By: Udodiri Imo
The governorship seat of Imo State has been dominated by Orlu Zone. By 2027 Orlu alone would have done 24 out of 28 years of democratic rule which started in 1999. Okigwe Zone’s only shot was during Ohakim’s 2007-2011 regime. Owerri Zone has been left in the cold or so it seems. It is not the intention of this piece to investigate why a zone hosting the seat of power has not been found worthy to drive the seat of governance.
According to a former state publicity secretary of APGA and publisher of The Moment newspaper, Okenze George Nkwoji, Orlu appears better organized in speaking with one voice championing their desires. Some others hold that their size is an advantage while yet others say that they are better manipulators in the chess game of politics. This dominance naturally put a lie to the so called Imo Charter of Equity which is difficult to locate where it is operating: withing the parties alone or where in the state.
However, the sitting governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has vowed that he will hand over power to Owerri Zone. He has made the promise repeatedly to believe him. Drawing from his promise it means that everyone in the zone is free and eligible to take a shot. This is where we find relevance in the recent call by some groups and individuals urging the TMO-The Mazi Organization to transform into a political tool on which Chima Amadi can run to retrieve Imo from ruin.
Many political analysts believe that time is ripe enough for Ngor Okpala to lay strong political claim to the governorship seat. Those who canvass this idea stress that their population size, land mass and agricultural contribution to the wealth of the state is a huge advantage. The area also boasts of huge human resource capacity and prides itself as a god-fearing people, humanized, loving and disciplined.
One strong reason that should motivate the local government to grab the opportunity is government neglect. There is not so much of government support if any despite the huge potentials that abound in both human and material resources. The land of Ngor Okpala is blessed and it ranks strongly as one of the food baskets of the state. Evaluating government support agriculturally in the area what can we point to: nothing.
Recently, in a publication that I stumble upon a political apologist under the present government had boasted that Ngor Okpala is one of the highest beneficiaries of government largesse. Annoyingly he justified that position claiming that the Council ranks higher among those enjoying government appointment. Up till moment I am yet to see the value addition and how that has built the roads, provided water, health facilities and other infrastructure.
Ngor Okpala needs someone from its environment who clearly understands the challenges and prevailing needs of his people so he can turn their lives around exploiting their natural endowments. Those with sound minds, strong business orientation, good backgrounding in development studies, people’s driven heart, the agricultural policies of the M.I.Okpara era which transformed the then Eastern region as one of the fastest growing economies of the world from the mid-fifties can return.
This is where the relevance of Chima Amadi comes in again. He who the cap fits let him wear. He parades credentials that fits the bill. Those who describe him as the real deal may not be in error having evaluated what he is bringing to the table. His strong academic background, business acumen, experience, exposure in political affairs and love of humanity and motherland puts him in a good stead to fix a collapsed Imo waiting to be buried. He is not coming to govern the state as a beggar.
Imo is in dire need of a breath of fresh air. Chima Amadi has the potential and the transformative and creative ability. Little wonder that heavy weights in the ruling as well as opposition parties are falling heads over each other to queue support in the very critical efforts of redeeming the state. This very singular incident is already sending jitters to the authorities and those nursing future political ambitions.
Commentaries from some hack writers are already expressing shock over the visibility of the TMO, an NGO and grassroot outfit feeling the pulse of the people as well as seeking ways to help resolve their challenges. They fear that the TMO may have a huge war chest to prosecute any challenge assuming her principal may elect to throw his hat in the ring. There is no doubt that better times are ahead for Ndimo and the real deal is actually here.
If Ngor Okpala presents Chima Amadi, that will certainly put paid to any lackey that the governor may field from Owerri zone to succeed him. Ndimo wants a leader that will identify with the grassroots and not one that will be controlled by a godfather. Previous efforts by Ngor Okpala people to have a shot at Douglas House have been lily livered. They should step out boldly to grab the bull by the horn.
There is no better time to do it than now. And Chima Amadi is the real deal.
