Governor Ikedi Ohakim (2007–2011): Ambitions, Achievements, and Controversies
This article is the second installment in a five-part series examining the contributions of Imo State governors from 1999 to 2024. Here, we delve into the tenure of HE Governor Ikedi Ohakim, a period marked by ambitious reforms, bold policies, significant controversies, and the complex interplay of politics that shaped his administration.
The Political Landscape: Navigating a Precarious Start
Governor Ikedi Ohakim came to power in 2007 under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), a relatively small party compared to the dominant People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His election was seen as a political upset, and was the result of a relection of the cancelled election that was set to produce Ochoudo Chief Martin Agbaso as governor. However, HE Ohakim’s move to the PDP in 2009 reshaped his administration’s political landscape. This defection was viewed as a strategic realignment to consolidate his power and align with the federal government, which was under PDP control. The move sparked political controversies, including allegations of betrayal by PPA loyalists and internal wrangling within the PDP.
Achievements: A Mixed Record of Progress
Infrastructure Development: Ambition and Execution
The administration of Ikedi Ohakim (2007–2011) marked a period of bold initiatives, particularly in environmental transformation, rural infrastructure, employment, and fiscal responsibility. His tenure introduced several impactful policies and programs aimed at improving the state’s economy and general well-being.
1. Environmental Transformation – The Clean and Green Initiative
One of Ohakim’s most notable legacies was the Clean and Green Initiative, a comprehensive environmental sanitation program that significantly improved Imo State’s cleanliness and waste management. Under this initiative, the government enforced strict sanitation policies, making Owerri one of the cleanest state capitals in Nigeria at the time. The initiative extended beyond the urban areas, encouraging community participation in keeping the state clean.
This program earned Owerri national recognition for environmental cleanliness and urban renewal having won the cleanest State capital for three consecutive years back to back. However, critics argued that the initiative focused disproportionately on urban areas, neglecting rural communities. After his tenure, the sustainability of the program came into question, as waste management challenges resurfaced and had remained unbearable.
2. Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA)
Recognizing the need for improved road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, Ohakim established the Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA). This agency focused on rehabilitating rural roads across the state, enhancing connectivity and boosting agricultural and economic activities. This intervention greatly benefited communities that had suffered from years of neglect in road maintenance.
3. Water Supply and Road Construction
Ohakim’s government made notable efforts in water supply, reviving some water schemes that had deteriorated over time. Additionally, road construction projects were launched, some of which helped in opening up neglected areas for economic activities. Although not all projects reached completion before his tenure ended, the administration laid a solid foundation for infrastructural development.
4. Education and Employment – 10,000 Graduate Job Initiative
The administration prioritized education by improving school infrastructure and making policies aimed at enhancing the quality of learning. A significant highlight was the employment of 10,000 graduates into the state civil service, an initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and strengthening the workforce. However, this policy later became a subject of controversy when his successor reversed some of the appointments, claiming financial constraints.
5. Fiscal Responsibility and Workers’ Welfare
Ohakim also implemented fiscal responsibility measures to manage state resources effectively. His administration was noted for prompt payment of civil servants’ salaries and for ensuring that pensioners received their entitlements on time. His focus on financial discipline contributed to stabilizing the state’s economy within the period.
Economic Policies and Industrialization: Missed Opportunities
Ohakim’s administration sought to stimulate economic growth through several initiatives:
Imo Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (IMSEEDS): This policy aimed to reduce poverty, create jobs, and attract investment. However, the program’s outcomes were largely intangible, with many residents criticizing it as ineffective. The most innovative was IROMA, which completely took care of the 27 local governments with multi billion naira equipments which disappeared during the successive government.
Industrial Parks and Free Trade Zones: Plans for industrial parks and free trade zones were proposed to attract investors and create employment opportunities. Unfortunately, these projects failed to materialize, leaving the state with unmet expectations.
Stock Exchange Office: The establishment of a Nigeria Stock Exchange branch in Owerri was one of the administration’s achievements in promoting financial services and investment opportunities in the state.
Education: Free Education Policy
One of the most ambitious policies under Ohakim was the introduction of free education across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Access to Education: This policy significantly increased school enrollment rates, making education accessible to children from low-income families.
Challenges: The program strained existing educational infrastructure, leading to overcrowding in schools and inadequate learning facilities. Critics also questioned the sustainability of the program due to funding challenges despite the 305 model classroom blocks built to ease the pressure.
Agriculture: Boosting Rural Livelihoods
Ohakim’s administration emphasized agricultural development as a means to enhance food security and rural livelihoods.
Support for Farmers: The provision of improved seedlings, fertilizers, and access to markets aimed to boost productivity.
Extension Services: Agricultural extension services were established to provide technical expertise to farmers.
Challenges: Despite these efforts, inadequate funding, limited mechanization, and poor rural infrastructure hindered the sector’s growth.
Security: Combating Crime
Security was not a major concern during Ohakim’s tenure, but with occasional incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery unlike today.
Anti-Kidnapping Law: The administration signed into law a bill making kidnapping a capital offense including domestication of the existing federal laws.
Community Policing: Collaboration with traditional rulers, town unions and the formation of vigilante groups helped improve security in rural areas. However, insecurity remained a persistent challenge despite government directives that every traditional ruler must be resident in his community.
Controversies: A Legacy of Distrust
Ohakim’s administration was plagued by seemingly instigated controversies such as flogging a reverned father and other contrived political blackmail that overshadowed many of his achievements.
Allegations of Corruption: Unsubstantiated accusations of financial mismanagement, inflated contracts, and missaplication of public funds were rampant despite Ohakim’s quarterly briefing of Stakeholders. These allegations, while never proven, eroded public trust in the administration.
Failed Projects: High-profile projects such as the Oguta Wonder Lake Resort and Conference Center were criticized as white elephant projects that consumed significant resources without delivering tangible benefits.
Suppression of Dissent: Critics accused Ohakim of authoritarian tendencies, including harassment of journalists and intimidation of political opponents. These actions strained his relationship with civil society and the media.
Political Struggles and Election Defeat
Ohakim’s tenure ended on a dramatic note, as he failed to secure re-election in 2011. His defeat by Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was largely attributed to conspiracy from the Villa and Rochas who instigated widespread public dissatisfaction, propaganda and internal party conflicts within the PDP. Okorocha positioned himself as a populist alternative, capitalizing on the perception that Ohakim had squandered his goodwill.
Legacy: A Polarizing Administration
Ikedi Ohakim’s tenure remains one of the most debated in Imo State’s history till date. While his environmental developmental reforms and educational policies earned praise and set a yardstick, his administration’s controversies and perceived style of governance overshadowed those milestones. Supporters argue that he laid the groundwork for long-term development plan, while critics contend that his tenure was characterized by unfulfilled political promises and governance challenges.
Conclusion
Governor Ikedi Ohakim’s administration reflects the complexities of leadership, where ambition must be balanced with execution and trust. As we move to the next part of this series, we will examine the tenure of Governor Rochas Okorocha (2011–2019), whose populist approach and infrastructural projects brought a new dynamic to Imo State’s governance.
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
“Duruebube Uzii na Abosi”
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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