Obviously, it has not taken long for Gov. Emeka Ihedioha to show the world the calibre of governor he will be for Imo State in the next four years. Barely ten days in office, he has given a clue of what is to come and it wouldn’t be too early in the day for citizens of the state to expect their homeland to reach a milestone with Gov. Ihedioha’s administration for the next four years. His activities already conforms to Wole Soyinka’s averment that “Whatever is worth doing, is indeed worth doing well”.
The former lawmaker indeed knew that if he must be governor, he is bound by moral obligation to govern well. However, Gov. Ihedioha’s praise worthy disposition to leadership responsibilities and tasks should not come as a surprise, having served Nigeria as a lawmaker for twelve years, out of which he was Chief whip and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative respectively without being cut in the web of any corrupt practice. He rather served meritoriously, putting the Nigerian interest and that of his constituency in particular above personal aggrandizement.
Gov. Ihedioha practically etched his name in the sands of time with robust legislation. Given this, it is therefore deductible that the reasons the Imo electorate saddled him with the job of administering the affairs of the state cannot be far from the fact that he had overtime exhibited leadership prowess, excellence, competence, expertise, discipline, respect for the rule of law and love for due process. These qualities will surely come handy towards the materialization of his Rebuild-Imo agenda.
It is pointedly correct that Gov. Ihedioha throughout his rich political career which spans over 20 years and having served in different capacities in the country, understands the need to infuse expertise in the diverse areas of concern in the state, for the actualization of the Rebuild Imo agenda. His recent appointments reflect a landmark debut as they manifest courage to do things aright. They are devoid of self-advancement, and come without fear or favour. The newly sworn in Imo Chief Executive did not give consideration to affluence or local sentiments in choosing his appointees. He only had his eyes fixed on competence and appointee’s suitability for their specific roles.
From the appointment of Imo sons and daughters into his Transition Technical Committee, His Excellency was deliberate in selecting the best who eventually did a thorough job. He did not base membership of the said committee on political party inclination. He chose competent politicians, professionals and technocrats who did not come short of the capacity to contribute meaningfully towards setting the tone for the libration of the mired Eastern Heartland.
Evidently, from Barr. Uche Onyeagocha as Secretary to the Government of Imo State, to the the rest of the appointments made so far, the image of quality and capacity looms large.
Barr. Onyeagocha, a legal practitioner known for his tenacity in pursuing excellence as SSG, epitomises Gov. Ihedioha’s habit of putting the right people in the right places. The legal luminary knows the rope of government having been in the corridors of power for years. As an astute politician, he also comes with the experience, knowledge of administration and understanding of the Imo environment, requisite to meeting with the exigencies of his office.
Sir Ndukwe Nnawuchi’s appointment as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is another right decision. A notable authority in the temple of justice, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has a legal career that spans over 34 years. He is one of the respected legal luminaries in Nigeria.
To show that Gov. Ihedioha does not give in to parochial sentiments in assigning roles, Mr. Raymond Nkemdirim, native of Isiukwuato in Abia state was appointed the Special Adviser on Security. Nkemdirim is an experienced security intelligence administrator who served the Nigerian nation for 35yrs in the State Security Service (SSS). In the course of his service, he attained the peak of his career, retiring meritoriously as Director Operations, National Headquarters.
Furthermore, Paschal G.U Madu, a practicing domestic and international solicitor, advocate, certified negotiator and arbitrator as Chief Technical Advisor is also in consonance with putting square pegs in square holes.
Indeed, the early signs are just encouraging as Gov. Emeka Ihedioha has made deliberate efforts to incorporate professionals and technocrats who have deep political bent in his appointments, in order to achieve the compatibility of economic efficiency and social justice. He has exhibited composure and good judgement that are required to navigate through the myriads of challenges besieging Imo state.
Ultimately, it is now obvious that Gov. Ihedioha has a clear vision for Imo State. It is crystal clear that he is committed to his promise of rebuilding the state after eight years of backwardness occasioned by the rapacious Okorocha administration. Imolites can only expect better days ahead having finally elected a governor with insatiable hunger for excellence.
May God bless Imo State
Chief Obinna Duruaku
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