By: Onyenwe Princely
According to Buddha “Three things cannot be long hidden: The Sun, The Moon and The Truth” and this has assumed the exact position of the integrity and maturity of Imo State Government at 40 years of existence.
Among the 36 States of the Federation Imo State is the only State where peace remains the order of the day, it a State not threatened by any economical and natural hazard. A State with table land, fertile soil, freed of human rights. Imo is a place of fun a home of easy survival and the Eastern Heartland. Created in 1976 by the then Shargari’s administration as the Head of States of the Federation and col. Ndubuisi Kanu as the 1st governor of the State. Today Imo is rated one of the most economically developing States in Nigeria.
In the South Eastern Part of the Nation Imo is second to Enugu State just like Lagos, Kano and Rives States are ranked among the biggest industrialized cities in Nigeria. There are records of achievements by previous governments. Ndubusi Kanu set the temple at which Imo is built, Sam Mbakwe established few monumental edifice most of which are still standing the test of time, which Imolites could attest to.
Udenwa step up a bit to stabilize the polity of the State and established the Akanchawa Area half done which Ikedi Ohakim inherited, who’s administration was able to improve on his philosophy of clean and green initiative that brought Imo to the enviable height to be awarded the Cleanest state in Nigeria. These are great memories that cannot be easily forgotten so soon.
From Year 2011 to year 2016, Owelle Okorocha has proven to the great people of the State his visionary standing on massive development and giant transformation going on all around the State. More than any other Governor, Okorocha and the APC government has changed Imo State to a new Model State set for the establishment of multinational companies, Industries and to set up acquisition centre and this can be done now that he has stabilized the State. The aura of Owelle’s administration is being perceived in the three senatorial Zones of the State. Imo people should be praying for his visions to establish at last five of such companies before the end of his tenure by 2019.
It is expected the three arms of government should have a speedy legislation and approval of this bill and a symbiotic relationship with the people to establish these projects. There should be no dull moment in the legislative functions to make sure the governor’s proposal for the establishment of companies does not go oblivion.
Hence I have observed the most need of Imo people is to set up these factories and industries the help reduce austerity and improve the economical value of the State. There is a very simple approach to getting done speedily to engage the youths into meaningful ventures and curb unemployment and incessant hard times in the State. The government should create a working synergy with business Gurus like Aliko Dangote, Anamcco companies and others to sign MOU to setup their business heat base in Imo State. It is the duty of Imo State Government to launch needed resource made are deposit in huge quantity.
As an oil producing state and home of one of Nigeria’s Largest deposit of gas, Imo can set up a functional gas plant to create avenues for oil servicing companies to base in the State and transact business deals. The unwarranted position of Imo Airport must be made efficient to facilitate inter and Intra enroute of flights for daily businesses.
Of a true, Imolites can call Imo their State and as such should have the State in mind as the foremost project. They should not consent to the array of sentiments and partisan politics to divide them. They must face the realities of life with courage and readiness to secure a better home for the next generations.
For instance the massive fall in price of crude oil and maybe subsequent economic meltdown in the near future may affect the State and at that what can we depend on? Does the State have any local produce for export? Imo as a very good fertile land having an average of 5 million people occupying 5,100 sq km within latitudes 4045 N and 7015 N and longitude 6050’E and 70 25 ‘E what can we boast for? Tinapa resort for case in point is a world class tourist site accessible from all parts of the World just because of its Standard of good management. The question is what has happened to the tourist centers in Imo State? Zoological garden established in the year 1976 is gradually facing off and if nothing is done immediately, the remaining surviving Animals could slowly but surely die in hunger and lack of proper medical care.
The staffs are not properly taking care off. And if the steps to sign MOU for concession would yield well to the people of the State, the government should speed up actions to engage reliable agency to salvage Nekede Zoo. I Spotted Mr. Ajibola Olujide Mathew posted at the Zoo need a supporting hand to establish his dream project a toilet facility in the Zoo as Community Development Service which could be the first of its kind since its existence.
The people of Imo State must learn to appreciate good governance and quality service delivery in the State by Owelle’s administration. The Governor is elected the second time as the governor to rescue the State from dwindling economic mess occasioned by the share – the – money syndrome of previous administration. Though challenges are the true text of every government hoped to be surmounted by APC government. It is our prayer that the rescue ship shall not sink to bring or board investors to the State.
Often times groups of people form coalition of Associations to customize certain air time on radio stations and newspaper houses just to blaspheme Owelle’s government on the interest of blind and selfish politics and irrational sentimentalism, still Owelle is working . It is a period the opposition should not distract Imo state government or to invest on irrational and unproductive groups to run – down the polity by creating unnecessary high tension over 2019 governorship race in the State . It is Laughable to hear Imo people criticize the good works of the governor so blindly. The beautification of Owerri City is a commendable success Imolites should appreciate Okorocha.
Recently in Lagos a certain market was demolished to establish the original plan for Oshodi Lagos State and over here, such plans have been taken by the Govt and Imo People repelled against it. Imo people should take responsibility to move our State more forward.
Also the government should start the development of the proposed sites acquired to start operations immediately to wipe away doubts haboured by the people against its government.
Now, there are vast dimension of profitable opportunities and investments in the State. Imo people are to sheath their swords and avoid turning the State into a School for scandal.
The problem Imo people are experiencing is not caused by Owelle Okorocha rather it were the mistakes of the of pervious government which are now being gradually corrected by this Government. It is very embarrassing that Okorocha has come for rescue and Imo people are complaining. It is left for them to think carefully and identify the next to follow either to be an Angel, a Vampire or a Pharaoh.
Because of selfish interest of indigenous imolites are robbing the government against the Task forces set to effect good work in the state. At the filling stations they take bribe from dealers to avert government approved pump price of 86 Naira per liter. On the streets those group are there to feed their stomach through same shoddy deals congesting our roads and work ways. Some are busy at the relief market area to stop ongoing work just for personal daily revenue that come their way to jeopardize government efforts and so many anomalies caused by Imo people.
Recently the governor made a tour to Vietnam and detractors are peddling all sorts of rumour to destabilize the state. His ten days vocation is expected to bring in people to render services to Imo State. If the governor of a state is not available the next in hierarchy should hold brief pending his arrival and this should not be a problem in Imo state government as he has returned safely. IMHA must be allowed to operate as independent to give the state the legislation devoid of subversion.
Honestly, if we are to make a great Imo state we have to be focused, patient, sincere to each other and have a sound mind to distribute quality governance. I can Understand there are few States doing better than Imo State but there are also many States where Education sectors are nose-dived ,Road network so monotonous, Austerity level are at increase, Insecurity at high prone, Social activities so discouraging, Economic value rated stagnant and these are clear evidences to hoist Imo flag higher.
People of Imo State should not forget so soon the level of decay experienced in the government before the year 2011 when the sitting government was voted out by the masses. Freedom of the people and the economic life was in danger as the traditional rulers lost their voices to speak out. The Owerri_ Aba road, Owerri – Okigwe , Owerri – Orlu roads were impassable then. There is also hope to revive the Imo Water Board for Imo People to enjoy pipe borne water again. Imo State Government can as well borrow the idea of Governor Ambode of Lagos State on his tension to install CCTV Cameras and street light to improve security.
I can deeply avow that no leader has ever lived forever on earth but the effects of his/her antecedents are the legacy that lives on”. There are lots of transformations seen here and there in it State. Citizens must complement his efforts and endavour to add value to its efficiency. Hence at 40years of age Imo is developing despite its murky waters.
Princely Onyenwe wrote in from Owerri, 08036856526.
