The Right Man for Imo at a Time As This

...a special signature edition TODAY Citizens | Parliament | Democracy ISSN: 2536-7455 Vol 1. No. 5 May 29, 2019

- Intimidating profile and performance track record of Imo governor

- Atiku, Secondus, Mark, others speak on new helmsman

- What Imo people should expect

Ihedioha: The right man for Imo at a time as this

Get up-to-the-minute updates on the Parliament on ORDERPAPER.NG | Follow on Twitter and Facebook @OrderPaper 2 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 3 Publisher’s Note

hen the idea to make this special edition in honour of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, was mooted, the editorial team immediately swung into an Wexultant mood. The event of his election and swearing in as governor of Imo State is seen as a validation of our modest contribution at OrderPaper to promote the legislature and project public-spirited legislators in positive light. For 12 years, the green cap man bestrode the hallowed green chamber of the National Assembly with an assertive sense of vision, dogged mission and a bouquet of enviable accomplishments that make some of his contemporaries green with envy. Emeka Ihedioha came to the federal legislature; he saw; and conquered many opportunities that not only made him a toast of his constituency but a darling brand of Imo, nay, national politics. This edition is therefore dedicated to celebrate him and highlight his uncommon political trajectory as inspiration to those who look to serve and are currently serving in public office. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, KSC, CON Ihedioha’s story is that of capacity, competence and integrity in politics. It is no mean feat to swim the murky waters of Nigerian Dear Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, I am delighted to congratulate you once again on your and a huge nightmare to our innocent citizens. As Governor, you will be expected in politics for about two decades without blemish. Indeed, Imo State is victory at the polls and excited to felicitate with you as you are inaugurated today as the collaboration with your colleagues and the Federal Government to put heads together blessed to have him as governor. But he must not take for granted Executive Governor of Imo State. and deal with this endemic security challenge in our country and give opportunity of a the immense goodwill and confidence of the people which brought First, hearty congratulations on your well-deserved election victory which saw you better life to our countrymen and women. into the realm. He must serve with humility and be guided by the triumph over several other candidates who like you, also wish to govern Imo State. It is In my view, your agenda is a good one and if diligently pursued will yield the desired pursuit of excellence in spite of the challenge of governance deficit a mark of your doggedness, political tenacity and outstanding political agenda for your result. For instance, one of the ways to nail the problem of insecurity, aside a good state and people that eventually enabled you to emerge victorious as Governor of Imo security strategy and the deployment of men and resources, is economic progress left behind by the immediate past administration in the State. This State. Aside your sterling qualities and your tutelage in politics under the PDP political and empowerment. Thus the moves you have already made in the search of investors is one message that runs as a common thread through the specially family, it is also right to say that fortune smiled on you as it pleased the creator to lift you and in reaching out to the Imo State Diaspora for the same purpose is commendable curated stories, interviews and several goodwill messages contained above the crowd and make you a Governor at this time. and shows that you are acutely aware of the security problems that can be caused by in this edition. Imo State, like our beloved country, Nigeria has a come a long way in the quest of good hunger, poverty and unemployment. As you know, combating the above three evils has been the focus of my politics and philanthropy over the years. For full effect, our reporters went in search of those who have leadership that will engender and spread development to its entire people who have related with Ihedioha for long and secured some of the scoops served had a rough ride for a long time. The people of Imo State and indeed all Nigerians, who The task before you would not be made easier by some people who in their minds wish our country well, expect your tenure to be a turning point in the affairs of the State may feel that they would have made better Governors. There would also be detractors in the following pages for your delight. But we know that Ihedioha’s and in its quest for development and progress. with their distractions, whose stock in trade would be to sabotage and derail the good chronicle in the legislature and politics generally cannot be enwrapped I am confidently of the view that the positive elements which came together and chose works or plans of the man at the helm of affairs. However, you would be a step ahead of in a single edition. Therefore, we have elected to continue to tell the you as Governor of Imo State at this time made a good decision, because of the initial these people if you make the people and their needs the focus of your administration, story of a legislative icon from the past into the present and going into steps you have taken and the agenda you have unfolded. I am sure more lofty policies making sure that they are carried along by way of adequate information and a feedback mechanism. the future so Ndi Imo can continue to appreciate the quality of leader and programmes for the development and repositioning of the State will yet come they have chosen for themselves. As consistent with the mandate of from your stable as time goes on. Meanwhile, Congratulations and best wishes for all The position of governor of Imo State is that of enormous responsibility and a political that you are set to do. burden: your people will look up to you for direction, give them a sense of belonging OrderPaper, this venture would be biased in favour of executive- I remember vividly, the close relationship we shared as members of our party, the and serve with humility and integrity of heart. Your people are enterprising, strong, legislative relations in Imo State. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party founded on the ideals of nationalism and a competent and talented, put these to the service of the state and Nigeria without favour On behalf of my team, I thank friends, associates and aides of united Nigeria. You are also aware, how over time difficult times have fallen on our or ill-will. His Excellency for the efforts offered to put this edition together. party and the present efforts made to revitalize the party and right the wrongs of the In the last twenty years, you have been within the corridors of politics and governance Specifically, I am grateful to Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman of ThisDay past. It is gratifying that in the last national elections, our people responded well to at various levels of our democratic process. Certainly, you have learnt a lot. Practise your the come-back bid of our great party, giving us votes even in places where we did not good lessons in governance and by so doing, you will be living up to your commitment editorial board; and long-time friend and ally of the Governor, for expect a positive result. and the expectations of your people. providing editorial oversight. The creative team of Andrew Peter, The implication of the above is that elected PDP Governors, like your humble self are As I said earlier in this message, I am thrilled writing these words to you as I recall with UDavidson and Nnakwe Ugochukwu deserve special thanks for the beacons of light from whom much are expected. To a large extent, you and other pride how we started and how close we are. uncommon designs while the reportorial team is also not left out. elected PDP governors and lawmakers would be under the radar of the party and the Your Excellency, as I wish you a successful tenure, I also urge you to let your people see In all, we count it a thing of honour to make available this special people for good performance and good governance, which have eluded the country for your good work, for by so doing living up to the true meaning of the traditional title, I memento edition in celebration of Emeka Ihedioha, the brand new a long time. As expected, if a good chunk of the people of Imo State can be lifted from learnt your people gave you as the ‘Ome Nke Ahuru Anya’ of Imo State. I will continue poverty and destitution under your stewardship, then to a large extent, the purpose of governor of Imo State. to support you and pray the Almighty God guides and protects you as governor and your ascendancy to leadership at this time would have been fulfilled. And if across the country, all Governors are able to put smiles on the faces of a reasonable number of their beyond. people, and then Nigeria would be better for it. Oke Epia That you are elected Governor at this time is a huge call to duty. In fact, it is a ‘divine Atiku Abubakar, GCON Executive Director/Publisher, matching order’, as Imo State and other States in Nigeria are under the gloom of Waziri Adamawa OrderPaper Nigeria insecurity of various types which has culminated in making life short and brutish Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007 M ay 29, 2019 4 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 5 Interview Interview Ihedioha will make PDP true shining light in governance of Imo –Secondus

Onyewuchi Governor Ihedioha

lost the goodwill he came in with. I will advise Ihedioha to be mindful of those pitfalls and also to do the right thing and do the needful and remain who he is and to Ihedioha will provide real jobs ensure that he discharges creditably as the governor of Imo state. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do credibly well.

