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Tag: Hope Uzodimma

  • Uzodimma: Igbo should promote peaceful co-existence

    Uzodimma: Igbo should promote peaceful co-existence

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged Igbo communities in Lagos State and across the country to actively promote peaceful coexistence.

    He also enjoined them to deepen their belief in the Nigerian project and contribute meaningfully to national unity.

    Uzodimma, who chairs theProgressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), emphasised that the Igbo have historically invested in the unity and development of Nigeria, often settling and thriving in communities far from their ancestral homeland.

    He spoke at a programme: ‘Conversation with Ndigbo resident in Lagos State’ held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.

    The forum, chaired by Prof. Anya O. Anya, a former National Merit Award winner, was witnessed by Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Senator Ben Obi and other notable personalities.

    Uzodimma, who is also the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, said it is time for Ndigbo to begin to reap the benefits of the sacrifices and nation-building efforts made by their forebears.

    He said: “Our people have always believed in Nigeria. We have invested in her unity, not just with words, but with action, through commerce, culture, and community building across the length and breadth of this country.

     “That investment must not be in vain. We must continue to work together in peace, with confidence in our collective future, knowing that unity is our greatest strength.”

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    Uzodimma urged Nigerians to recognize the contributions of the Igbo to national progress and called for an inclusive Nigeria where all ethnic groups feel a sense of belonging, justice, and opportunity.

    The governor is an active supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He recently moved the motion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors should endorse him for a second term.

    Uzodimma has been an advocate of national unity who has always preached inter-ethnic understanding, tolerance and accomodation.

    In particular, he has in the past called for peaceful co-existence between Yoruba and Igbo resident in Lagos in the spirit of national integration and unity.

    He also called for cordial and peaceful inter-ethnic relations in the former federal capital, based on mutual respect.

    Uzodimma met with his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo Olu, and other stakeholders to broker an enduring peace between Igbos and their Yoruba brothers.          

    Uzodimma reflected on the Yoruba/Ndigbo relations when he met with different Igbo interest groups in Lagos amid rising tension as a result of the fallout of the 2023 general election.  

    The governor described as unfortunate the misunderstanding among some Yorubas and Igbos as a result of political differences, assuring that the situation would normalise.                        

    He noted that although the constitution of Nigeria guarantees the right of any Nigerian to reside in any part of the country, the owners of the land must be accorded the necessary respect.

    He traced the relationship between Igbos and Yorubas to many decades, resulting in marriages and business partnerships, saying that he would work towards the renewal and strengthening of that relationship.

    Uzodimma urged them not to panic as he would lead a delegation of Igbo intelligentsia and other stakeholders in Lagos to meet with the Lagos State government and stakeholders from Lagos.

    Representatives of the various groups in Lagos had also commended the governor for answering their distress call to wade into the crisis of confidence between them and their Yoruba brothers living in Lagos.

  • Africa must integrate air power to tackle security threats — Uzodimma

    Africa must integrate air power to tackle security threats — Uzodimma

    Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged African nations to adopt a unified aerospace doctrine anchored on local capacity, regional collaboration, and political will to address the continent’s rising security threats.

    The governor made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Africa Air Forces Forum, which opened yesterday in Lagos.

    The two-day forum, themed “Strengthening Collaboration in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” convened top military leaders, aerospace technology experts, defence manufacturers, and policy stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

    “I am deeply honoured to be part of this historic gathering,” Uzodimma said. “Africa is at a pivotal moment where the nature of threats has evolved, terrorism, cyber incursions, cross-border banditry, and resource conflicts now defy geography and time. Our response must match this complexity in both strategy and solidarity.”

    He pointed out that airspace today is not just a domain of defence but a symbol of sovereignty and national resilience. “Airpower offers unmatched speed, reach, deterrence, and intelligence superiority. It is no longer a privilege but a necessity for peace and sovereignty,” he said.

    While countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria boast sizable air fleets, Egypt with over 1,000 military aircraft, Algeria with more than 600, and Nigeria with 163, Uzodimma stressed that capacity alone was not enough.

    “We need not only more aircraft but smarter integration of our air assets into a collective security architecture,” he said.

    The governor warned that Africa’s continued reliance on foreign suppliers for critical aerospace and defence needs leaves it vulnerable to both market volatility and external manipulation. However, he acknowledged the continent’s growing capacity in indigenous production and innovation.

