RESPONSE TO SAM ONWUEMEODO’S ARTICLE: “OHAKIM: 2007, 2011, 2027 AND HOW NOT TO APPRECIATE GOD’S ABUNDANT GRACE
By Capt. Bishop C. Johnson
While Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo is entitled to his opinion, it becomes necessary to correct a number of distortions, inaccuracies, and misrepresentations in his recent article on Chief (Dr.) Ikedi Godson Ohakim’s political trajectory and the upcoming 2027 Imo governorship race. His piece may have been intended as constructive criticism, but it fell into the realm of conjecture, contradiction, and condescension — all wrapped in a patronizing tone that seeks to reduce a legacy of service into a tale of ungratefulness. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
1. No One Is Asking for Apologies from Clergy or the Church
Contrary to the claim that Ohakim and his supporters are demanding apologies from Archbishop Obinna or the Catholic Church, there is no such directive or endorsement from Dr. Ohakim himself or from the BBO 2027 organization. In fact, a public statement to this effect has already been issued and widely circulated. Perhaps the author did not see it, or he chose to ignore it.
For clarity, here’s an excerpt from our statement:
“We appeal to all supporters of Dr. Ohakim to refrain from making or circulating any content that seeks to demand apologies from members of the clergy. Dr. Ohakim has forgiven everyone involved in the 2011 campaign of calumny and has moved on with his life.”
If the author seeks evidence, we will gladly share the public video where Dr. Ohakim states unequivocally that he has forgiven everyone and harbours no bitterness. His Christian faith and moral compass do not allow room for vendetta.
2. Ohakim Is Not Running a Campaign of Lamentation
Nowhere has Dr. Ohakim, either publicly or privately, launched a campaign based on lamentation or entitled claims to a second term. He has consistently acknowledged the hand of God in his 2007 victory, a fact the author rightly praises but oddly attempts to weaponize. If anything, Ohakim is a man who has always walked in deep gratitude to Providence — never shy to say that “God gives power to whom He wishes, when He wishes.” That spirit of humility remains his guiding principle.
Furthermore, it is unfair and misleading to attribute the personal expressions of private citizens who support his return in 2027 to Dr. Ohakim himself. That people feel aggrieved over what happened in 2011 is understandable, but to suggest Ohakim sent them, or endorses their views, is disingenuous.
3. Owerri Zone Was Never Generalized
Another erroneous claim is that Ohakim or his supporters labeled the entire Owerri Zone as betrayers. This is patently false. Dr. Ohakim has been specific and direct in referring to certain political actors, particularly those who weaponized religion and used federal connections to discredit his government in 2011. One such individual even boldly documented their actions in The Bold Leap, a public account that remains uncontested. Painting this nuanced political reality as an attack on an entire zone is, at best, intellectually lazy, and at worst, malicious.
4. The Author Should Remember His Own Political Bias
Mr. Onwuemeodo, by his own record, served as a prominent aide under Governor Rochas Okorocha — a beneficiary of the same 2011 events he now presents with saintly finality. It is not unexpected, therefore, that his narrative attempts to rationalize a political upheaval that he directly benefitted from. While that’s not a crime, he should not pretend to be an impartial observer.
We respect his service, but his piece reeks of veiled defense for a government he once served and attempts to downplay the manipulations, betrayals, and campaigns of character assassination that marred the 2011 election.
5. Ohakim’s 2027 Intentions Remain Private
Dr. Ohakim has not publicly declared an intention to run in 2027. He has expressed support for the current governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, to finish strong. He has also maintained that the future is in God’s hands, and whatever decision he makes — if any — will be communicated in accordance with the law, in dignity and peace.
The spontaneous support for a possible second term arises from Imolites across party, religious, and zonal lines who believe he left a legacy of governance that deserves completion — especially considering that others have enjoyed two uninterrupted terms. That should not be criminalized.
6. Let’s Be Clear on Gratitude and Grace
To accuse Dr. Ohakim or his supporters of being ungrateful to God is both uncharitable and unnecessary. The man is a devout Christian, one who has built churches, supported Christian education, and carried the cross of public misunderstanding without bitterness. If gratitude to God is measured by humility, restraint, forgiveness, and service, Ohakim has demonstrated it in abundance.
If the author truly believes that grace enabled Ohakim’s 2007 victory, then he must also believe that the same grace permits a second opportunity — should God so will. That is the essence of grace: unmerited, undeserved, yet sovereignly given.
Conclusion
Sam Onwuemeodo’s article, while decorated with dramatic metaphors and biblical quotes, falls short of fairness. It caricatures a man who has shown nothing but dignity in defeat and grace in power. It attempts to re-litigate history through a biased lens, ignoring key facts and developments.
The Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) 2027 Organization stands for peace, equity, experience, and continuity. We are not here to reopen old wounds but to build bridges. We do not traffic in bitterness or blame. Our mission is clear: restore competence, justice, and strategic leadership in Imo State.
Let those who benefited from past betrayals do their own soul-searching. We, on our part, will continue — in humility and faith — to clap for Jesus and keep our eyes on the promise of a better Imo.
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Signed:
Capt. Bishop C. Johnson (SW/AW), US Army, Rtd
Director General
Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) 2027
www.bbo2027.org
