By Chidi Nkwopara

Let’s begin with an open confession. Those who think that this piece will, as of necessity, delve into the months of campaign, election and the trial in court, will be totally disappointed. No such account is contemplated here please.

Our interest  centres on Senator Hope Uzodimma’s vision, actions and the ongoing transformation of Imo State, within the past five years he has remained in office, as Governor.

No matter what anyone may think about Uzodimma as a person, there are a few things nobody can easily take away from his curriculum vitae.

Let’s mention just a few successes in the education sector. Imo State now boasts of two new Universities: Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, and University of Agriculture and Environment, Umuagwo.

Similarly, the previous efforts by the past administrations in the state, to get Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, transformed into a University, was achieved. The former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, now wears the toga of Federal University Teaching Hospital, FUTO.

While the generation of this day and age, particularly patriots and lovers of Imo State, will not forget in a hurry, the doggedness, commitment and tact, Uzodimma used in actualizing these feats, posterity will definitely celebrate him, if and whenever they get to know how these educational institutions were born!

Yes, the Governor has celebrated his five years anniversary in office and he can gladly tell whosoever cares to listen that he is very satisfied with the quality and speed of ongoing projects in the state, saying that his “projects are meant to close the infrastructural gap in the state”.

Fielding questions from newsmen, while on inspection of the ongoing projects, he said: “A good number of the projects has recorded appreciable progress, and I am impressed with it”.

The inspected projects included: Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, EIICC, Assumpta /Control Post Roundabout Flyover, Ellen Seilif/DSS/Onitsha road, Works Layout Roads, Aladimma/Chukwuma Nwoha/Egbu road, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu/Okigwe road flyover, and the 3-R Government Digital Complex located at ICAPS Egbu road, Owerri.

His words: “Most of the projects in the urban renewal programme are making huge progress. The idea is to decongest the gridlock in the city; reduce stress and inconveniences to travelers coming in or going out of the State.

“After the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, the income of the states, from the Federal Allocation Accounts Committee, FAAC, appreciated.

“What this means for leaders who are God fearing is that it gladdens their heart that the resources from the Federal Government are deployed to tangible projects, and to recover the infrastructural gaps created in the past, due to high cost of living.

“I am happy that Imolites are gradually coming to terms with the reality in Imo State. With what is going on, the citizens are beginning to build confidence day-by-day, on government because government is returning trust that was lost in the past.

“When you are working, the people will acknowledge it and will begin to see your efforts and gradually they will begin to buy into your ideas. In that way you will get sustainable confidence.

“It is important these monies are deployed to things that will make people feel the positive impact of subsidy removal, things like repairing and replacing government infrastructure, investing in agriculture, livestock development and food security, making sure that public institutions like hospitals and schools are made to function so that the value is felt by the people.

“When Government says something, they should endeavour to do it. That is the whole idea of governance.’’

TAKE AWAYS FROM LIVE PHONE-IN PROGRAMME

In his unique style and as part of the arrangement outlined for the celebration of the fifth anniversary, Governor Uzodimma invited stakeholders to a no-holds-barred live radio phone-in programme.

He answered all questions from the listeners, as well as used the opportunity to provide insights and explanations on varying and pressing state matters.

The program, which was tailored to be an opportunity for open dialogue, saw the Governor addressing serious concerns that ranged from security, education, minimum wage implementation and judicial appointments.

In his opening speech, Uzodimma said that the programme was carefully designed to give citizens the opportunity to freely interact with him, adding: “It is my hope that it will offer the opportunity for people to make their calls and for me to answer.”

MINIMUM WAGE

While describing the civil service in the state as a “ghost town”, when he came into office in 2020, he thereafter, enumerated what he did to improve the situation and workers welfare.

He said: “To revitalize it, I introduced measures such as free transport program for workers and increased the minimum wage from ¦ 18,000 to ¦ 30,000, and then to ¦ 40,000 post-COVID-19.”

Uzodimma identified bloated civil service, undocumented personnel and the need for automation, as some of the challenges that led to delays in the payment of salaries.

