● Urges Governor to accommodate willing opponents
The Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has congratulated Sen. Hope Uzodimma on his re-election as the Governor of Imo State, describing the process that gave him victory in the Saturday, November 11 governorship election as peaceful and credible.
Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, said this in a statement on Wednesday.
Led by the President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the Secretary General, Amb. Okey Emuchey on a congratulatory visit to the Government House Owerri on Wednesday, the group said Governor Uzodimma’s victory means a lot to them because he is a illustrious son of Ndigbo.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Iwuanyanwu who also congratulated those who contested the governorship election with Governor
Uzodimma urged them to join the Governor in his quest to provide focused leadership in Imo State.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President General however appealed to Governor Uzodimma to bring on board those who contested with him but are willing to be carried along.
Congratulating the Governor in particular, Chief Iwuanyanwu said that they are impressed with him, noting that “Governor Uzodimma is an illustrious son, a warrior, a hero, and defender of Igboland who has stood behind Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”
He described the election as “free, fair and credible,” saying they are proud of the Governor and those who worked with him to ensure that he was victorious during the election.
He said despite speculations by detractors about insecurity and Imo State possibly going to be a battle field, the exercise turned out to be “the most peaceful election ever witnessed in Imo State over the years.”
Chief Iwuanyanwu ascribed the situation to prayers by Imo people who craved for peace.
He said that the Governor made history by beating his opponents in all the 27 Local Government Areas, saying that the feat is a lesson for students of political science to research on.
“I congratulate those who contested with Hope. It is not easy. I hope the Governor should see how to accommodate those who ran with him if they are willing to be carried along.”
He said doing so will help to strengthen democracy in the State.
Describing Governor Uzodimma as a focused and articulate man who knows what he is doing at any point in time, Chief Iwuanyanwu said they were not surprised he won the election because his works in Imo State spoke eloquently for him prior the election.
Said Chief Iwuanyanwu: “His victory is premised on what he had achieved before the election which include returning people’s properties that were taken by the past administration, paying salaries and pensions as at when due, embarking on quality road infrastructure, achievement in education like making FMC Owerri a Federal University Teaching Hospital and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education as a Federal University of Education.
“Others include embarking on dredging of Oguta Lake to Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean and many youth empowerment programmes and developments.”
Furthermore, he noted that Governor Uzodimma is a generous man with large heart who has seen the need for peace in Imo State and has wholeheartedly established the new Imo Charter of Equity, endorsed by all Stakeholders and has gone ahead to express commitment to honour the principles of the Charter of Equity.
“The Governor in his good thought for the elderly established the Imo State Council of Elders to keep the old people in Imo State happy,” he said, noting that Governor Uzodimma has done more for Ohanaeze Ndigbo World-wide than any other one else. He prayed God to continue to bless him.
Chief Iwuanyanwu appealed to the enemies of the State to stop the killings and come out from their place of hiding, assuring them that help will come their way that will propel them to add their quota to make Imo better.
In his response, Governor Uzodimma expressed delight at the visit and described it as a “symbol of Igbo unity and commitment to the good of Ndigbo.”
He said he is encouraged by the encomia poured on him and credited everything to the grace of God Almighty.
Governor Uzodimma who said the victory is Imo’s, noted that it is a source of confidence reposed on him to serve Imo people, Ndigbo and South East better, assuring that he will not disappoint their expectations.
He promised to continue to support Ohanaeze Ndigbo “as the only socio-cultural umbrella body of interest and unity for our people,” noting that he is “committed to the interest and service of Imo State, Ndigbo and the South East in general.”
Again, the Governor reminded the leaders that as Chairman of South East Governor’s Forum, they have “agreed to work hands in glove with Ohanaeze Ndigbo to move the South East to a greater height,” hence he urged the body to continue to count on him.
Finally, he thanked them for the show of love and proper representation, praying for their peaceful return to their homes and for the unity of Imo State.
The President and the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo World-wide were accompanied by a former President General of the Group, Chief Igari Igariwey, one time Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, former INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Amb. Empire Kanu, Amb. Eddy Onuoha, Hon. Mrs. Chinyere Eze, one time IGP, Chief Mike Okiro, for Chairman of Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke, among others.