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    “Across Africa, signs of transformation are emerging. Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation is producing small arms, while companies like Proforce are manufacturing Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles that are already deployed in Chad, Niger, and Rwanda,” he noted.

    He celebrated the continent’s remarkable progress in drone technology, revealing that at least 35 indigenous drone models are either under development or in service across Africa.

    “Nigeria leads this innovation with 28 drone systems currently operational or undergoing trials. This is a powerful signal, we are not passive consumers of defence technology. We are becoming the architects of our own solutions.”

    Uzodimma also commended South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria for their strides in aerospace manufacturing and export, highlighting that Morocco now manufactures for Airbus and other global aerospace giants, while South Africa has doubled its defence exports since 2020.

    He emphasized that successful initiatives like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a joint military effort among Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger to fight Boko Haram, prove that collaboration yields tangible results.

    “We’ve seen real gains: terrorist strongholds neutralized, communities restored, and displaced persons resettled. But there are still gaps in intelligence sharing, operational interoperability, and logistics. These gaps must be closed, not through theory but through mechanisms we design and execute together.”

    He urged African leaders to move beyond rhetoric and commit to actionable frameworks. “We must translate our shared aspirations into binding instruments, mutual defence agreements, co-development pacts, pooled logistics, shared research infrastructure, and joint training protocols. These are not luxuries, they are instruments of our survival.”

    He stressed that current increases in defence budgets, $25 billion in Algeria, $13.4 billion in Morocco, and $3.1 billion in Nigeria, must be strategically aligned with long-term goals like technology transfer, innovation, and skills development. “South Africa and Morocco have shown how aerospace development fuels economic growth. We must replicate and scale these models,” he said.

    The governor praised the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar for adopting a self-reliant approach that has redefined the possibilities for African-led defence innovation.

    “The reactivation of long-abandoned aircraft, deployment of locally developed UAVs like the Tsaigumi, and integration of academic research into mission planning show a refreshing commitment to innovation. I commend the Chief of Air Staff for this paradigm shift,” Uzodimma said.

    He called for the institutionalization of an African Aerospace Doctrine, one governed by local capacity, shared operational standards, and sustained political commitment. “The African Union and our regional blocs have already laid the foundation. What is left is the courage to act, the will to fund, and the discipline to implement.”

    Governor Uzodimma concluded his address with a strong call to action: “African skies must not remain exposed and unprotected. The solutions we seek are within us. The time to act is now.”

    The Africa Air Forces Forum continues with panel discussions on cross-border security integration, drone warfare, and regional aerospace infrastructure development, aiming to shape a new era of air power on the continent.

  • Ogwuegbu, one of Nigeria’s brightest legal minds, says Uzodimma

    Ogwuegbu, one of Nigeria’s brightest legal minds, says Uzodimma

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described the late Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu as one of Nigeria’s greatest and brightest legal minds who impacted society so much that it will be difficult to forget him.

    According to a statement by Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser, Media to the Imo Governor,  Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor described the late Justice Ogwuegbu as an embodiment of courage, discipline, integrity, and a jurist with an uncommon brilliance.

    The governor spoke on Saturday at the funeral Mass of the late Justice Ogwuegbu at St. Theresa Chibugwumba Catholic Parish, Amainyi, Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, where tributes also poured in from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Supreme Court, the Federal High Court, the National Assembly, Governors and other key figures from the country.

    While President Tinubu commended Justice Ogwuegbu’s “unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and rule of law,” Vice President Shettima noted that the late legal icon was not just a jurist, but a “pillar of integrity and a beacon of justice whose work and contributions have left indelible mark on Nigeria’s evolving tradition of jurisprudence.”

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    Uzodimma said that Justice Ogwuegbu did not just make Imo State, where he issued from, proud in all the assignments given to him, but served Nigeria and the world creditably, and by extension, served humanity and God.

    Uzodimma noted that Justice Ogwuegbu wrote his name in granite across the landscape of the Nigerian legal system, serving in the Supreme Court for many years and participating in landmark judgments on sensitive matters such as federalism, university autonomy, human rights, and banking regulations and acquitting himself credibly.

    The governor insisted that everyone is in agreement that Justice Ogwuegbu gave priority to his good name, above primitive acquisition of material things, a quality which is in short supply amongst today’s public servants.