for Imo people –Senator-elect There are reports that the outgoing governor is making recruitments into the Hon. Ezenwa Onyewuchi is the senator-elect for Owerri zone. He won the elections after a huge vote of confidence by his senatori- civil service, how do you envisage this will serving two terms in the House of Representatives. In this interview, he speaks of how the al zone and based on that he moved into be resolved in the incoming administra- Orlu Zone and he was able to win a few tion? PDP managed to secure victory in the governorship election against the APC/AA combined local governments in Orlu, and if you put It’s very unfortunate that the outgo- and expresses high optimism that the governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha, will do very well in that together, that is massive, and today, he ing governor is setting landmines for the office. Excerpts by LIZZY CHIRKPI: is the governor-elect of Imo state. incoming governor. A man who never recruited people into the civil service, all Describe the man Ihedioha? of a sudden he is recruiting people at the How did the PDP pull off the upset are people that can be trusted, according Ihedioha is very well brought up. When twilight of his administration. It smacks of against the incumbent governor Rochas to their antecedents and performance. If you look at the way he has carried him- insincerity; an attempt to ensure that the Okorocha and his protégé in the AA? you look at the people we fielded, they are self, you can attribute it to his upbringing, governor that is coming after him does not Let me state it: it was not an upset- Imo people that have done well in their previ- properly brought up, and went to school, succeed but I can assure you that the mat- is a PDP state. A few things happened in ous assignments, as you know, the reward you know that school has a way of taming ter will handled by Ihedioha, we will look the past and PDP ‘lost’ elections, but if you for good work, is more work: that is what you, and he is a man that is focused, he is at the processes of the recruitment, where look at it, even when we did not produce happened. hard working, and he is honest to a large he has not followed due process, the law the governor, we had most of the seats at extent, has sincerity of purpose, and very will take its cause. Ihedioha will provide Secondus Ihedioha the National Assembly level, so that shows Aside from trust, what is the plan for well driven. And if you work with him, you jobs for the people of Imo, the teeming you that PDP is on ground in Imo state. the people of Imo state? will also know that he is a man that has ca- youths of Imo, but when due process was Prince Uche Secondus is the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Imo. project commissioning by God’s grace. And in this election, if you are aware and Let me say this: the outgoing govern- pacity, capacity to win and capacity to de- not followed, I’m sure the civil service rule He is a very experienced and dogged politician whose tentacles straddle the length and abreast of the happenings in Imo, you will ment of Rochas Okorocha as you can see liver. And he is a man I do not think he will has a means of addressing such anom- What would be your advice to him? Do you think the APC being the rul- also see that the PDP worked very hard; and observe did not do well in Imo- this go into deceiving the people, he lives mod- alies. I’m sure that at the right time, the breadth of Nigeria, overseeing the large-scale network of the party in every nook and Emeka is my friend and brother we ing party at the centre and opposition the PDP put its house in order. The bane election is a vote of no confidence on est life style, and I know he will not be into new government will provide jobs for the cranny of the country. In this interview, he speaks of the newly elected governor of share much about abuse of power and I in Imo will present significant chal- of PDP in the past elections have been Rochas Okorocha because Okorochas accumulation of wealth. And I am sure he population. Imo has a vibrant work force, Imo State in glowing terms and expresses confidence that Imo people are set to enjoy know he would adhere to our philoso- lenge to Ihedioha in government? internal bickering, lack of internal de- was the man that actually contested the will use Imo money to develop Imo. a vibrant population, and the governor will phy. Power is like marriage, if you bring I don’t envisage any APC challenge mocracy, but this time, we conducted the election, not Uche Nwosu. Now, this is come up with ingenious ways of creating excellent governance under Emeka Ihedioha. Excerpts by Majeed Bakare: God into your marriage you will have because the party has been an aberra- most transparent primary ever, not only a government that has no respect for the The name Ihedioha resonates with job for the army of unemployed youths in peace and record successes, the same tion in the state. The people of Imo have in Imo, but across the country, so, those Imo people; this is a government that was legislature, how do you now foresee the Imo. How do you describe Emeka Do you think he will be impeded in here, if Emeka remains focused on God always been PDP even when APC was who lost out in the primary knew that that based on deceit; this is a government that transition to the executive? Ihedioha in terms of his political as- fulfilling his campaign promises? in prayer for direction, everything good hibernating in government house. The was the will of our party members, and never paid salary as at when due; that nev- If you recall, Ihedioha started from the Given the enormous challenges in cendancy? I don’t think so because he approach- will fall in and I strongly believe he will. enthusiasm that greeted PDP’s victory as such, some of them keyed in; most of er reckoned with the dignity of labour, no executive, he was special assistant to the Imo, how could Ihedioha play significant Governor- Elect Emeka Ihedioha es politics with some sincerity. Those shows clearly the mood of the people them keyed in and supported the winners infrastructure was put in place, the few former vice President, Atiku Ababakar role in the affairs of PDP or would he just is one of the rising stars that give hope who face problem with their campaign How would the PDP help Ihedioha just liberated from bondage. With PDP, of the primaries. And in the build up to roads he built got washed away after a who is the presidential candidate of the focus on Imo? to the country that the future still promises are those who fake and make succeed as governor? Imo is returning to the true tenets of de- the election, PDP worked very hard, the few months, so what kind of government PDP so he also has the benefit of executive Ihedioha is a politician and as some- holds some promise. I have followed impossible promises just to win votes. Of course, the party is there for him; mocracy, government of the people for other political parties in Imo, I never saw is that? So it’s a case of resisting the emer- experience. If you put together the exec- body who emerged through a political his politics closely as a friend and an Emeka is not that type. He is a good tai- PDP is number one adviser to all our the people and by the people. them on the field, I never met anyone on gence of the governor’s preferred candi- utive and the legislative experience, there party, he has a duty and a responsibility to associate and I have every confidence lor who cuts his cloths to size and to his elected leaders, particularly state gov- my way to the campaigns, and on my way date, Uche Nwosu. And at the same time, is no doubt that he will do remarkably in ensure the survival of that political party that he would do well in his new chal- pocket. ernors. We watch over them, we mon- What is the expectation of the party back. I only met PDP candidates; the other PDP also produced the best candidate, in all assignments. I worked with him when that got him into the position which he lenges. He has pragmatic approach to itor them closely and come in where for Ihedioha as governor of Imo State? candidates were waiting for the writing of the person of Ihedioha. Ihedioha was the he was deputy speaker: a cerebral leader, occupies. I do not foresee a situation where politics that I believe will take him far. What are your expectations of his necessary. You notice that in the last PDP’s expectation of Hon Ihedioha results and federal might to win elections most prepared candidate and the most a committed leader, a trust worthy leader, he will ignore the party that got him into His network is perhaps the biggest as- government in 100 days, one year and four years only PDP governors per- as Governor of Imo is simple: deliver but we kept talking to our people (and) experienced of all the governorship can- and a reliable leader, and I have no doubt power. The party remains the party and set in his bag as I hope he would tap two years respectively? formed; only in PDP states that proj- democracy dividends to the people in they understood the PDP message, and didates; he is the only one the people can that there would be a new paradigm in government remains government, and on them greatly. Even though young, In 100 days I expect him to have re- ects were being commissioned. In eight such a manner that the people of Imo voted for PDP at all levels. The message is trust, so the issue is about trust, and the Imo, and the people will be better for it. from time to time they will complement Hon. Ihedioha is tested and exposed in trieved Imo state from the confusion of years of APC in Imo state, President state will experience the difference be- good governance; we preached the mes- people did not look back on the choice of each other, but the business of the party his politics and these factors will come the last 8 years and begin to focus it for Muhammadu Buhari was never invit- tween light and darkness. My plea is for sage of a new Imo, a new Nigeria. They Emeka Ihedioha. And we can see that he What advice would you offer the gov- should be separated from business of gov- handy as he takes the mantle of leader- the needed direction. There is a lot of ed to commission any project, the only the people of Imo to give him all the also could see people they can trust, it a won massively, especially in Owerri Zone; ernor-elect? ernment. Ihedioha is in a position to un- ship of his state. clearing to do so even his first one year state they had in the south-east region. needed cooperation he requires to suc- trust issue. When you look at people who I think he won 101 wards out of the 104 Okorocha came in through popular derstand what he needs to do, give respect would still be channeled to restoring Under PDP Ndi Imo will experience ceed. ran elections in PDP, you will see that these wards, so that is a huge endorsement, and support but fretted everything away; he to the party and rule the government. 6 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 7 Interview Ihedioha will be a blessing to Imo

