Indeed, antagonism, envy, enmity,
and of course inconsequential bickering have bewildered mankind’s thrive
towards attainment of success since the world began. If you take reference from
the holy Bible or Quran as the case may be, you would concur with this
perception. This singular fact has succeeded in deterring most men from
embarking on their respective desired odysseys.
Having witnessed enormous
antagonism lately or for the past six months now, if I’m not mistaken, Imo
State alongside other states in the federation that are advocates of good governance
recorded another epoch-making event few days ago. Of course, it was all about
the just concluded gubernatorial polls that saw the re-emergence of the
people’s governor, Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha – OON for a second term in
office.
Lest I forget; I want to let us know that this very topic “I salute you,
Owelle Ndi Igbo” was successfully manufactured some weeks ago prior to the main
election that took place on Saturday April 11, owing to my panoramic view. Yes,
I foresaw the outcome of the said historic outing; and I couldn’t imagine
seeing my candid vision failing my person because such scenario has never
transpired in my lifetime. No doubt, it was a vision accompanied with a severe
mission just as it had invariably been.
Frankly speaking, Gov Okorocha’s re-election as the governor of Imo
State – the Eastern Heartland is not unlike placing a round peg in a round
hole, because the man in question, who I often address as “Imo Lion”, came,
saw, and finally conquered while at the helm of affairs.
Chief Rochas Okorocha whose victory in 2011 became tangible or apparent
after the supplementary election that took place in five of the LGAs in the
state, precisely Ngor-Okpala, Owerri-North, Mbaitolu, Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta,
has been recognized as a people-oriented governor since he assumed duty in May
29, 2011. His accomplishments so far
ranging from the education sector to health, security, agriculture, road
network, infrastructure, prompt payment of workers’ salary, payment of pension
arrears, youth empowerment, and what have you, are unequivocally unprecedented.
If time as well as space would permit me, I would like to put up a
painstaking analysis as regards the aforementioned area he has strived
relentlessly. Notwithstanding, I must do justice to it for posterity sake. The
moment Gov Okorocha assumed duty as the number one citizen of Imo State, he
thought it wise to proclaim “free education” from nursery to tertiary level, in
which that of the tertiary level was meant for only Imo indigenes; a mandate he
has kept till date. Coupled with the renovation of all the primary and
secondary schools in the state. This was what fetched him the renowned name “the
Commander of Free Education”. As if that was not enough, he proceeded to
massive construction cum rehabilitation of all the urban and rural roads in the
state. Surely, a trip to Imo State will convince any visitor, if he/she was
there prior to 2011.
Furthermore, Gov Okorocha’s timely acknowledgement of the role of good
health system has succeeded in salvaging Imolites in their entirety. He began
with the simultaneous construction of new modern model Health Centres in each
of the twenty-seven (27) LGAs in the state, which are nearing completion. In
addition, he transcended to the construction of “Ochiedike Diagnostic Centre”
situated in New-Owerri meant solely for the treatment of protracted illnesses
like cancer, liver or kidney failure, among other similar diseases, which is
currently in use. Among all, the immense contribution of the Imo Foundation,
which was instituted by the governor, in the area of health uplift remains
unquantifiable. Let’s ride on!
Today, in Imo State, every worker goes home or smiles to the bank with
his/her monthly salary as and when due. Payment of arrears of pension incurred
by past administrators since the year 1992 to all the affected persons, are not
left out; the Senior Citizens in the state can attest to this fact. Inter alia,
the present level of infrastructural development in the Eastern Heartland
cannot be overemphasized, that, even the blind could see it. Imo International
Conference Centre (IICC), the New Government House, new Imo Library, Government
House Chapel, Heroes Square, Freedom Square, Deputy Governor’s quarters,
Odenigbo Guest House, and many others too numerous to mention, are a few of
them.
I can’t round off this analysis without pinpointing job creation.
Several Imo youths have secured meaningful employment under Gov Okorocha’s
administration in various ministries and parastatals, particularly in the
education sector. Above all, thousands of youths in the state have been engaged
in several jobs under the aegis of some of the state establishments such as the
Imo Civil Guard Corps, Imo Security Network, among others.
Even though most of these employees are being paid stipend, at least the
government has succeeded in keeping them away from idleness which is the most
grievous societal cankerworm in existence. And such practice has severely
helped in fighting insecurity and other social-vices in the state. Of course,
it is only a dummy that is yet to acknowledge that insecurity has become a
thing of the past in Imo State.
Time might not permit me to comment on agriculture. But let me briefly
inform us that one of the ancient and outdated agricultural firms in the state
known as “Adapalm” has been profoundly rebranded by Gov Okorocha to an enviable
standard; and the said farm is currently producing thousands of eggs as well as
chicks on a daily basis coupled with other numerous agricultural produce
thereby boasting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The Imo
Microfinance Bank built by the Rescue Mission administration is another
accomplishment to reckon with as regards IGR.
Chief Okorocha’s overall performance in Imo has attracted a costly
fortune to his name including “the Senior Advocate of the Masses”, which he is
widely referred to as by the entire Imolites, due to his keen interest and
passion in the uplift of the general well-being of the masses having noted that
they are the people that are truly in need of good governance.
Against this backdrop, there is
no need reiterating the fact that Gov Okorocha’s reemergence as the governor of
Imo State for a second term is not unconnected to his fathomless and
innumerable achievements so far. Suffice to say; the victory recorded in the
state on Saturday April 11, which I tag “the Imo Triumph”, is mainly attributed
to Chief Okorocha’s genuine vision for the state. He had rightly stated during
the electioneering era that he was returning to consolidate all his good works;
according to him, his second term would be focused on “Industrialization and massive
creation of job opportunities.” I wish him good luck. Please I’m using this
avenue to appeal to the opposition to concede defeat and join the governor in
building Imo State for the interest of the state at large.
Before I drop my pen, I want to
quickly let my amiable governor understand that he had succeeded in rescuing
Imolites from shackles of abject poverty, therefore I humbly suggest it is time
he changed his administration slogan “Rescue Mission Agenda”, which has gained
a global recognition, to a totally different slogan relating to his incoming
proposed mission. I’ve some ideas in mind regarding this suggestion, but I
wouldn’t know if it will please your Excellency.
All the same, I want to seize this golden opportunity to say once more:
I salute you, Owelle Ndi Igbo gburu gburu. In addition, I salute your darling
wife Mama Imo – Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha. I also extend my unalloyed salute to your
indefatigable deputy – Prince Eze Madumere, MFR. You all have really overcome
the envy, antagonism, enmity and unnecessary bickering that suddenly became the
order of the day in our dear state. Indeed you have fought fiercely and
conquered, thus you deserve a classic award. Believe me, I’ve never been
happier than this moment because this is a time I have longed for. My proactive
governor, without mincing words, you deserve a third term if the law permits.
Accept my heartfelt congratulations.
Don’t forget Sir, we can’t wait to behold the manifestation of your
manifesto. You have done it before to the extent of proving many critics wrong
as well as convincing several sceptics; so I strongly believe Imo would be
greater this time. Nevertheless, I sincerely want you to tell me how soon
because I personally cannot wait. Think about it!
COMR FRED
DOC NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
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