Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged political leaders from Imo East Senatorial district popularly called Owerri Zone to ensure unity, cohesiveness and peace in the state.
The governor said the elders must ensure they attend to state and community matters without playing bad politics of divide and rule.
Uzodimma stated this on Monday during a meeting with Owerri Zone leaders under the aegis of Owerri Harmony Project at the Government House in Owerri.
The governor also cautioned against actions that could destabilise the political environment.
He urged the leaders 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, noted that there was improvement in the state’s political stability, 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, who highlighted the purpose of the Elders’ Council, said the body, among others, was established to address both internal and external challenges affecting Imo politics.
“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 emphasises that merit will be what to look out for.
He said, “I will not solve all the problems in Imo. I will do the ones I am able to 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”.
The governor warned that political ambition should not breed enmity.
He cautioned leaders to be wary of external influences that might seek to sow discord.
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 had 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 b monthly. These are results of focused governance,” he said.
Governor Uzodimma urged the leaders to promote unity, tolerance, and reconciliation, emphasising that political ambition should not overshadow the collective good.
“I am not discussing politics now because I still have three years in office. 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, emphasising 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.
In response, the leaders, who pledged support to Uzodimma’s government, passed a vote of confidence on him.