–Nwawuba Nwawuba Ihedioha Hon. Henry Nwawuba is the member representing background will bear on the governance return except the captain with experience has been going on in the last eight years. of Imo state? uses 180 degree to take it back to the right Mbaitoli/Ikeduru federal constituency in the House I always think that before people go course. Without any strings attached and in of Representatives and a staunch ally of the newly into governance (in the executive) they a very objective sense what advice would elected governor of Imo State. In this interview should have taste of the legislature. The You seem to know so much about you give to him going forward? governor-elect coming from the back- what his plans for Imo State are; is he The governor must be careful in terms conducted ahead of the swearing-in of Rt. Hon. ground of a legislator; I think Ndi-Imo already consulting with stakeholders like of carrying excess baggage because victo- Emeka Ihedioha, he speaks of the leadership trait should expect rule of law under his ad- you? ry brings a lot of relatives. When we were and expectations of the new helmsman. Excerpts by ministration. We can also expect a vi- Everybody that turns to know his working a lot of people sat down on the brant and thriving state legislature under Excellency, the governor- in-waiting fence and some worked against the sys- LIZZY CHIRKPI: him and we can also expect a vibrant would know that he likes to consult in ev- tem underground but today everybody local government system with constitut- erything that he wants to do. He dialogues is coming out to say they contributed As someone who has worked closely ed councils. If you look at Ihedioha’s po- a lot and he is always available for advice one thing or the other. Let him be careful with Emeka Ihedioha, how would you litical career, you will agree with me that and all of that. I have had the previlege of about that otherwise like you said four describe the man? everything has been preparing him for a working with him closely throughout this years is a very short time. Let him be con- In exactly three weeks and five days position like this over time. Recall that in 2019 campaign and I know his manifesto. cerned with building bridges and bring- from now Imo State will be witnessing 2015 Imolites voted for him en-mass but I have also been with him at several fora ing the people on board. The governor a dawn of a new era, Rt. Hon. Emeka he was robbed and this time around God and he is always passionate about discuss- needs to find a way to get people to queue Ihedioha would be sworn in as next exec- has answered the prayers of Ndi-Imo. I ing the challenges of the State. We have into where he is going and we the people utive governor of Imo State. He has had think all of these would build up to how to close the infrastructure gap in Imo; I need to be patient with him. Above all he a catch phrase as far as I know him: his he is going to be relating with the people. believe that working in close relationship needs to be weary of extra baggage and word is his bond. That’s the best descrip- with members of the national assembly where he is going so that he would not be tion of Emeka Ihedioha because he is apt Do you think he’d have some difficul- would close all these infrastructural gaps. distracted along the way. and everything is embodied in that catch ties delivering on his campaign promis- It is also important that we have feder- phrase. A man that when he has agree- es? al government presence in our State, if And how do you think stakeholders ment he keeps to that agreement with If you took a snap shot of when gov- not for anything, our schools, roads and like yourself in the national assembly high sense of responsibility. I think he’s ernor Rochas Okorocha took over Imo hospitals and other critical basic human can help him succeed? really going to be a blessing for Ndi-Imo. and a take snap shot now that Ihedioha development infrastructures. You would I’m already serving in the national as- is about to take over, you would realise agree with me that Ihedioha is highly ex- sembly and by the grace of God I would How would you describe his leader- that we are inheriting a lot of baggage and perienced and connected. be chairman of a very good committee ship style? the terrain is going to be rough. He might and of course I would partner with the Since I have known his Excellency, not be able to deliver all of his campaign What do you expect of his govern- agencies under it to attract development Emeka Ihedioha,I have noted that he promises but you can be sure he is going ment in 100days; one year; and two to my State. I will also work in tandem runs an inclusive style of leadership. He to turn the ship around. Don’t also forget years? with my colleagues to see how we can de- consults even to a fault where everybody that since his declaration there have been Yes, four years is not a long time but velop a State or regional agenda. There’s is given a sense of belonging. He is very this positive vibes going on in the State. in the next 100 days the people of Imo no reason why we cannot bring in agency strategic, forward and involved in long He has started looking the way of for- needs to know what is on ground. In the of government by way of interventions term plans. He is a man that runs a mar- eign investment in the State; he has also next 100 days Imo needs to know what through the budgetary provision every athon not hundred meters. He would al- made moves on dialogue. He has reached he has inherited. What we have financial- year to make sure that we have a hand ways make everyone that comes around out to the Commonwealth of Nations ly and otherwise. We need to know how shake with the State government by as- him politically feel like they have some- and as I speak with you now, he is also bad it is. In the next 100 days or one year sisting in some of those critical areas that thing to offer. in Germany exposing the potentials of we should seek people that would build need our attention. For instance, a road Politically, I think he’s a guru because our State and of course the East in gen- a team. We have to start looking at those that is very critical in the State, there’s no despite all the kind of politics that was eral. However, speaking on his campaign campaign promises whether he has met way we can’t bring in an agency of gov- played in the National Assembly yet his promises, I think he said he was going to our expectations. We also need to in- ernment to construct such a road. In fact, Excellency Ihedioha still came up on top. carry out some reforms of the local gov- crease our ideas but getting round pegs in we are all partners in progress in making While in the House, he chaired one of the ernment system. If he can deliver on two round holes. We have a very large infor- sure that the State is carried forward. grade ‘A’ committee- Marine Transport or three of his core campaign promises mal sector and we need to look into that committee and from there he became then there would be a trickle-down effect. too so that we can harness the potentials If you are to domicile your zonal in- Whip of the House and then leadership There is going to be a period of recon- that are lying fallow. His Excellency needs tervention fund in a particular project in came up. He always plays politics with struction in our civil service because it to clean up the State by also tackling the another constituency in your State will all sense of understanding. Since 1999 has been decimated. A lot of persons are issue of abandoned projects. If he can you be willing? Emeka Ihedioha has never done any- been owed pension and other allowances. only come up with clean and green ini- Absolutely, there’s nothing wrong in thing else outside politics. He does not Looking at the pedigree of Ndi-Imo that tiative while embarking on construction synergizing to make sure that we achieve even own a company name so has devot- are assembled in the transition commit- of roads in rainy season in the state so a common purpose. We would definitely ed all his time to politics and it has played tee, you will agree with me that we are that would it would not affect motorists want to work with our governor to ensure out for him. headed in the right direction. Though as plying those roads. Most importantly, if that we aggregate our zonal intervention a word of caution, you know that a ship only Ihedioha can expose the rot in the fund into one piece of critical infrastruc- How well do you think his political on the high sea does not make a complete system so that the people can know what ture. 8 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 9 Interview Ihedioha’s word is his bond –Ekeh Hon. Bede Ekeh is the member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala federal constituency in the House of Representatives. In this interview, he speaks of the capacity and preparedness of Emeka Ihedioha, the new governor of Imo State, to deliver good governance. Excerpts by LIZZY CHIRKPI:

