJude Okere of ACCORD, are not left out as they have been busy with their own strategic campaigns.

With this situation, votes may not be easily harvested by one candidate, if these candidates are determined to hold on to their immediate catchment Areas.

Senator Hope Uzodinma is from Orlu Zone. And Senator Anyanwu’s Deputy, Dr Jones Onyereri is also from Orlu Zone. Does it mean that Jones will not at least deliver his Nkwerre area? What of the Director General of Labour Party Candidate, Hon Chime Nzeribe from Oru clan? So, he will not make hay in his own LGA, even though the Governor is also from Oru?

Therefore, unless Uzodinma dismantles these obstacles in his own area, one would expect Nzeribe, Onyereri, Okoafor Anyanwu garner votes for their parties.

Achonu is from Okigwe Zone, and will do everything possible to at least win there, if not other part of the State. He is lucky to be the only recognized candidate from the entire  Okigwe Zone.

In Owerri Zone as usual, nearly all the candidates of various political parties come from there.

Senator Anyanwu would at least grab Mbaike Clan, Mbaitoli/Ikeduru where he comes from.  He will also want to make encore into other parts of Owerri Zone. And his maternal home is Mbaise Nation.

But Mbaise has Ogunewe of AA, or would Mbaise Nation abandon their own Son? Tony Ejiogu is from Owerri North LGA. And JohnJude Okere is from Ngor Okpala LGA.

Can any Governorship Candidate who cannot win his/her immediate Local Government Area count himself a politician? Politics they say is local.

Meanwhile, the entire scenario looks like the incumbent may have his way in the end. But he should not think it is in the Bag yet. But Uzodinma is a master. It would have been too difficult for him if known Oracles like Araraume, Ihedioha and Okorocha were in the fray.

Feelers in the rural areas is not palatable to the ruling party as the hardship in the land knocks on every door. But, our voters are hungry. That is the matter.

The All Progressive Congress APC, the ruling party in Imo State, and at the National level on Wednesday kicked- off her Governorship Campaign in Imo State.

Nothing less was expected of a party that parades the sitting Governor. The issue is that the outing was tumultuous as expected, because the APC in Imo possesses both the yam and knife.

However, it  is a truism that elections are not won by mammoth Crowds that attend such functions. Some of the attendees may not even know why they were thrown into vehicles heading to Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

If you verify well, you will discover that even members of other political parties were in attendance, since it was certain that whoever attended such occasion was certain to go home with a little “hand-Shake”.

Meanwhile, the magnitude of crowd witnessed in APC November 11 Governorship kick-off cannot be same with that of Action Alliance AA, Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Labour Party or All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

However, the collapsing of various groups into the Hope Uzodinma Campaign Train should pose a serious signal to other political parties, that the incumbent is serious and not leaving anything to chance.

For students of Imo political History, this time is quite different from other days Chief Hope Uzodinma participated in elections. This time he is not leaving any stone unturned in campaigning vigorously for his second term election.

Even those days he ran for the Orlu Senatorial Seat, Uzodinma just made one campaign move or the other.

Instructively, now that he has both the cash and incumbent power, Uzodinma has shown seriousness in this election, and reaching out to various quaters  to make his reelection a success. Therefore, the opposition should gird their loins. The election will be tough.

In 2019 Imo Governorship election, Uzodinma could not campaign much  as the then out-going Governor, and  now Senator Rochas Okorocha could not give him any landing space to tell Imo people what he has for them.

I remember vividly that Uzodinma had to do his “flag-off” on Okigwe Road, Owerri, because Okorocha refused him space to assemble Imo people.

But in the Irony of life, today Uzodinma has in his hands all the spaces in Imo State and has today used his own method to deny most of the opposition political parties “Spaces” to place their own “Billboards”.

The opposition parties lament and describe the fees to pay and place their Billboards as astronomical, which is chicken feed to the Sitting Governor and his party that were also denied “Spaces” in 2019. The opposition parties accuse Imo Government of upping the levy beyond their reach.

However, despite all these challenges, the campaigns in the State are moving on peacefully, since there has not been reports of harassments or disruptions of any of political gatherings yet.

So far the Campaigns had already hit the hinter lands as AA, PDP, APGA and Labour Parties have been stormed the grassroots, begging for votes.

However, the parties have tactically avoided the trouble spots in the State, following intelligent reports. Because he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day.

Most of the political parties changed their strategies and mode of campaigns this time. There seems to be a limit to much street parades and open out-door campaigns as candidates resort to quiet and “Beer Parlour” Canvassings, which in most cases are more productive and result oriented. Ama Jehova style.