  • Uzodimma declares state of emergency in agriculture sector

    Uzodimma declares state of emergency in agriculture sector

    •Imo spends N200bn annually on food importation

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has declared a state of emergency in the agriculture sector to address the trade imbalance between Imo and other states in the federation.

    The state Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chigozie Amadi, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by the Digital Solutions (Digisol) project team, led by Team Manager and  Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Owerri, Professor Christopher Chiedozie Eze, to his office in Owerri.

    He lamented that while galloping inflation, famine, drought, illiteracy and old age had become stumbling blocks to massive food production in the state, non- adoption and application of digital technology had become additional formidable obstacles to this critical sector quite crucial for the survival of mankind.

    “I consider farmers, the most important in society because without them, we will die of hunger and starvation and an unimaginable huge sum of money amounting to N200 billion leaves this state annually for the Northern parts of the country on food importation and we are running a risk in food security.

    “This can be abridged by the adoption of digital technology hence we cherish very dearly, our partnership with  the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES) Umuagwo.

    “If we are able to deploy technology in farming, it will become attractive to the people, particularly the young population participating and the staggering amount that leaves this state for food importation can be channeled to other sectors.”

    The Commissioner noted that the Digisol project would assist the state in multi-dimensional areas, adding that a novelty project had been put in place to connect all parts of the state for easy access to digital farming, just as the “Skill Up Imo programme,  is already on ground to encourage the farmers acquire basic computer literacy to perform simple tasks.”

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    Speaking earlier, Professor Eze said that the project which was  in its second phase had sampled three persons per LGA, adding that Imo had been declared the seat of digital economy, just as the European Union (EU) had adopted the state as the hub of technology.

    “We have been able to organize five workshops for our farmers and Obowo, Ngor Okpala and Nwangele LGAs are samples.

    We are encouraging our farmers to get them involved and assisting them with such facilities as grinding machines for dry cassava to add value to their products.”

    Eze who had earlier paid a visit to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe and the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayor Ejikeme Emenike commended the EU for funding and providing technical assistance to the Digital project while expressing gratitude to the Digital partner institutions, the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State and the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, for effectively working together to drive the vision of the project.

    The DIGISOL Project, supported by the EU, aims to equip farmers with sustainable  tools and practices, addressing the challenges of climate change and fostering innovative agricultural solutions.

  • Southeast interest better served in APC, says Uzodimma

    Southeast interest better served in APC, says Uzodimma

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that the interest of the Southeast is better protected under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

    He urged party leaders in the region to embark on membership drive by explaining to the people the gains of the Tinubu administration.

    Uzodimma spoke at the meeting of  Southeast APC leaders in Enugu, headquarter of the region, where they vowed to make the party more dominant ahead of the 2027 general election.

    According to them, involvement in the mainstream politics would attract more dividends of democracy to the zone.

    At the meeting were Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifru;  Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chief Benjamin Kalu; former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; the Minister for Innovation, Sciences and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, Dozie Ikedife Jnr and members of the Zonal Executive Committee

    Uzodimma, who spoke with reporters after the meeting, said that the leaders resolved to work towards making the APC a dominant party in the region.

    He said Southeast would be closer to the corridors of power if they joined the ruling party.

    Uzodimma,  who is the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) added: “You must have seen how sitting governors in the other geo-political zones are now joining the APC.

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    “It is by joining the APC which is in-charge of the government at the center in Nigeria and other sub-national governments that the Southeast will be very close to the corridors of power.”

    Uzodimma said it a thing of joy that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governors of Imo and Ebonyi States, members of the National Assembly, ministers and other senior functionaries of the Federal Government from the region are under the platform of the APC.

    He said: “We have decided to see Southeast as a family, tolerate each other’s shortcomings, work as formidable team, to achieve the desired results.”

  • Uzodimma’s avoidable embarrassment

    Uzodimma’s avoidable embarrassment

    Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodimma’s appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge of the state without the required approval of the National Judicial Council (NJC) was unlawful. It was also done in unseemly haste. The NJC is the body responsible for the appointment and discipline of judicial officers in Nigeria.

    Consequently, the NJC, following its meeting held on April 29 and 30, directed the governor to “appoint the most senior judicial officer in the state High Court’s hierarchy as the acting Chief Judge of the state in conformity with Section 271 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”  Justice Nzeukwu is not the most senior judicial officer and should not have been appointed to the position.