Ekeh Ihedioha How would you describe the governor-elect tell the world I’m not owing anyone and just the in person of Emeka Ihedioha in one sentence? other day Zenith Bank comes out to say, you are Of course as you well know I succeeded him owing us N10 billion. So he doesn’t even know and he represented us for 12 years. He is some- the enormity of the challenges until he gets in one I know very well and I’m happy that such a there. person is coming into Imo at this critical time. However, in one sentence, I would like to say How do you think he can overcome all ‘he is a very straight forward man, his word is these challenges? his bond ‘. Well, Ihedioha would have to think outside the box, we are not saying it would be rosy but This is the first time an Mbiase person God would be with him. would emerge as governor of Imo State, how do you feel about it? Do you see him working with other politi- It is not about Mbaise here; it is about the cal parties both the main opposition party, the people of Ndi-Imo; common, we are not try- All Progressives Congress (APC)? ing to be clannish here. Yes the governor-elect Yes, look at his transition committee; it is from Aboh Mbiase but he is the governor of is made up of people from different political Imo people. However, there’s nothing wrong parties. I can tell you he is already collapsing that when you win an election your people all political parties and that is why people are would be happy, your family members would complaining. Though, I believe he is going to be happy and also your friends. I must say we engage technocrats irrespective of political af- are very elated by this win and even me per- filiations. sonally I’m so grateful for the people of Imo for what they have done. And I believe the peo- How can you lawmakers from Imo State ple of Imo have not made a mistake because assist his government to succeed? Ihedioha would make us proud. If we have the opportunity why not? We tried it with the outgoing administration but it Do you believe in him fulfilling his cam- never worked so we can still try same with him. paign promises? Rt Honourable Emeka Ihedioha is prepared I said it earlier, his word is his bond. I know and he has all the contacts. He has the strength Emeka Ihedioha is not God but I believe in across the divide. We all come from different everything he tells people because if he tells constituencies and these constituents are Imo you anything you can go to the bank with it. people so if we are in alliance, we see any proj- Anything he says whether you are there or not ect that can be attracted all we need do is to sit believe it. with him and tell him there’s an opening here and we need you to find a way so that our peo- What are your expectations of his govern- ple can benefit. It is just to come together and ment? agree viola and it will be done. However, good As you well know Imo has a lot of challeng- enough he is a legislator and once a legislator is es but like I said we can trust him and I believe always a legislator. in the knowledge and wisdom God has given to him. Though, the roads are terribly bad espe- Would you want to domicile you zonal in- cially internal roads within Owerri city. There tervention funds in a particular project in a are also some substandard roads constructed particular constituency? by this outgoing administration so I expect that That would be very nice because I remem- things should be done expressly to salvage the ber while he was here as the Chief Whip of the situation. We also have high expectations in the House of Representatives he sponsored the area of education, health and other sectors but Owerri/Elele road which was not even under let’s focus on rebuilding the internal roads for his constituency and it was done and today that free flow of traffic. I think there’s need for him road is beneficial to almost everybody that plies to move quickly and renovate some prima- the road. What he did then was to get the Imo ry schools because sometimes you see pupils caucus in the House to agree and approval was learning under trees. When we see these things given and today everyone is enjoying the road on Facebook it touches us. The primary health and not only people from Imo. centres must be revived. What advice would you like to give to the Do you see him having challenges in deliv- governor? ering on his campaign promises? I would say to whom much is given much Oh yes, the challenges are so enormous be- is expected. The people of Imo came out en cause nothing is working in Imo as a far as Bede masse in the last election to vote for him. People Ekeh is concerned. So nothing is really working were offered money but they looked the other so these challenges are there. Just imagine a sit- way and voted him out of love and trust so he uation where a state administrator comes out to should reciprocate same by remaining focused. 10 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 11 Interview Ihedioha is well prepared to govern Imo State –Ekwunife

Ekwunife Imo State Governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, receiving his Certificate of Return from INEC officials in Abuja

Sen. Uche Ekwunife (Iyom) is a long-time associate of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. She promises. His positive track record as the the people of Imo State would be able to served with him in the House of Representatives before her election to the Senate in Deputy Speaker House of Representative point to tangible physical and operational the 8th and 9th assemblies respectively. In this interview, she speaks of his leadership of Nigeria will go a long way in ensuring changes in the governance of their State. purposeful leadership for his people. He I expect to see very positive and pro- capacity and urges Imolites to support the governor to take Imo to greater heights. has a good head start by securing the gressive changes in Imo State within the Excerpts by TITILOPE FADARE: overwhelming mandate of the people in first 100days of the administration of His the election. I trust he can leverage on this Excellency Governor Emeka Ihedioha. Describe Emeka Ihedioha man in How well do you think his political situation to build a very healthy working one sentence? background will bear on the governance relationships with the other organs of Without any strings attached and in Emeka Ihedioha is a kind and com- of Imo state? government within the state. It is always a very objective sense what advice would passionate man who derives pleasure I believe his very rich and impressive advisable to anticipate and expect the you give to him going forward? from the service of his people and nation political background will definitely bear usual bureaucratic bottlenecks that may The advice I would give to him going building. positively on his governance of Imo State. delay the pace of delivering on the cam- forward is to build upon those personal- He will bring his wealth of experience paign promises. But I believe with his rich ity and character traits that have enabled How would you describe his leader- in public office to bear in ensuring that experience in governance, he would have him achieve such commendable success ship style and objectives? Imolites, under his administration, get no difficulty navigating through these in both his personal and political life. To He has an inclusive style of Leadership the best possible governance. I have no bottlenecks. always continue to prioritize the interests which strives to harness and bring out the doubt in my mind that he will do very and welfare of the good people of Imo best in everyone, regardless of their polit- well as the Executive Governor of Imo What do you expect of his govern- State who voted him into power. And to ical affiliations, for the ultimate achieve- State. ment in 100days; one year; and two endeavor to harness the best and most ment of a common goal. He is also re- years? qualified people to assist him in the gov- sult-oriented person. He has a very high Do you think he’d have some difficul- Well, that depends on his administra- ernance of the State, without regards to and commendable political acumen and ties delivering on his campaign promis- tion’s priorities, in line with their evalua- their political affiliations. And finally of a political net-worth which reflects his es? tion of the specific needs of the people of course, I would advise him to trust and widespread acceptance across political I do not think he will have any dif- Imo State. However, having said that, I ex- rely on God’s direction in his day to day divides. ficulties delivering on his campaign pect in the next 100days to two years, that activities.