The story not making the rounds is that with the elaborate campaign kick-off where who-is-who attended, Imo APC may lower her Campaign in the rural areas and may not even hold LGA Campaigns. Let us watch and see.

Sources said that with the number of groups joining the Uzodinma train, the Governor now is confident that his election on November 11 is already a foregone conclusion.

But the major “Campaign”  in Imo State, that will shock many will commence in the State immediately the Independent National Election INEC announces the winner of the November 11 election.

The Proponents of the recently dusted up  Imo Charter of Equity, which the three Zones are anchoring the reelection of Uzodinma,  will  set off a volcano which they should be ready to contain its debris soon.

No matter who wins the election on November 11, the Charter of Equity will rear its head. It does not matter if it is Tony Ejiogu of APGA.

But the issue will generate heavy reactions the moment Uzodinma bounces back as Governor.

As a candidate, Uzodinma wants to win and therefore bound to make promises, just like every other politician at the heat of elections.

Now in Okigwe and Owerri Zones, a lot of people are seeing themselves as going to takeover from Uzodinma in 2027, as a fulfillment of the Charter of Equity, spearheaded more daringly by  Owerri people.

Therefore, certainly  among the array of politicians from Okigwe and Owerri Zones, there must be a person the out-going Governor then, will anchore  his hope as his chosen successor.

In this case, after Uzodinma is sworn-in, if he wins, the “Campaign” to succeed him will commence in earnest.

Much as Uzodinma would want to add to what already he had done in his first   term, but his mind will always be occupied with who succeeds him.

While these politicians will be trying to outshine each other by attracting the attention of the Governor, the main Man will still have the last say.

But from what has been deciphered recently about Uzodinma’s style of politics, he usually keeps the most important decisions to his chest until the final hour.

This is the reason he shocks most of those around him from predicting him correctly.

And this method keeps his loyalists on their toes.

When Uzodinma facilitated the emergence of Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu as the APC Southeast National Vice Chairman,  it hit many as a rude shock. Uzodinma’s Camp was dumb founded with surprise. Many had thought he would pick a regular known face.

He repeated some shocker when just recently, the name of Mrs Uzoka cropped up as the Imo State Ministerial Nominee. It was like a thunder storm to some elements.

Therefore, whether Uzodinma is handing over to Okigwe or Owerri Zone, his loyalists must not be carried away with thinking that Uzodinma is someone you can fool easily.

I know that in Owerri Zone now, many are already “warming up”, and quite “Unfortunately” Owerri Zone  is brimming with  sound  qualified personalities with verifiable means of livelihood and authentic certificates to steer the Ship of Imo State any day. So, who will he pick among the stallions? That will be a big question soon.

Same also for Okigwe Zone, where some even if not directly qualified, can shop among their sons and produce who can lead Imo State steadily.

Therefore, from a hind sight, the original “Campaign” will start soon.

However, the Governor also must realize that it is never easy to produce a successor.

It has always been a bad development for all former Imo State Governors.

One of the reason is that among the legion of Loyalists, the moment one is singled out by the Leader, others will revolt.

Therefore, from the fallouts from what happened to Governor Achike Udenwa and Senator Rochas Okorocha over the issue of successorship, Uzodinma should immediately after being sworn-in, if he wins on November, begin to plan his successorship. If he allows it late, he may just be looking for a way of going home peaceful, than embroyed on issue of successor.

You might think it is too early, even when he has not yet secured a second term. But remember I predicted this.

By Henry Ekpe

In search of Equity and Justice among the three political Zones that make up Imo State; namely Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri, it is said that a Charter of Equity has been signed for power to rotate among the three.

The Charter of Equity is claimed to have been endorsed in the presence of top Political Elements, Traditional Rulers, even Clergy, from Imo State.

The present Charter of Equity takes off in the coming Imo Governorship election, which on November 11, 2023.

From all indications, those who drafted the present Charter of Equity were said to have agreed in unison that the kick-off will commence with Orlu Zone, by giving the incumbent Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma the chance to go again for a second term.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time Imo State is playing with Charter of Equity for equitable distribution of political positions in the State.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP toyed with the same idea in 1999 when it arrived on Chief Achike Udenwa from Orlu Zone to roll-off the Civilian administration in the State, after the Military left the scene.

At that time, an Owerri Son, Late Bar Humphrey Anumudu won the Governorship primary of PDP, but was asked to step down for an Orlu Man for the sake of accommodation and sense of belonging.

According to the drafters of the then Charter of Equity, after Orlu had gone, it would be the turn of Owerri Zone to succeed Orlu, and then Okigwe Zone in that order.

