Inside the 2007 Governance Blueprint – The Untold Story of the Dream Team, Their Achievements, and the Bold Agenda Still Shaping Imo’s Future
Part 1
By Capt. Bishop C. Johnson (Retd)
History plays a pivotal role in shaping society, providing the foundation for self-examination and progress. Where memory fades—either from the sheer speed of unfolding events or the distortions of conflicting narratives—historians step in to preserve truth, and society must remain grateful for that service.
In the years following the 2011 exit of Dr. Ikedi Ohakim’s government—an exit mired in controversy—concerted efforts have been made by individuals unwilling to face historical facts to dismiss his administration and its achievements. Yet, despite these attempts, certain indelible landmarks remain as constant reminders that his government was marked by bold concepts, fresh thinking, and transformative development initiatives. Many of these ideas are today being partially or wholly adopted in other states—some even celebrated as models of progress in the Southeast and beyond.
From 2007, Ohakim’s administration was guided by the conviction that Imo State must embrace a paradigm shift to join the league of forward-looking states. Change, especially the kind that triggers real development, inevitably comes at a cost—chiefly because of the natural resistance people have to new ways of doing things.
Against formidable odds, the government quickly won over those who could see beyond political gimmicks. They understood that rebuilding the state’s economy and making its people self-reliant would require sacrifices, patience, and understanding. The New Face of Imo Agenda delivered on its promises, anchored on measurable development indices and the strategic pathways outlined in its blueprint.
Infrastructure development was never about cosmetic projects or populist fanfare. Every initiative had clear economic value and was deliberately designed to open up the economy. Local contractors, artisans, and business owners were empowered, ensuring money circulated within the state and fueling economic vibrancy.
The Political Battlefield of 2007
Before Ohakim’s emergence, Imo had suffered its worst political implosion since creation. The fierce contest for power turned the state into a theatre of the absurd, and the bitterness generated threatened to explode into chaos.
Into this volatile atmosphere stepped Ikedi Ohakim—a governor elected on the relatively unknown Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) ticket—facing a House of Assembly that was 99% PDP. This was widely seen as a political death sentence. Many predicted that the opposition-dominated Assembly would simply become an instrument for removing him from office.
The first challenge was to neutralize this threat—to get lawmakers to rise above partisan interests and support the people’s mandate. Added to this were a flurry of litigations aimed at stopping the administration before it could even take off.
By sheer political skill, deft relationship management, divine providence, and the goodwill of the people, the administration navigated these landmines and kept its focus on delivering the New Face of Imo vision.
Inherited Challenges
The Imo State of 2007 was riddled with decay:
The state capital and communities were overtaken by filth, eroding public morale.
Major roads were in disrepair—Owerri to Okigwe was a nightmare during rainy seasons, and the Owerri–Orji stretch was an engineering embarrassment.
Farmers in rural areas couldn’t access urban markets.
Transportation had collapsed, and motorcycle operators (“Inaga”) made city movement chaotic.
Armed robbers operated with impunity; 9,026 hemp-smoking joints (“bunks”) were identified across the 305 electoral wards.
Unemployment drove youths into crime, cultism, and land-grabbing.
Many statutory agencies were moribund, and governance had largely broken down.
Political “godfathers” controlled local government areas like private estates, making public consultation alien to governance.
Breaking the Cabal’s Grip
In one of his boldest moves—fully aware of the political risk—Governor Ohakim dismantled the godfather system by introducing the Stakeholder Model. This brought people from all walks of life directly into decision-making, opening the political space for those previously shut out by entrenched interests.
This democratization of governance was popular among the masses but unforgivable to the cabal. They launched a sustained and well-funded smear campaign to destabilize the administration and block development. Yet, Ohakim refused to be distracted, trusting that his tangible achievements would ultimately vindicate him—and they did.
Restoring Peace and Political Decency
One of Ohakim’s understated but profound achievements was restoring civility to Imo politics. From 2007 to 2011, the state witnessed no political assassinations—a record in a region once plagued by violent political rivalries. The atmosphere shifted from “do-or-die” politics to one of relative tolerance and reconciliation.
Why This History Matters
Today, over 60% of active political youths in Imo were too young to fully grasp the sacrifices that birthed the robust governance model which reshaped the state. This is why it is essential to refresh their memory.
There was a “yesterday” in Imo—a time of deep decay—that offered Governor Ohakim the opportunity to redefine governance, unlock the state’s true potential, and prove that with credible leadership, even a politically fractured state could be united for progress.
His legacy—visible in infrastructure, political culture, and economic empowerment—remains a living testimony that goodness begets goodness. And no matter how hard detractors try, these achievements cannot be erased from the pages of Imo’s history.
Capt. Bishop C. Johnson (SW/AW) US Army (Retired), is the
Director General, Bring Back Ohakim (BBO 2027) Organization
