Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged political leaders from Imo East Senatorial district popularly called Owerri Zone to maintain peace and unity as his administration continues its governance agenda.
Uzodimma stated during a meeting with Owerri Zone leaders under the aegis of the Owerri Harmony project at the Government House in Owerri.
The governor emphasized the danger of overheating the polity and the importance of allowing him to complete his tenure in peace, cautioning against actions that could destabilize the political environment. He urged the leaders to avoid overheating the polity and to embrace unity in preparation for future political transitions.
“I welcome you to the Imo Government House, your house. Feel at home. Democracy is about the people, and you represent the people. I deeply appreciate your vote of implicit confidence in my leadership. This is a big trust, and I will work hard to justify it,” Uzodimma stated.
Reflecting on the political history of Imo State, the governor recalled his involvement in significant political movements, including the emergence of former Governor Achike Udenwa in 1999. He noted that the state’s political stability has improved, allowing for constructive conversations about its leadership future.
“There was a time when we lost our state, but we have recovered and restored its honor. Peace is essential for progress. Without it, society struggles to survive, and rules lose their meaning. Thankfully, we now have an environment where we can practice good politics,” he said.
The governor also addressed internal and external challenges affecting Imo politics, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and unity. He highlighted the establishment of the Elders Council as a strategic move to promote truth, unity, and peace in the state.
“I took a bill to the House of Assembly to establish the Elders Council, aimed at uniting the state and ensuring that Igbo people solve their problems internally. The council is expected to rise above politics and always speak the truth, no matter how bitter,” Uzodimma noted.
On the contentious issue of power rotation, the governor said the Charter of Equity will not be jettisoned but emphasizes that merit will be what to look out for.
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He said “I will not solve all the problems in Imo. I will do the ones I can do but the man coming after me should be able to do some. So we must use taxpayers’ money for our people. We will support merit. We must look for merit because we need a man who is courageous. You saw the insecurity that greeted my emergence. You see by the grace of God, we were able to survive it, so what we need is a well-focused, bold, courageous man. That is My prayer for the kind of person who will be my successor. The person who may not be a troublemaker but must fight if a fight is necessary.”
Governor Uzodimma warned that political ambition should not breed enmity. He cautioned leaders to be wary of external influences that might seek to sow discord.
“Very soon, external forces will approach you, tell you that you are the best candidate for governor, and even offer incentives. But after the elections, they will abandon you. We must differentiate between personal desires and collective interests,” the governor said.
He further stressed the importance of partisan democracy, noting that his successor would naturally emerge from his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“When I took office, I met a debt portfolio of ₦298 billion, which we reduced to ₦110 billion by 2021. Our internally generated revenue has grown from ₦400 million to nearly ₦5 billion monthly. These are results of focused governance,” he said.
Governor Uzodimma urged the leaders to promote unity, tolerance, and reconciliation, emphasizing that political ambition should not overshadow the collective good.
“I am not discussing politics now because I still have three years in office unless, of course, you want to poison me here! Let us first create awareness, consult, reconcile, and unite. Politics should be pursued with love and understanding, not confrontation,” he said.
The governor also advised against excessive materialism, emphasizing the importance of leaving a lasting legacy of service.
“In the end, it is not about how many properties we own but the impact we leave behind. Let us focus on what truly matters,” he added.
Uzodimma concluded by urging the leaders to unite, avoid external manipulation, and foster a peaceful political atmosphere that encourages growth and development in Imo State.
The meeting ended with a vote of absolute confidence passed on the governor’s leadership by Owerri Zone leaders and stakeholders and a collective commitment by the leaders to support peaceful governance and ensure stability in Imo State.