Unfortunately, that plan could not work out as envisaged by the Elders in PDP and Leaders in the party.

As Udenwa was leaving office, rather than look towards Owerri Zone for his successor as assumed in the beginning, names from Okigwe Zone dominated the choice: Namely Engr Ebere Udeagu, who was his Deputy said to be Udenwa’s choice. But suddenly the name of Hon Ike Ibe cropped up as the preffered candidate from then Governor’s “Kitchen Cabinet”.

Unfortunately, the then powerful Secretary to the State Government, Nze Ignatius Umunna went for Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.

This scenario divided Udenwa’s political family and after the fierce battle that followed, Udenwa’s hand was forced to support Chief Martin Agbaso of APGA, and finally, Dr Ikedi Ohakim of Progressive People’s Alliance PPA.

In order words, apart from the fact that Udenwa could not produce his choice successor, the seat ended up in Okigwe Zone and not in Owerri Zone as agreed in 1999.

Now, haven  assumed office as Governor, the issue became that Ohakim should be supported to complete a second term, so that it would be assumed that the Charter of Equity continued with Okigwe, after which, Ohakim will hand-over to Owerri Zone.

Unfortunately, Ohakim could not get a second term, but lost to Chief Rochas Okorocha of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, from Ogboko in Ideato South LGA, Okigwe Zone.

The argument was that it was Owerri people who massively supported Okorocha, and even gave him the Platform; because the entire structure of APGA then belonged to Chief Martin Agbaso, who hails from Emekuku in Owerri Zone.

Till date, it is held that Chief Agbaso gifted his younger brother, Jude, to Okorocha to succeed him in 2019, and it would be assumed that Owerri Zone has taken her turn with the Younger Agbaso or the senior as Governor.

But that plan could not materialize as Okorocha had other ideas and dumped the younger Agbaso as his Deputy after a few months in office.

Okorocha  later went for Prince Eze Madumere, from Mbieri, Owerri Zone as Agbaso’s replacement and was tipped to succeed his Boss and put to rest the issue of Charter of Equity, as it concerns Owerri people, since  it was clear that from 1999, all the Zones had governed  the State, except Owerri.

Therefore, in the 2019 election, the Owerri Governorship issue gained a lot of sympathy from both Okigwe and Orlu, which contributed to the advantage of the candidate of PDP, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, as the issue became a cry of marginalization against Owerri people.

But to rub salt into injury, Okorocha rather than pick an Owerri person as his successor went for his son inlaw and a native of Nkwerre LGA, in Orlu Zone, Chief Uche Nwosu , to succeed him.

That created a problem in the ruling APC, which led to the emergence of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the Governorship candidate of the party.

Still bent on keeping power in Orlu, Okorocha dusted the moribund Action Alliance, AA, and foisted Nwosu as the candidate of the party.

The election became dicey and tough, since Okorocha had both the political power and financial dept to fight other candidates.

In the end, Owerri Man, Emeke Ihedioha of the PDP won with a tumultuous jubilation across the State.

Many heaved a sigh of relief that in the end, Owerri has at last gotten the chance to lead Imo State like other Zones.

But that joy did not last more than seven months, as the now incumbent Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma from  Oru clan, in Orlu Zone took over through a litigation.

Now, in reality, Orlu Zone has led Imo State through Udenwa, Okorocha and now Uzodinma for twenty years since 1999.

Okigwe did four years between 2007 and 2011 through Chief Ikedi Ohakim. And Owerri was on the Seat for seven months through Emeka Ihedioha.

Now, the proverbial Charter of Equity has resurfaced again and this time the proponents of the current Charter of Equity agreed that Uzodinma (Orlu) should commence the new beginning, with just one term, since he cannot do two terms under the new Charter of Equity because he has only one term by constitution haven done one term already.

However, what is not certain is between Okigwe and Owerri who should take the first shot after Uzodinma had gone in 2027?

Sometimes you hear that it will be  Owerri, the next time you hear it is Okigwe and again, whoever between them that performs well in giving Uzodinma massive votes in November election will be the one.

But from empirically studies available, the major clan spear- heading the Uzodinma reelection based on Charter of Equity, is Owerri Zone.

They have thrown up the story that it can only be achievable under a sitting Governor who will use his power to produce his successor in 2027.

They have also said that with Orlu completing  24 years in Imo Governorship Kingdom in 2027 and Okigwe already done  Four years under Ohakim,  the pendulum should  automatically swing first to Owerri before Okigwe because it has on recorded seven months on the throne.