    Ridiculously, after the NJC’s directive, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, still struggled to rationalise Justice Nzeukwu’s unlawful appointment. He stated: “While the appointment was made within the bounds of the law, the Government of Imo State will, in line with its longstanding respect for due process and the judiciary, comply with the NJC’s recommendation. Accordingly, steps are being taken to implement the decision of the National Judicial Council.”

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    Before its meeting, the NJC had said it “has not given approval to the governor for the appointment of the acting Chief Judge.” The council also said it “is not a party to the process of the purported appointment.”  It explained that the governor had written to the council requesting its approval to appoint Justice Nzeukwu, “who is number four in the hierarchy of seniority,” as acting Chief Judge of the state. The council said he “gave reasons why in his own view, the three most senior judges are not appointable.”   However, the council stated that “the said letter is yet to be considered, as deliberation on the request is slated for the next council meeting, which is scheduled to hold on 29th and 30th April, 2025.” It stressed that “the governor’s request is yet to be considered by the council.”

    This context clearly shows that the governor jumped the gun and the state government had acted unlawfully, contrary to the commissioner’s assertion that “the appointment was made within the bounds of the law.” 

    Importantly, the council also directed Justice Nzeukwu to explain within a week why he shouldn’t face disciplinary measures for violating constitutional guidelines by presenting himself for swearing-in.

    Uzodimma could have avoided the embarrassment of being ordered to reverse the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge.

  • Uzodinma  receives National Sports Festival Torch in Owerri

    Uzodinma  receives National Sports Festival Torch in Owerri

     Challenges Imo athletes to excel in Abeokuta

    The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, yesterday (April 28), received the Unity Torch for the 2025 National Sports Festival taking place in Ogun State.

    The symbolic torch, signifying unity, participation, and victory, arrived at the Imo State Government House, Owerri  in a colourful entourage comprising  of sportsmen and women from the  State’s  Sports Commission and Ministry of Sports.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports,  Hon Obinna Onyeocha handed over the Unity Torch to the Team Leader from the National Sports Commission, Ms Mbora Ikana, who in turn handed it over to the Governor amid singing, drumming and dancing.

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    “On behalf of the government and the good people of Imo State, I receive this Torch of Unity and solidarity — a torch that symbolizes our participation and our aspirations for victory,” the Governor said.

    He encouraged Imo athletes to compete with excellence and determination at the forthcoming festival, adding: “I use this opportunity to encourage all our participants and representatives to go all out there, compete, and bring back medals — medals that will represent your excellent status. So you go and win to the glory of God.”

    Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

    The National Sports Festival is scheduled to take place next month in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th where Team Imo will be looking to surpass its previous performance and set a new record of achievements.

  • Governors consider private sector involvement in electricity sector

    Governors consider private sector involvement in electricity sector

    Governors yesterday resolved to scrutinise a proposal intended to encourage more private sector participation in the electricity sector.

    The resolution was taken at a meeting by the governors’ umbrella body – Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja. 

    It was contained in a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman/Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulkRahman and read by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    The communiqué reads: “The Forum received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN) aimed at revitalizing the electricity distribution sector through private sector investment.

    “Under the proposed agreement, PSGN will assume operational control of select distribution companies (Discos), introduce advanced smart grid technologies, and establish a meter production facility to enhance service delivery and energy access across states.

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    “The Forum noted that the partnership seeks to improve electricity distribution efficiency, support job creation through local manufacturing, and relieve states of legacy sector liabilities.

    “Governors received the proposal and would examine the opportunities and benefits therein.”

    The governors also spoke of collaboration between it and the federal governments aimed at reforming land administration system in the country.

    The communiqué further reads: “The Forum received a presentation from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development (Ahmed Dangiwa) on unlocking the economic potential of land through a federal-state partnership for land reform.

    “The minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Programme (RHP) and proposed a comprehensive land registration reform to formalize land ownership, enhance tenure security and boost internally generated revenue across states.

    “Governors welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to catalyze investment, improve urban planning, and enhance land-based revenue generation.”

  • Coalition, merger talks won’t distract Tinubu, says Uzodinma

    Coalition, merger talks won’t distract Tinubu, says Uzodinma

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma spoke with reporters in Lagos on the emergency rule in Rivers State, local government autonomy, and the achievements and constraints of his administration. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports

    I was one of the earliest speakers the moment it happened. I anchored my reasoning and logic on protection of our economic assets.