and the land stations across the country. The Council is a participant to the TSA which adds to the GDP. Finally, The man Ihedioha with the dynamism in the maritime sub-sector, another agency could be created from this through raising another bill as the case may be. and how he will make As governor of Imo State, I do not anticipate any challenge for him in governance because he is a born Imo great again ‘go-getter’ and will start well and finish well by the grace of God. Progressively there will be a difference in governance By Opara Basil Ndubuisi I believe he will set a new pace in state during his tenure because that is why governance across the country. As he is “Ome nke ahuru anya.” is Excellency, Rt. Hon. chairman, House of Representatives Opara Ihedioha He also recorded several constitu- Emeka Ihedioha, CON, Committee on Marine Transport, he ency intervention projects including is a man with diplomatic made noticeable impacts by sponsor- created employment both directly and a jetty at Okpala, dredging of Oguta- Hmentality. I have known ing 8 bills some of which eventually indirectly. It has supported the en- Egbema inland waterways corridor, him for many years. He is someone became laws. As Chief Whip, he was hancement or improve of the custom and many others too numerous to who will prefer to teach you how to great; as Deputy Speaker wonderful! import duty collection because freight mention. fish rather than give you fish. He is a He sponsored the bill that led to forwarding have been professionalised Opara is Director, Regulation mentor. the establishment in 2007 and kick and integrity inputed in practitioners. and Enforcement and former Acting In terms of his political activities, off in 2009 of the Council for the On infrastructure, the Council can Registrar/CEO, Council for the he is in-charge at any point in time Regulation of Freight Forwarding in boast of 6 zonal offices and more than Regulation of Freight Forwarding in being very coordinated and visionary. Nigeria (CRFFN). The Council has 20 outpost offices at port (sea & air) Nigeria (CRFFN) 12 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 13 14 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 15 Cover Cover Who is Emeka Ihedioha? several personalities. The Summit pro- that really exemplified his sterling qual- CPA. He was the Leader of the Nigerian vided a veritable opportunity to chart ities. Under his leadership, the consti- Delegation to the 6th General Assembly the much-needed road-map for the ad- tution amendment process progressed of the International Parliamentary Emeka Ihedioha was born in 1965 vancement of the sector that had suffered remarkably with new innovations to Association for Information Technology, and hails from Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise due to lack of statutory support. make it a bottom-up exercise that placed Sofia, Bulgaria, 2008; Member, Executive Local Government Area of Imo State, Adherence to International a premium on the wishes and aspira- Committee of the CPA, Africa Region; Nigeria. He began his primary educa- Conventions: Ihedioha led the way in tions of the people. The Committee and and Leader, Nigerian Delegation to the tion at Town School, Mbutu in Aboh ensuring that Nigeria complied with indeed, the House, made a landmark 41st CPA, Mpumulangha, South Africa. Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo International Maritime Organization record of amending 71 Sections of the State, completed same at SDA Primary (IMO) Conventions and that these con- Constitution, which if adopted as part of Honours & Recognitions: School, Abule Oja, Yaba Lagos in 1976. ventions became part of our Municipal Nigeria’s Constitution would have repre- He then moved on to St. Ephraim’s Laws, through their domestication. sented the single largest amendment of Ihedioha holds the national honour Secondary School, Owerrinta in present These laws include: any Nigerian Constitution in history. The of Commander of the Order of the Niger Ihedioha: day Abia State for his secondary educa- • The International Convention for the highlight of the process was the highly (CON). He is a Fellow of the Chartered tion, rounding off his academic sojourn Safety of Life at Sea (Ratification and acclaimed Peoples Public Sessions held Institute of Shipping and also received in Nigeria with a Bachelor of Science (B. Enforcement) Act 2004 all over the country on November 10, the Distinguished Service Award of the Sc.) degree in Food Technology from the • The United Nations Convention 2012. This was a landmark achievement Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. University of Lagos. This was in 1988. He on Carriage of Goods by Sea as Nigerians in their various constituen- He was voted one of Nigeria’s 50 Most has also since taken courses at Stanford (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, cies had an opportunity to express their Outstanding Legislators (1999-2009) Rise of a University and Harvard University, re- 2005 views on how they should be governed. and has also been conferred with the spectively, both in the United States of • The International Convention for the Constituency Projects: Throughout Fellowships of the Nigerian Institute America as well as Oxford University Prevention of Pollution from Ships his stay at the National Assembly, Emeka of Food Science and Technology and Business School, London School of (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Ihedioha attracted and facilitated sev- Institute of Chartered Mediators and Economics and the University of British 2005 eral infrastructure projects and devel- Conciliators (ICMC). Columbia, Canada. • The International Convention opment programmes to his immediate He also holds several tradition- legislative on the Civil Liabilities for Oil constituency, Imo State and the South al titles and is a Knight of the Order Sojourn to the National Assembly Pollution Damage (Ratification and East geo-political zone at large. These of St. Christopher of the Anglican Enforcement) Act, 2006 include interstate and intra city roads, Communion. Ihedioha’s first taste of the National • International Convention on the power transmission/injection stations, Assembly came in 1992 when he Establishment of an International vocational/training centres, healthcare Journey to Douglas House and emerged as Press Officer to the then Fund for the Compensation for Oil facilities, schools, telecommunications, hope for the People of Imo President of the Senate, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Pollution Damage 1979 as amended and so on. icon from Within three months of this appoint- (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, It is to Ihedioha’s credit that the fed- Ihedioha first shot at Imo government, he was promoted to the position 2006 eral government embarked on the dual- ment House also known as Douglas was of Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy • International Ship and Port Facility ization of the Owerri-Elele road (Imo- in 2015 when he lost in controversial cir- President of the Senate, Senator Albert Security (ISPS) Code Rivers state) and the construction of the cumstances to Rochas Okorocha. Legogie, now late. 59 km, Mbaise ring road as well as the Ihedioha returned to the ring in 2019 Following the truncation of democ- Under his watch, two key legisla- Isinweke-Ihitte Uboma-Okigwe road and emerged as Imo State governor-elect National racy by the military in 1993, Ihedioha tions which reformed the maritime just to mention a few. following his victory at the poll. He returned to his public communications industry to allow for increased partic- In the area of capacity building, scored 273,404 votes to defeat 69 other practice as Chief Executive Officer of ipation of Nigerians were passed. The Ihedioha used personal and official con- candidates including Uche Nwosu of First Page Communications. In 1995, legislations are: the Nigerian Maritime tacts to facilitate the empowerment of Action Alliance, son-in-law to Governor he became Director of Publicity of the Administration and Safety Agency several women and youths through skills Okorocha who scored 190,364 votes. People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) (NIMASA) Act, 2007 and the Merchant acquisition, scholarship and trading sup- Despite voting overwhelmingly for which later metamorphosed into the Shipping Act, 2005. It is worthy to port. the former Deputy Speaker, it is not Assembly Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along- add that he also personally sponsored unexpected that some might harbour side four other organizations. and facilitated the passage into law of International Engagements doubts over the ability of Ihedioha to Following the return to democratic the bill that established the Council wield the proverbial magic wand to re- rule in 1999, Ihedioha again found rel- for Regulation of Freight Forwarding As Deputy Speaker, Ihedioha was the store Imo state to the path of prosperity evance. First, he was appointed Special (CRFFN) in Nigeria. It must be satisfy- Leader of Nigeria`s parliamentary dele- after a chastening era of “iberiberism”. Assistant to the Presidential Adviser on ing to him to see what NIMASA has be- gation to the Third Legislative Session of Nevertheless, if previous accom- to Imo Utilities (July 1999); Special Assistant on come as a vibrant and important agency the ECOWAS Parliament (2011 – 2015). plishments, track record, integrity and Media and Publicity to the President of of government today. He also doubled as the Deputy Leader leadership experience at the very high- Senate (November 1999); and eventual- Chief whip of the House: Following of the Nigerian delegation to the Inter est level are anything to go by, Imolites ly Special Assistant on Political Matters a brief stint as the first Chairman, Parliamentary Union (IPU) between can undoubtedly look forward to a new to the Vice President (September 2001). House Committee on Cooperation and 2011-2015. dawn under the stewardship of Emeka It was from this last assignment in the Integration Ihedioha was later elected In the 6th National Assembly, Ihedioha. As shown above, Ihedioha has Govt Office of Vice President Atiku Abubakar Chief Whip of the House. He held that Ihedioha was at the head of several excelled in every position he has held that he contested election and won a position from 2007 – 2011. delegations of the Commonwealth and looks set to leave an seat into the House of Representatives In his capacity as Chief Whip, Parliamentary Association enduring impact in as Member representing Aboh Mbaise/ Ihedioha served as Chairman of various (CPA) to many what is arguably Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency of Ad-Hoc Committees of the House, in- Commonwealth his highest “call- Imo State in 2003 under the platform of cluding Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee nations in Africa, ing” yet. t h e P D P. on Constituency Projects (2007-2008); Europe, Asia and House Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee on the the Pacific, in 12 years of sterling legislative Celebration of Ten Years of Unhindered his capacity as achievements: Legislative Practice in Nigeria (1999- the President of 2009); Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee the Nigeria During his spell at the House of on Process and Procedure for Obtaining chapter of By