I have also heard that power is not given but taken, meaning that Owerri should not go to sleep believing that Uzodinma while quitting in 2027 will simply thrust the diadem on their laps.

It means that if Owerri wants power in 2027, it should work for it by giving massive votes to Uzodinma, or should be ready to wrestle with Okigwe for the Seat, since power is not given on a platter.

With this scenario now, has the new Charter of Equity really taken care of the seemingly gray arrears that may stir trouble in 2027? And who can swear that in 2027 all Orlu Politicians will fold their hands on their chests, and watch Okigwe  and Owerri  only vie for Imo Governorship Seat? Therefore, how feasible will this proverbial Charter of Equity be in 2027? I am still thinking.

By Henry Ekpe

Corporate Accountability And Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, is a Non Governmental Organization NGO, who held a Journalism Training on Peaceful and Non Violent Elections in Imo State, Sponsored by the European Union.

The seminar held at Rockview Hotel Owerri, and lasted for two days. The theme was “Journalism Training On Peaceful Election And Non-Violent Elections”

When I got the invitation, I was not too keen to participate, especially because of my busy schedules and the  apprehension of the unknown within me.

And unfortunately, two  days before the seminar commenced, I had go threat calls from phone number 07088772401. I was warned to be careful or paid the supreme prize.

Therefore, as a Writer, Publisher and Journalist, I was confused on what would have led to the threat. Was it because of  what I write, or what my Newspaper Published, since most people ignorantly  believe that if you own a Newspaper, you solely  dictate all that comes out in the medium, not knowing that a Newspaper is an institution and different from your own personal opinion pushed through your  own column.

However, when the organizers kept calling to remind me of the Training, rather than get settled, I became more worried, knowing our system, and how such a fine female voice would be on your line daily telling you, “we still expect you at the Seminar Sir”.

So, I brared it, and behold when I got into the Seminar Hall, as  I deliberately came a little late, I was surprised with what I saw. A full session of studies already on going.

I joined immediately after filling my documents, and there was no dull moment because of the serious Topics  being treated by the lecturers, and the Intellectual level of  studies, coupled with top Journalists around, some I have not met for years, and from various Media Outlets in the State.

According to the Organizers, CAPPA, they were in Imo to Educate and Counsel Imo Journalists on the forthcoming Imo Governorship election slated for November 11, 2023.

The crux of the matter was : How to report the Election, by the stating the facts as a Journalists, but without sensationalism that may provoke fear and mayhem among the society.   And how Editors will couch the Heads with moderation not to provoke tears.

Various Teachers took on different Topics. They were concerned on  Non violence, and herped on the fact that Elections can only produce good result if they are held peacefully, after which the society will benefit through an organized development, necessitated through a No Violent Polls, reported with moderate words by the Press, for the peace of the society.

On the walls in the lecture Room  were such shouting inscriptions like  “Vote with your Thumb Not with Gun” “I Support peaceful Polls: Vote in Peace, Not In Blood” “ Election is not War”.

The Executive Director, CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi  introduced by the Moderator Abayomi Sarumi, in his opening remarks said that violence during elections in Nigeria does no one any good, the reason they were in Imo State to charge the Journalists to desist from Publishing  materials that could stir violence, pre and post Election periods.

“But should the facts be buried in a bid to post stories that will not confusion  and chaos during election?”  I asked.

He said, maintaining that News can be published with facts, but  with moderation explained to avoid violence.

A Tall beautiful woman, Zikora Ibeh who is the CAPPA Policy and Research Officer took us on “Engaging the Media in Peace Building”.

She reminded the class that at all times, despite the fact it is the job of the Press to disseminate information, but it must engage in “Fact Check” before dishing out, as most people rely on what they read in the Media  for their information gathering and assimilation.

She said that Journalists should not be in a hurry to beat each other in being the first to publish, only to later discover that it was no accurate when the harm had already been done.

Taking us on “Understanding Conflicts and Drivers of Conflicts, Dr Tunde Akanni, an Associate Professor of Journalism, LASU, warned Journalists not to pander to the sugar coated tongues of politicians, as their concern is to run their opponent down with propaganda and therefore,  left for the Journalists to dethatch from emotion, and put the story down in facts, because relying on what comes from politicians alone, without  cross-checking may lead to conflict and violence.

He stressed that as the Gate-keepers, even if Reporters make mistakes, the Editors must take pain to cross check facts, and must be sure of the source and its authentication.

The Prof went memory lane, saying that it sounds strange, uptil today, that the letter that annulled

June 12 Election was not signed, yet the entire Media in the Land carried the story, meaning that it could not be officially traced to any Government official till date.