    When pipelines were bombed, had to prioritise safeguarding production. As chairman of the National Economic Council’s subcommittee on crude oil theft, our efforts have been on how to boost output and any actions threatening our quotas must be condemned.

    The president, as Chief Security Officer, acted to quell tensions in River.

    By the time I heard that the pipeline was burnt at a time we were crying and making efforts geared towards boosting production. So, anything that would lead to further leakage or reduce the production quota we have, should not be encouraged. Mr President, who is the Chief Security Officer of the country, called some of us, and said he was worried about the growing tension in Rivers State. Of course we were all here and we saw it. What would have happened if those boys in the House Assembly were allowed to impeach my colleague, Governor Siminalayi Fubara? It may be one person today, another person tomorrow. Power belongs to God, I am a Christian and my faith is strong. If you will be a governor, you can only be if God approves and when it is your turn, God will defend and protect you. I am one of the most abused and blackmailed governors when I came in.

    Many of our people didn’t give me a chance, they wanted to subdue the decision of our people. When I contested for election, it was clear that I won. Now, the number of votes after cancellation, the ones excluded outside the cancelled one were more than what was announced. The declared one didn’t make a simple two-third which is the required majority before anybody can be pronounced governor. However, because they have access to media and blackmail, he became the Saint and I became the sinner. When the matter was tabled before the court, it saw what was clear and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, why it didn’t include the result, INEC didn’t answer. When it was included, number four became number one, yet people kept talking about it. For my second term, I won 27 local governments, is that also the Supreme Court? I am a realist, I don’t discuss things that have no meaning to me. I am very objective and practical. And that is why what interests me are results. At the end of the day, what has happened? Imo is better under me as a governor, and it is clear.

    There are growing calls for state police as a way to aptly tackle insecurity. What is your comment on that?

    The National Economic Council at our last meeting had already taken a position on state police. Out of the 36 including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, we have all signed for the creation of state police. You know it will be taken to the National Assembly for legislation. I believe that state police are necessary because with the population of the country, security cannot be micromanaged. It has to be decentralised so that our comparative advantages can have space in the system.

    A member of your party, Senator Alli Ndume, is alleging that President Tinubu is favouring the South, especially the Southwest in his choice of appointment. Do you agree with him?

    For Sen Ndume, who is my very good friend, we can no longer address the problems of the country in piecemeal. There is no place called Nigeria, it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Because Nigeria is a federation, if we look at the operations of the country, we will know that parts of the problem we had were ethnic and religious sentiments. A few days ago, I was in Kaduna with other governors to see former President Muhammadu Buhari. I tried my best to distinguish his style of President Bola Tinubu. Buhari came for eight years and followed the status quo of using no name, no method, no measure to rule Nigeria. He left at the end of the year. President Tinubu with a different style of governance, very bold, reform driven, courageous and we have seen the difference. Even though that any government that embarks on reform at the beginning of it there will be agitation and complaint here and there, you will find out that under Buhari, in 2020, my federal allocation was below N5 billion, but now the least is N12 to 13 billion because things like subsidy for petroleum products had been removed and the money saved. All those wastages and leakages have been blocked. The challenge now is how will the subsidiary leadership use this money? I am able to do Old Mbaise Road with N89 billion without borrowing, and that is because of increase in allocation. I have embarked on…erosion control very close to N150 billion without borrowing from anybody or bank. We repaired Orlu and Okigwe roads because we now make more revenue. We must speak to it. You can never see America or anywhere in the world where someone claims to be from Little Rock Arkansas. Clinton finished as governor of Little Rock Arkansas twice, went to New York where his wife became a senator. So the country is one. We are looking for a merit driven government. Governance that will be performance based our people are interested in results. If you take somebody who read history and make him the Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority, and he is not making money. Why not take somebody who is a marine engineer, understands the administration of ports even if he is from the same place with me to make more money and use it to develop Nigeria. The dividends of democracy are to be fertilised to the extent that the product will be enough to satisfy the yearning and appetite of our people. It is not about where you come from. We are Nigerians and we have laws too. So, every man has his own style, target and vision. Sen Ndume and President Tinubu are from the APC. The APC has an internal mechanism for contributing ideas to leadership resolving conflict internally.