Damilola Adeniran Representatives from 2003 to 2015, Local and Foreign Loans; and Chairman, Ihedioha recorded tremendous achieve- Sub-Committee on the Review of Police ments in his legislative duties in Abuja Act. rderPaperToday – For many politi- and in enhancing the fortunes of his con- Tenure as Deputy Speaker: On the cians, getting into the Senate or House of stituency back home. 6th day of June, 2011 Ihedioha was elect- Representatives would be the peak of their First International Maritime ed unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of careers and perhaps the highlight of a life- Summit: Ihedioha was the Chairman the House of Representative by his col- time. In a country with an estimated popu- of the House Committee on Marine leagues even though the PDP had zoned lationO of 190 million people, only 469 persons (0.00026%) Transport between 2003 and 2007. the position to a different region of the make it to the National Assembly every four years. In April, 2004, he convened the first country. The principled stand of the However, within this elite group, a select (or elected) International Maritime Summit, in House members was seen as an affirma- few manage to accomplish the feat of graduating from the Abuja, an event that brought togeth- tion of implicit confidence in the leader- National Assembly to elected executive positions as exam- er for the very first time to the shores ship credentials of Ihedioha. ples of successful leadership recruitment. Former Deputy of Nigeria, international and local re- Chairman House Ad-Hoc Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has source persons in the maritime sector. Committee on Constitution Review: just joined this graduate class following his victory at the Among the dignitaries that attended the As Deputy Speaker, Ihedioha served as Imo State governorship poll held on March 9 and subse- summit were the then Vice President of Chairman, House Ad-Hoc Committee quent swearing-in as governor of Imo State on May 29, Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, then Secretary on Legislative Agenda. However, it was 2019. General of IMO, late Admiral Mike his role as Chairman House Ad-Hoc Akhigbe and Obi of Onitsha among Committee on Constitution Review 16 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 17 18 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 19 Profile Meet Gerald Irona, Imo State Deputy Governor By Walter Duru paralyzed the socio-economic and political activities of Nigeria. The House t. Hon. Engr. Alphonsus of Representatives rose to the occasion Gerald Irona, a and set up an 8-man Ad Hoc com- Chemical Engineer by mittee to investigate the fuel subsidy training, was born to the payment. Hon. Irona’s integrity and family of Irona, Okorua outstanding qualities also won him Rof Umuoyata village, Oguta and membership of this committee whose Nwayiafor Irona (nne) Uneanya, on activities were topical and dominant August 1st, 1966. discourse in Nigeria. It is heart-warm- As a young man of promise ing to note that Hon. Irona executed caught out for greatness, Hon. Irona his duty in this committee with good Alphonsus Gerald ventured into poli- sense of responsibility and as a man of tics and during his early years in poli- proven integrity, was not involved in tics, was elected a two-term Councilor alleged bribery scandals that involved representing Oguta Ward A in 1996 the leadership of the committee. and 1997 respectively. Later in 1998, he became the youngest State Secretary MOTIONS SPONSORED of the All Peoples Party (APP), which later became all Nigeria Peoples Party Hon. Alphonsus Gerald Irona, no (ANPP). doubt, proved his legislative imprints, In 1999, Hon. Irona contested and though a first timer, with several peo- won a seat in the Imo State House of ple-oriented motions. He also co-spon- Assembly to represent Oguta State sored numerous other motions, such Constituency. During the period, he as: was Chairman of the House Committee • Motion of urgent national im- on Petroleum, Environment and portance on the need for Federal Energy; a position he used to concep- Government’s Intervention on dev- tualize, initiate and midwife the first astation of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/ ever Memorandum of Understanding Oru West communities by flood between Oil Companies operating in disaster of 2012 Imo State and their host Communities, • Shell Livewire Nig. Ltd. Programme notable among which were: the aimed at empowering the Youths of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Oil Producing Areas in Nigeria but and Oguta/Etekwuru Communities; regrettably excluded Oil producing Chevron Oil Company Izombe/ areas in Ohaji/Egbema-Oguta Oru Rumuekuneke communities, Addax West Federal Constituency and Petroleum Limited and Izombe/Ezi- Ukwa in Abia State. The Motion Orsu communities. which received unanimous consent Hon. Irona, as a result of his ro- and approval by members of the bust contributions in the state legis- Federal House was meant to cor- lature (Imo State House of Assembly) rect the anomaly in the exclusion of was appointed member, Presidential Imo and Abia States. Committee on Verification of Oil Wells • Motion in respect of Minimum in the Niger Delta, where he made Wage, aimed at ensuring the var- enormous and spectacular contribu- ious state governments do not tions to the process of the identifica- renege on the minimum wage tion, demarcation and return of ceded agreed with Labour Organization Oil Wells in Egbema and Oguta Oil in Nigeria. fields back to Imo State. • Motion on the need to halt incessant He was also one of the pioneer van- selling of Federal Government’s as- guards for the establishment of the 13% sets by multinational Oil compa- Oil Derivation, which later metamor- nies. phosed into Imo State Oil Producing Irona • Motion on incessant killing of hu- Areas Development Commission man beings and wanton destruc- (ISOPADEC). He also led the strug- Erudite, versatile, intelligent and SELECTION COMMITTEE. This tion of property by rival cult groups gle for the inclusion of Imo State knowledge-driven, Hon. Irona, in Committee was saddled with the re- at Obiakpu Egbema in Ohaji/ as member state of the Niger Delta 2011 contested and won election to sponsibility of dividing the entire Egbema-Oguta-Oru West Federal Development Commission (NDDC). represent Oguta/Ohaji Egbema/Oru House membership into different Constituency. In the later part of 2003, Hon. Irona West Federal Constituency in the committees to oversight the differ- Etc. was appointed Chairman, Transition Hallowed Chambers of the House ent ministries, departments, agencies All these motions received express Committee of Oguta LGA. He later of Representatives of the Federal (MDAs) and activities of the Federal approvals by members of the Federal made history as the first Executive Republic of Nigeria. Soon after the Republic of Nigeria. He was also the House and were referred) to appropri- Chairman in Oguta LGA to be elect- inauguration and proclamation of the Deputy Chairman, House Committee ate committees for action ed un-opposed between 2004 and 7th National Assembly on June 6, 2011, on Gas Resources, as well as a mem- Hon. Irona focused on the most 2007. During the period, Hon. Irona Hon. Irona, no doubt, as a result of his ber of other strategic Committees like pressing problems of the federal con- brought life into governance of Oguta charisma, experience, humility, expo- Power, NDDC, Petroleum Upstream, stituency and has a robust scorecard. Local Government Council through sure, courage and contact was privi- Local content, Sports, Privatization He is a Christian of Roman Catholic his people-oriented programmes. He leged to be selected by the leadership and Commercialization, Housing and faith and married with children. systematically changed the way the of the House of Representatives to be Habitat in the 7th National Assembly. Irona is a brilliant, transparent and local government was run by making a member and the sole representative visionary leader. With him as Deputy a shift from the existing bureaucratic of the entire South East Geopolitical More so, following the initial Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha is red-tapism to a vibrant entrepreneurial Zone comprising of Imo, Ebonyi, withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the sure of a dependable ally that shares in administration that empowered and Abia, Enugu and Anambra States, Federal Government, there was his vision. developed the entire Oguta LGA. in the very important and sensitive a nationwide strike that almost Imo is indeed liberated. 20 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 21 Profile Profile Ihedioha will definitely rebuild Imo as promised during the campaign –Ogulewe Ihedioha Tell us about how the Ihedioha ma- Dr. Sunny Ogulewe is an astute administrator and technocrat in politics. He has worked very closely with the Governor-elect of Imo chinery pulled through the governorship State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, for a decade and understands his idiosyncrasies and personality. He also played very vital roles in campaign? We visited the 305 electoral wards in the securing victory for the PDP in the last general elections in the state. In this interview, he assures that the newly crowned leader of state twice: once before the primary, and an- the state will deliver democracy dividends to Ndi Imo. Excerpts by Majeed Bakare: other after the primary. No other candidate did that: we were able to interact with ordi- not backed by law, we must take deliberate nary people at the grassroots; we sat down steps, and legal steps, constitutional steps to with them in the town halls, in their villages, address them. Imo is not a poor state; it is and the we discussed with them, we tried to find a potentially rich state if the resources avail- out what were their expectations, challeng- able are properly harnessed and properly es, we were able to harvest their concerns channeled our young men and women are about governance generally in the state, and very skilled; when you talk about unem- gave them assurances, and they believed ployment, people are looking at government in us. And they deposited their votes, we work, unemployment are of different types, did not play elite politics, the people them- an artisan can be unemployed if there are no selves were the people who defended their constructions going on anywhere, he is un- votes, we did not pay anybody money to employed, a carpenter can be unemployed Task defend the votes. You can imagine that af- if there are no jobs to do, a graduate can be ter the elections, people bused themselves unemployed if there are no government to Owerri; we had over 6,000 people at the jobs to do. It is a general problem, but when INEC’s office, chanting songs, saying look, you create an enabling environment for we must have our results, give us our results, small businesses to thrive, unemployment the support we enjoyed from the ordinary will go down, under this administration, he people is unimaginable, if the result had (Okorocha) spent billions to import desks gone the other way, Imo would have been for primary school students from China, Ahead caught in crisis. imported school uniforms from China, imported shoes from China, if he had giv- What was the message that connected en these contracts to our carpenters in Imo By Olusegun