He admonished  Journalists to be careful with their security while Reporting Elecions, pointing out that though a Press man hunts for News, but that story can only be carried if that Reporter gets  home with the story. Therefore he said the Security of Pressmen during Elections is paramount.

The famous Journalist Activist and Veteran of may students Battle but still looking young, Lanre Arongundade held us spellbound with his incisive lecture, that was spiced with Professionalism, politics, and  as well as practical dangers Journalists face in the field.

Lanre , topic was “Election and Conflict Sensitive Reporting”.

The avatar of many Democratic Battles in Nigeria, right from his hay Days as National President of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, warned that a Journalist covering  Elections, especially in areas known to be volatile must be extra careful, and should trust  no one in a strange Environment.

He said every Journalist must have the experience to sense danger before it happens and move away before it occurs.

He gave us an example where some Journalists went to cover an event in a volatile area, and still kept moving even  when the security personnel  escorting them got to a point and pulled back.

Arongundade, Chair of International Press Centre maintained that Ethnicity, Religion and Political affiliations are the major Drivers of conflicts in our society, and must be battled by the Press through Advocacy and balanced Reportage.

Elegant and vibrant Aderonke Ige, Lawyer, and CAPPA official, tackled “The Electoral Law and Guide For Media Coverage of Elections”.

Even before she could say a word, barrage of questions bordering on the recently delivered judgment by the Presidential Election Tribunal, were thrown on the young Lady. And she was equal to the task.

The take away from her lecture was that it was true that Nigeria panel- beated the Electoral Act to add some innovations that can stem rigging of Elections in Nigeria, but unfortunately, all those powers were left in the hands of INEC, and not put in the constitution.

And this was the reason the Appeal Courts ruled that INEC has the right to determine the method it wants to collate and release results.

However, during and after the lectures, the issue of the coming Imo Governorship election dominated the discourse.

Therefore, while CAPPA preaches peace for the election in Imo State, not even one official from the State Government attended. Even the almighty INEC who Nigerians now see as the problem with elections in Nigeria, ironically when they should be the problem solvers were no there.

In Imo, the Press obviously is very vibrant, with Imo State parading the highest number of what we call “Local Newspapers” in the entire Southeast. The not only disseminate information, but reduce unemployment in Imo State, so they are big Stakeholders in the State.

But the big question remains, even as outsiders, CAPPA and European Union have come to Imo to emplore the Press to handle the Election with fairness and ameliorate Tension by avoiding sensationalism  to subdue violence during the election, what has the Government of Imo State done to encourage the Home Press?

It the only proves the Adage that a Prophet is hardly recognized in his our land.

Talking about the Imo Governorship Election and mitigating violence through altruistic reporting, the Government should also help in supporting the call by reining in their publicists, who wreak up dusts to heat up the polity.

As November 11 approaches, both the Government and opposition parties must be cautious of what they publish in a bid to run each other down.

From what  we have been observing  lately in Imo, never before in the history of Elections in the State, has a Government and Opposition thrown caution to the wind in fight to finish scenario, where lurid and bizarre stories dominate the Media space, rather than each of the contending Gladiators telling  the people what they will do better when re-elected, and what they would do when elected.

What one read in various WASAP Groups in Imo State can scare the lilly hearted.

The Non violence which I have ever been an Apostle, can only be achieved if the Imo Media Space is dominated with issue-based discussions, and not things that would not add any value to those vying to be Governor, and those they proclaim to serve.

The Imo Election as we near the D-Day has left the realm of topical issues to things that will divide us the more. In the end, it may tilt to violence, if the topics are not issue based but private and frivolous matters that may heat up emotions.

It is quite unfortunate how a fellow who calls himself a Proffessional Journalist will write what he or she cannot defend tomorrow when called upon.

For those marketing the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the candidate of APC, there are many positives to write about the four years he has been in office.

Uzodinma may not be an Mbakwe, but he has signature projects that can occurred his Media Minders.

Assuming the opposition engages in dust raising, it would be because they are just planning to come power  and have nothing  to point at. However, the opposition has no justification to engage only on name callings.

Therefore, engaging the opposition in frivolous replies is a distraction, when you have to show- case to the Electorate what the Governor has done these years. And they are many.

In the case of opposition, it would be more gainful to point out what the incumbent could not have done and then promise how to do it better than dwelling on matters that sounds gossip and cannot hold water.

And then, for those used as instruments to carry out these dirty assignments, there is always a tomorrow. A young man or woman should not write as if the world will end today.

 Let us fight violence in Elections and reduce heating  the polity through the Media, especially in Imo State.