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    Apart from depending on federal allocation, I want you to shed light on what you are doing to expand the revenue base of Imo State…

    When I came in 2020. Our internally generated revenue was less than N400 million in a month. As I speak to you, we’re very close to N4 billion. I installed a land administration system. I automated all the processes for collection of taxes and royalties. We have minimised it to the barest minimum leakages. I stopped the idea of hiring consultants to collect government revenues. We have a single treasury account system. So everything is automated. Both the formal revenue and the informal revenue. We are still counting. I am almost confident that by the end of this year, we will be close to N5 billion a month. No wonder the World Bank under the Safe Tax Programme gave us a special award for all the reforms. I took 18 bills to the House of Assembly. All revenue bills. Last month, I offloaded those whose income is below 100,000 from our tax net. I told them not to be paying tax anymore. How can a woman frying bean cake, who at the end of the month may not make up to N100,000 pay? Why are we flogging her to pay tax? So that population, as part of my stimulus package to stimulate the economy, has been offloaded from the tax net. So we are intentional about our programmes to boost and create a good economy.

    How have you been implementing local government autonomy?

    Because of the so-called insecurity, and what happened in Imo State, we operated a caretaker committee, but it got to a point that it became necessary that we democratise local government. We conducted a very transparent election. We have councillors and all. The local government system is running on its own, and we don’t have problems with our local government authority in terms of revenue and administration. The only thing which I have let go is that because we updated our payroll system, some local governments were not solvent enough to fund primary health centres and local teachers by the meagre size of money they received, according to the indices of revenue mobilisation of…commission. What we are doing now is to intervene from the state. I am very confident that if the local government works well and those mandated to manage local governments are doing well, it means the state is doing well because there is no state without local government. If we are better at the local government, then we are better at the state level. In like manner, if every state in the country is good, federal government is also good. As a matter of fact, the word autonomy is stretched because neither federal government can work without state government and state government cannot work without local government. Most of the functions and activities of these three governments work together, they are interwoven. The doctrine of separation of power is also part of it. At the local government, you have a legislative council. At the state, you have the House of Assembly. Federal government has a National Assembly. The constitution is very clear on responsibilities. All of us swore an oath to defend this holy book called the constitution, which is what we are doing. We should also support the local government to succeed as much as supporting the federal government to support the states to also succeed because at the end of the day, it is the welfare of our people that is important. For me, it is a good development and I encourage all my colleagues. From what I know, we are all doing that.

    Coalition is building up, it appears that you have started campaigning for Tinubu’s second term. Do you feel threatened?

    On coalition, the meaning of democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people. The meaning of politics is that while some agree, others won’t. What is a coalition? We are practising partisan democracy, not coalition democracy. Partisan democracy means you have to belong to a political party before you can contest in an election. When you think that your party is not alive and you are thinking of switching, you have to come out of the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, before you can now do something. They don’t change a winning team. I started by saying that here. You have seen where we met Nigeria. You have seen where we are going, where we are now. We know where we are going. At the end of the day Nigerians will judge, but it is still a long time now. We have more than two years as a government. If you want to go into a struggle for how you want to win an election, Nigerians gave you the opportunity to rule for four years, and you are barely two years in. That would be a total distraction. I know that this government is focused. APC is also focused. And our eyes are open. We will not let anybody remove anything in our hand.

  • Prominent Nigerians rename Uzodimma ‘Road Master’

    Prominent Nigerians rename Uzodimma ‘Road Master’

    By Declan Emelumba

    In journalism, it is often said that a single picture conveys a message more succinctly than a thousand words. This simply means that seeing things first hand demonstrates reality more effectively than words, which can only attempt to capture the imagination.

    During one of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s meetings with major stakeholders in Imo State, the National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, emphasised this point. According to him, ninety per cent of those who criticise Uzodimma have not visited Imo State in the last five years to witness firsthand the scale of development, particularly in road construction. He said it took just one day of driving through the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads for him to become a convert.

    This sentiment may have influenced the decision of some senators, House of Representatives members, and the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to rename Senator Hope Uzodimma the ‘Road Master’ after spending 48 hours in Imo State recently.

    The NDDC leadership had relocated to Imo State for the official unveiling of the agency’s 25th-anniversary logo and the commissioning of a 7.5-kilometre road connecting Nwangele and Isiala Mbano local government areas. They were joined by members of the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the NDDC, as well as the Minister of Regional Affairs, Engr Momoh. As they drove around the state, they were visibly impressed by the quality and extent of the road network.

