By COLLINS UGHALAA

As Imo people approach the November 11, 2023 D-Day for the governorship election in the state, there is no gainsaying the fact that leadership and vision play a vital role in the development and progress of any society. In Imo State, where visionary leadership was lacking until the emergence of Governor Hope Uzodimma, it is imperative to state that good governance anchored on visionary leadership is crucial for societal advancement. Therefore, it is important to critically assess the two major contenders for the coveted office of the governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu in order to see their contributions to the development and progress of the Imo society.

Comparing the leadership credentials that the two major contenders post and the well appreciated achievements of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the worrisome no-achievement record of Samuel Anyanwu, will not only help Imo people to make the right choice, it will also help them to see why Uzodimma is considered by many to be the better leader.

Anywhere you to in Imo State and beyond, the common refrain is that the governor does not have a credible opponent in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Those who make the claim do so bearing in mind that 17 political parties in the state are fielding candidates for the election, but by saying that the governor does not have a credible opponent in the election, they mean without equivocation that the governor’s vision and leadership qualities are far apart from those probably possessed by Samuel Anyanwu and others and they separate the chaff from the grain. Whenever the people make this claim, they pass the judgement that it is a no-contest victory for the governor. The people note with joy that the governor has been able to take practical steps that solved some tough problems in the state and that he has been able to keep his party united, standing as a united behemoth in the election. On the other hand, the fortunes of the PDP have dwindled since Anyanwu emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the party.

As a matter of fact, the PDP has witnessed mass defection to the ruling APC. Perhaps a fitting illustration that Anyanwu has not been able to hold the umbrella as a united front is the conspicuous absence of some critical leaders of the PDP at his campaign flag-off on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Reports show that the guber campaign flag-off flopped as former governors Achike Udenwa, Emeka Ihedioha, shunned the event. Others who distanced themselves from the event include: the immediate past deputy governor, HE Engr Gerald Alphonsus Irona, the former senatorial candidate of the party for Owerri Zone, Barr Uche Onyeagocha, the immediate past Chief of Staff to former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Chris Okewulonu, Hon. Mayor Eze, former senatorial candidate of the party for Okigwe Zone, Chief Emma Okewulonu. Others ate: Hon. ThankGod Ezeani, Rt. Hon Jonas Okeke, Rt Hon Ugonna Ozuruigbo (OZB), Rt Hon Chinedu Emeka Martins, Chief Chuka Odom, Chief Chibuike Achigbu, Chief Charles Onwunali, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Engr Benjamin Ekwueme, Mrs. Nkeiruka Ibekwe, Akunnakwe Kenneth, Hillary Eberendu, Damian Ezeruo, Chief Silas Onyeiwu, Jasper Chukwuemeka, Ben Nwaoluka, Lawrence Nwadike, Maureen Onyekele,

Paul Uche, Mrs. Ngozi Oguike and Herbert Ubah. The Imo public considers the long list of absentees at the gubernatorial campaign flag-off of a party that is considered as the main opposition party in the state as a symbol of Anyanwu’s inability to unite his party and his poor leadership acumen.

Secondly, Governor Hope Uzodimma has shown remarkable dedication and commitment towards infrastructural development. Since his assuming office in January 2020,, he has prioritized road construction, ensuring that a vast network of well-paved roads is established across the state. This has not only eased transportation but also attracted investments, leading to economic growth. Uzodimma’s focus on infrastructure has improved the quality of life for Imo State residents, promoting overall development. In September 2021, former President Muhammadu Buhari, during his official visit to Imo State, praised the governor’s efforts at infrastructure development, christening it infrastructure revolution. He went on to add that the

Governor shared the same kind of vision of infrastructure development with him.

Thirdly, Uzodimma has demonstrated effective management of the state’s finances. He has implemented policies aimed at increasing revenue generation and reducing wasteful spending. By streamlining government processes and plugging leakages in the system, Uzodimma has improved the financial status of Imo State. His prudent financial management has allowed for the execution of numerous projects without accumulating excessive debt and lending stability to the state’s economy. The governor stands as the only chief executive in the annals of the state who has not enriched himself with state resources.

Former governors had amused so much wealth and converted public assets to themselves so much that a certain former governor declared himself as richer than the state. Interestingly, the governor had challenged Imo people home and abroad to come up with any shred of evidence indicting him of misappropriation, but nobody has since taken up the gauntlet.

Another significant aspect of Uzodimma’s leadership is his emphasis on human capital development. Recognizing the importance of education, he has implemented policies to revitalize the educational sector. Through the establishment of new schools, renovation of existing ones, and provision of necessary learning materials and recruitment of teachers, Uzodimma is investing in the future of Imo State. Additionally, he has initiated programmes to address youth unemployment and promote skill acquisition, notably with the Skill-Up Imo Project aimed at empowering the younger generation to become productive members of society. As of the last count, about 20,000 Imo youths have been trained in the Skill-Up Imo Project and provided with the necessary gadgets.

Uzodimma has been proactive in improving the healthcare system of the state. Recognizing the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare, he has invested in the construction and renovation of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Recently, the governor commissioned brand new three general hospitals in Umuokanne, Ohaji-Egbema LGA, Oguta, and Oru East LGAs. One remarkable thing about these general hospitals is the fact that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains the only governor In the state who finished and equipped three general hospitals within his first term in office – with a fourth one in the offing.

Another remarkable thing is that Governor Uzodimma is the only governor who has used ISOPADEC funds to provide legacy projects for the people. Before the general hospitals, the governor had established mobile clinics to take care of emergency health cases in the state, as well as built a healthcare facility for civil servants at the state secretariat.

These efforts have led to tremendous improvements in the quality of healthcare services provided to the people of Imo State, ensuring that they have access to proper medical care when needed.

On the other hand, Samuel Anyanwu claims to have his own strengths and qualities, Imo people have not seen these strengths and qualities applied to serve them, but Governor Hope Uzodimma’s track record indicates a more comprehensive approach to governance. His focus on infrastructure, financial management, human capital development, and healthcare sets him apart as a leader who prioritizes the well-being of his people.

Update news