By Gloria Acholonu
Frontline politician and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Imo State, Chief Longers Anyanwu (the Ebubedike of Obowo) has appraised the six year tenure of the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (Onwa Oyoko) and scored him creditably, especially in the area of infrastructural developments and innovative projects.
Longers who is a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state between 2007 and 2011 and also a former National Chairman of ACCORD PARTY, however, commended governor Uzodimma for surprising and disappointing his critics who were initially pessimistic that he may not be able to exhibit capacity to turn the fortunes of Imo state around for good. Excerpts:
Q: In very few words, capture your personal impression of the performance of your state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in the past six years of his administration.
A: My impression from personal assessment of governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration
in six years is that he has so far exhibited an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in service delivery in Imo state.
He has really set a new standard for good governance in Imo state, particularly in the area of massive infrastructural development and project innovations. What we have on ground now in Imo state, in terms of improvement in physical projects, is akin to what what we witnessed during the Sam Mbakwe era. Don’t forget that opponents and critics never gave governor Uzodimma’s government a chance. They have no optimism or kind words that he would succeed.
But here we are, six years after, the game has changed, and Ndi Imo are the better for it. That is my personal assessment of the new Imo state under our governor, Hope Uzodimma.
Q: Can you be a bit specific about what the governor has achieved?
A: Governor Hope Uzodimma has taken very bold, deliberate and commendable steps to address the inadequate or epileptic energy challenge in Imo state. It was really bad prio to his assumption of office. Power supply is undergoing significant transformation courtesy of his government’s systematic approach in tackling it.
As a compliment to that, the governor has rolled out initiatives to boost power generation, upgrade transmission infrastructure, and attract private sector investments. These measures are currently yielding tangible results. Secondly, the state is also diversifying its energy mix by exploring alternative sources like solar power.
The problem l have seen so far is that public awareness about these specific achievements by the governor needs to be positively escalated in the public space. I wouldn’t know if the government chose not to be promotional about it.
But it is something that Imo indigenes outside the state and in diaspora need to be aware. I think there’s inadequate information about these milestones.
A: It’s part of the success story of the Hope Uzodimma administration. The establishment of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the licensing of Orashi Electricity Company Limited demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a robust electricity framework and improving power generation and distribution in the state. The Orashi Electricity Company definitely is improving the power situation in communities like Oguta. These efforts aim to provide a reliable and sustainable energy supply for Imo State’s socio-economic growth and development.
Q: But has the governor really done creditably in other critical infrastructural areas like roads?
A: Indeed, he has! And not only that, in the transportation sector too. You see, if you came to Imo state shortly after governor Uzodimma assumed office in January 2020, you would have observed that even in Owerri metropolis, the capital city of the state, there weren’t much access roads. Also, you will observe that there were abandoned roads or half done projects.
But in a few years, the state of roads have significantly improved. Governor Uzodimma has opened up the entire state hinterlands and the capital city with good roads. This is a plus for his administration. The truth is that the Imo State government, under Governor Hope Uzodimma, is prioritizing infrastructure development, with a focus on roads and transportation.
The quality of the roads being constructed is noteworthy, and several projects are underway, including the rehabilitation of major roads and construction of new ones.
Q: Can you mention some of these roads?
A: A standout road project of his government, for instance, is the dualization of the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo road, which previously posed significant challenges to travelers. Incidentally, l come from that axis of the state. There are so many of such road projects standing out in other major flanks of the state.
The governor’s commitment to transforming the Imo road network is evident in his efforts to upgrade the three major highways leading out of Owerri to Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri-Mbaise. Ongoing projects such as the rehabilitation of the Owerri to Rivers State boundary and Owerri to Anambra State boundary, demonstrates an intentional and calculated approach to improving access roads to the heartlands and the hinterlands of Imo State.
The governor’s vision for quality road infrastructure is being realized, and the impact is being felt by road users. He has significantly improved transportation system in the state, too.
Q: I don’t think governor Uzodimma has done much in the area of healthcare in the state. Some of the testimonies from citizens give a pointer to this.
Q: What about the Primary Healthcare?
A: The governor’s scorecard in that area is equally encouraging and very commendable. His administration has made significant strides in preventive healthcare through various immunization programmes. On the whole, the local government administration, exemplified by the transformation of Otoko, Obowo headquarters into a thriving hub of activity with upgraded infrastructure is highly appreciated by the people of Imo state. The government’s policies, including healthcare and road development, have brought governance to the grassroots level, earning recognition now even from opposition groups.
The success of the “peace and unity summit” in Otoko, attended by the Okigwe zone leadership, is a testament to the Uzodimma administration’s commitment to good governance and quality leadership. It is evident that governor Hope Uzodimma has passion for excellence. His love for good governance is driving Imo State towards a brighter future. NNL.