Continuing, the Governor acknowledged a decade-long issue of delayed promotions and emphasized his administration’s efforts to address this anomaly within budgetary limitations.

A significant announcement was the timeline for minimum wage implementation.  The governor confirmed that the state government will begin implementing the minimum wage by the end of January 2025, with workers set to receive adjusted salaries accordingly.

LAND ADMINISTRATION

Addressing a question on land administration, the Governor expressed dismay at the widespread abuse and fraud he discovered.

“This is characterized by multiple Certificates of Occupancy and rampant encroachment on government land” Uzodimma said.

He announced a comprehensive recertification process for all land titles in Imo State, vowing to crack down on fraudulent documentation and ensure fair and transparent land ownership.  “How can one man have 500 Certificates of Occupancy, when some people have none? I restate my commitment to tackling this deeply rooted problem.

SECURITY

On the crucial and palpable issue of insecurity, the Governor reassured citizens of the determination of his administration to secure their lives and property.

“I am promising increased efforts to bolster security in the state.  Efforts will also be sustained towards the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In his brief remark on education, Governor Uzodimma said that budgetary allocations to primary and tertiary institutions outside the Education Ministry, has increased, emphasizing that his administration’s commitment to education extends beyond the Ministry of Education’s budget.

Similarly, Chairman of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, Mr. J. B. Ugochukwu, lauded “the consistent and timely payment of pensions”, since Uzodimma came on board and this is a sharp contrast from their past experience.

ABSENCE OF A CHIEF JUDGE

Imo State has been operating without a Chief Judge, since October 2024, when the National Judicial Council, NJC, removed the former Chief Judge. It was also understood that the state does not have a State Judicial Council. These realities have, to some extent, impaired the administration of justice in the state.

Apparently irked by this scenario, the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Imo State Chapter, Mr. Chris Ihemtuge, presented it to the Governor, and equally called for the appointment of either a substantive or acting Chief Judge, for the state.

Responding, Governor Uzodimma said that while he was eager to fill the vacancy, “the appointment process requires strict adherence to due process, including receipt of recommendation from the National Judicial Council, NJC”.

He also stated that under the first eight months of his administration, he cleared the arrears of judges’ salary and introduced the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to quicken the process of adjudication in the state.

Answering a question from a caller, Governor Uzodimma shared exciting updates on two key projects in Imo State.

Top on the list is the state government’s take over of the oversight of electricity infrastructure this week, which he said, “is expected to improve power supply in the state”, adding that this move was part of his efforts to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Imo State.

Additionally, Uzodimma also disclosed the state’s quest to access the sea from Oguta Lake.

According to him, work on the dredging will soon commence, even as he explained that the delay was caused by the removal of underwater cables.

His words: “The project is driven through a tripartite arrangement between the Imo State Government, the Nigerian Navy Incorporated, and Westminster Dredging. This development is expected to boost economic activities and create new opportunities for the state.”

APC CHAIRMAN REACTS

Reacting, the State Party Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. MacDonald Ebere, said: “The Governor’s achievements in the past year, stands as undeniable proof of his unwavering commitment to transforming Imo State.

“His work in infrastructure development has been extraordinary, particularly the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical roads and public utilities, including federal roads that are pivotal to the economic and social fabric of our state.

“These efforts underscore his vision for a connected and accessible Imo, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and prosperity.

“Economically, he has elevated Imo State to new heights by implementing strategic policies that have bolstered internally generated revenue. Under his leadership, our state now ranks among the top four in GDP per capita, a testament to his determination to empower Imolites through sustainable development.

“His foresight in advancing digital innovation and youth empowerment through the highly celebrated Skill-Up-Imo Project reflects his understanding of the evolving demands of the modern world.

“By equipping thousands of our youths with cutting-edge digital skills, he has opened doors to boundless opportunities for the next generation and positioned Imo State as a hub of technological excellence.

“Moreover, his recognition as the Innovative Digital Governor of the Year, is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his groundbreaking efforts in embracing technology as a tool for governance and development.

“This honour not only brings pride to Ndi Imo but also highlights his visionary leadership on a national scale.”