Adeniyi with the people? state, they will buy the wood from Benin, The message was that: look, this is your Ogulewe Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha bring it to Owerri, they would employ ex- fter eight years of own government, so already, there is con- tra hands to assist, the woman selling puff ‘Iberiberism’, a mean- cern that this government, the Okorocha of the House, being the Chief Whip of the these are not issues you will carry out all at puff, people will patronize her, the women ingless term which government in the state, has performed House, before becoming the deputy speaker, once, but there are critical access roads that selling pour water, people will patronize her, nonetheless could be very badly, the people were alienated, they and in that positions, there are elements of we must address. If it rains today, the whole the people who sell fuel, they will gain, be- interpreted as in-your- only hear about government on the radio, executive powers, managing people, man- street will be flooded, there are several roads cause they will buy fuel into the generators Aface cronyism and total disregard for it was not reaching them, infrastructures aging resources, managing conflicts, and I that when you open them up, it will ease to work, people who will load the desk in- process and the rule of law, the people break down, the free education was in the can tell you that the 6th and 7th Assemblies traffic, the roads are already there, but they side buses will get engaged, the only thing of Imo State expect a new lease of life realm of propaganda, workers were not paid where he was the Chief Whip and Deputy are in bad shape. We should be able to take our people got was offloading those items; beginning from today as Hon Emeka as at when due, and when paid, they receive Speaker respectively, those assemblies are care of small roads; we should be able to he has denied our people employment and Ihedioha takes over from Chief half salaries, pensioners were not receiving still regarded as the best ever that has ever create access. Secondly, Rochas claimed he tax, because if you give somebody contract, Rochas Okorocha as their Governor. anything, and the people said, what kind of been produced till today. If you ask anybody built 27 hospitals across the state which is a he will pay tax, you imported these things at For Ihedioha, the public expectation governance is this? Let us have a govern- now that who is the deputy speaker of the fallacy; what we saw during the campaign your own price, it was not competitive, the is huge even with all the landmines ment that will listen to us, that can deliver House, they would still believe that it is the was block works, none of the 27 hospitals people were not given value for their money, that have been laid by his predecessor. on the promises; that can deliver democrat- man with the green cap, because, he glam- is functioning. Today Imo has no primary if you give people contract, people will pay But he also has a unique opportunity ic dividends, because Rochas came with so ourised the office; he really gave life to that hospital that is functional, that is why you their dues, people will be engaged, revenue to make a difference in the lives of the much hype and eventually he failed the peo- office, in fact, his accomplishments as the can hardly find a bed space at the Federal will be generated, several businesses have people of a state that has been badly ple. People lost their lands; people lost their deputy speaker of the House still resonates Medical Center Owerri. Our people are left Imo state because of insecurity, if there is governed. properties; Court judgments were disre- today. Remember he was the Chairman of suffering, people die of minor diseases that security, people will bring their businesses; Governor Ihedioha, as he becomes garded; there was general discontent among the constitutional amendment committee could be solved by doctors, so one of the is- for instance, the poultry built by Mbakwe, today, has set out an ambitious agenda Imo citizens and they felt that there must be and was able to drive the House to visit ev- sues we must address is primary health care if that poultry is functional, it will employ for revamping several critical sectors a change, and they bought into our agenda ery constituency across the country to know services, if we are able to get them working, between 500-1000 people, outside other with the mission to “rebuild, reposi- that we need to retake our state back, and their views about the constitutional amend- people can have access, so that the burden ancillary employment that will come out. tion and transform Imo state into a rebuild it. ment. Those views were collated and formed on FMC could be less. So these are the Government should only employ a limited modern ecosystem for agriculture, the part and parcel of the constitutional three key areas that are important and we percentage of the people. education, health, industry, tourism, As a man that has worked closely with amendment proposal. So it (executive) is are going to address them. As it is, Rochas sports, entertainment, human capital him, who is the man Ihedioha? not a strange area for him. Besides, Rt. Hon. is busy creating problems for us, he is em- How is Mr. Ihedioha going to handle development, science and technolo- He is a very honest person very ac- Emeka Ihedioha has this capacity to shop for ploying people into public service, last week these issues as they relate to rule of law and gy; thereby creating an enabling en- tion-driven, very focused, develop- people with capacity to help him do his job, he employed over 300 people in one of the liaison with the legislature? vironment for sustainable economic ment-oriented, the man who would tell you is not enough to be a Chief executive, but agencies of government, and backdated I was privileged to be part of the meet- growth and quality life for our peo- this and do it.....he is not a politician (in the you must have the capacity to shop for the it to 2016, giving command promotions, ing he held with the newly elected mem- ple”. He will need all the help and re- strict sense of the word). I do tell him that he people that will help you to do the job; you he wants to do that this week, he is trying bers of the state House of Assembly- PDP sources he can get to accomplish that Ihedioha is not a politician because while politicians cannot do it alone, it is about the people to pull funds out of the state, from banks, members, about 13 of them and he made it task. Fortunately, he has in Hon. Irona will promise you aircraft and not even give What should Imo people expect in his under fictitious guise, put debt upon the in- clear to them, he is a legislator up till now, it Alphonsus Gerald a deputy who is first day and N500 million on the sec- questions should be asked about how accountable for the money of Imo you a beetle (Volkswagen beetle), Emeka first 100 days in office; what are the 3 key coming administration, we have the issue of is an institution that made him what he is both brilliant and cool-headed and ond day and all these monies were dis- Okorocha abused power to feather State he held in trust while Ihedioha’s will tell you, I cannot give you an aircraft areas of impact? labour issue, how do you reconcile that peo- now, and that he is prepared to work with will compliment him in the task of bursed in a manner that was honestly private interest, Ihedioha and his team efforts are geared towards fulfilling his but I can give you a bicycle, and people be- The first thing we discovered during ple who are just employed a month to the them, that he will respect the separation of repositioning Imo State for peace and unpalatable,” said the EFCC’s South must also understand that looking campaign promises. lieve him, that is Emeka for you, very honest campaign was the dearth of trust in gover- end of a government, will you sack them? powers, he will respect it, and he expects prosperity. East Zonal Office, Usman Imam, who back while running, as convention- On a final note, let me state that person, very focused person, very articulate nance; people no longer trust their leaders them to respect the principle of separation The immediate challenge is deal- disclosed further that Okorocha ware- al wisdom teaches, can also be cata- I have many friends in public offices and very deliberate in action, very bold and again because they have been told lies over What will you advise the government of power and he will do everything to en- ing with the legacy of Okorocha. Last housed the money until the election strophic. So, while I have no problem across Nigeria, including in the posi- fearless person. and over again. The first step is to make to do? courage them, to do the right thing. And he week, the Economic and Financial period, apparently in a futile bid to in- with interrogating the past, the main tion of governor. But there is none so the people believe in the new government, It is a problem the government must will not fear to scold them when they do the Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed stall his son-in-law as successor. preoccupation should not be about close to me as Ihedioha and his wife, Beyond honesty, Ihedioha has spent a make them buy into the new agenda that find a way around; we must be transparent wrong thing, at the same time, he is going to how Okorocha fiddled with part of I am sure that the new administra- what Okorocha did or did not do; it Ebere who is now the First Lady of better party of his political career in the leg- this government is about them, we will in what we are doing, we must give justice, respect the autonomy of local government, the N8 billion Paris Club Refund from tion will find a lot more scandals in a should be about changing the para- Imo State. They are both good people islature. How is the transition going to be make them believe us, trust us, when you but we must be transparent and deliberate, he will encourage them to spend their funds the federal government to assist in the state where the main preoccupation in digm of governance in the state and saddled with enormous responsibility. like in the executive? do this, government becomes much more no government can succeed by leaning to within the bounds of the law. So he is going payment of workers’ salaries in Imo recent years has been to erect monu- creating new dynamics. The EFCC I will be praying for their success. I do not think it’s going to be a difficult easier. What we discovered during the sentiment, we must be deliberate, if the ac- to respect separation of powers, that he will state. “Within two days, N700 million ments to waste and where everything should be allowed to complete what Adeniyi is chairman of THISDAY one. While as a member of the National campaign is that our roads are in terrible tions he has taken so far are legitimate, and do, and he expects them to respect the same was withdrawn in cash; N200m on the revolved around one family. While it has started on making Okorocha editorial board Assembly, he was first a principal officer situation, our access roads to the rural areas, backed by law, well and fine, but if they are principle. 22 TODAY | May 29, 2019 May 29, 2019 | TODAY 23 Waste and Revenue Leakages Hamper Development TODAY Stand Up for Fiscal Discipline May 29, 2019 Stand Up Against Corruption Support Government to Serve You Better