    It remains unclear where and how the decision to confer the ‘Road Master’ title on Governor Uzodimma was reached. However, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Hon Boma Iyaye, revealed the moment it happened. As Chairman of the Planning Committee, he began his remarks by addressing Uzodimma as the “performing governor of Imo State” before calling him the ‘Road Master’ – a declaration that was met with thunderous applause.

    From that moment, speaker after speaker referred to the governor as the ‘Road Master’, evidently impressed by the solid roads they had driven on in both urban centres and rural areas. Iyaye noted that the enthusiastic applause was proof of the governor’s popularity. His views were echoed by the project consultant, who remarked that Uzodimma’s road projects had elevated Imo State to an unprecedented level.

    Both the Senate Chairman of the Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, and his House of Representatives counterpart, Honourable Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, reinforced the governor’s new title by applauding his extensive road infrastructure projects across the state.

    Senator Ekpeyong underscored the point by translating the name Uzodimma into English – “the road is good” – and commended the governor for living up to it. He assured that the Senate would continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s developmental initiatives for the Niger Delta, adding that Uzodimma had successfully replicated the Renewed Hope Agenda in Imo State.

    Hon Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, said her committee was highly impressed with both the quality and quantity of roads delivered under Uzodimma’s administration. She was particularly pleased with his collaboration with the NDDC to ensure Imo communities benefited from the agency’s intervention.

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    That partnership, according to NDDC Managing Director/CEO Dr Samuel Ogbuku, is exactly what the Niger Delta needs. He urged other governors in the region to follow Uzodimma’s example.

    “Before now, many people were afraid to visit Imo State. But today, with improved lighting and road infrastructure, we are witnessing a transformation. We encourage other states to propose similar partnership ideas so we can develop the Niger Delta,” Ogbuku said.

    He also described Uzodimma as a ‘perfect gift’ to Imo people, noting that even President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda counted on the governor’s leadership. As Chairman of the NDDC Advisory Board, Uzodimma had demonstrated exemplary leadership through his support for the commission and his administration’s massive infrastructure projects. Ogbuku pledged continued partnership with the governor for the development of the state.

    The Chairman of the NDDC Board, Chief Chiedu Ebie, echoed similar sentiments, describing Uzodimma as the commission’s greatest supporter.

    “Your Excellency, you are our greatest supporter, and we are happy with what you have done in your state,” he declared.

    Imo people appear to share this sentiment. A former Speaker of the State Assembly, Barr Geoffrey Dikeocha, admitted that many had changed their views on Uzodimma after witnessing the scale of development, particularly in road construction.

    “At first, we didn’t like you, but the more you work, the more we like you. So keep on working,” Dikeocha urged the governor.

    While Dikeocha is now convinced of Uzodimma’s impact, Nwanyanwu lamented that some still refuse to acknowledge it – whether due to bias or ignorance.

    “There are people who have eyes but cannot see. My prayer is for God to open their eyes. The roads exist. They are not voodoo. Some people haven’t been home for five years. Let them come and see things for themselves. For me, I am satisfied,” he declared.

    Former Nigerian Ambassador to Congo, Barr Greg Mbadiwe, expressed similar satisfaction, adding that beyond roads, Uzodimma had positively impacted Imo people’s lives in many ways. His own family, he said, was particularly grateful to the governor for naming the recovered university after their late patriarch, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe. He described Uzodimma’s performance over the last five years as something to be celebrated.

    Just last week, leaders and stakeholders from Owerri Zone celebrated Uzodimma by passing a vote of confidence in him, citing his infrastructural and economic transformation of the state. They agreed that the level of development since Uzodimma assumed office was unprecedented in the state’s history. They also commended him for staying focused despite political distractions.

    The leader of the delegation and former Interior Minister, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, particularly praised Uzodimma for constructing hundreds of roads across all 27 local government areas of the state.

    As Governor, Hope Uzodimma, the ‘Road Master’, continues delivering democratic dividends – including the payment of gratuities and pensions – a respected statesman and former Imo governor, General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, has called for support for him.

    “Like him or not, Imo today is far different from the Imo he met when he came on board. He has saved Imo from distress,” Nwachukwu stated.

    It is little surprise, then, that the Vanguard newspaper group recently named Uzodimma ‘Infrastructure Governor of the Year’. The award, coming from a reputable national newspaper, is a rare recognition. There are already indications that prominent Imo sons and daughters will be present to celebrate with the governor when he is formally honoured in April in Lagos.

    •Emelumba is the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Imo State.