This message is by the Fiscal Responsibility GuestColumnist Commission (FRC). Hon. Victor Afam Ogene Ihedioha: From the Green Chamber to Douglas House work as a team as he disclosed in piloting the affairs of the state by hen the Imo that in the course of the cam- Mbakwe, is still celebrated by the peo- state electorate paign, “we promised good ple, years after his demise. That has also chose the Rt. governance while stimulating formed the benchmark for assessing Hon. Emeka development in all sectors successive administrations in the state.” Ihedioha as and across all the zones of our Beyond fashioning a suitable eco- their next gov- dear state.” nomic template that take Imo state And because of the ur- out of the woods, this is the time, Your ernor,W at the last election, it was a bold gency to turn around the for- Excellency, to deploy your leadership statement anchored on an informed tunes of the state, the passion, skills and talent to unite, mobilize and judgement. Their action was a clear apprehension and interest of galvanize the good people of Imo state message that “leadership is a serious many Imo indigenes to see for the good of the state. business that is sustained by trust and that the pitfalls of the past It is already a consensus among the evaluated by its level of responsibility were avoided, have become people that Imo needs healing. There is and responsiveness.” very palpable. an urgent need to rebuild trust among That apparently was the verdict that I think I am in agreement the people, for them to have faith in your ensured that the people openly reject- with one of such Imo sons, leadership. This trust building must be- ed Uche Nwosu, the son in-law of the Obi Nwakanma, who had gin with consultations and listening to outgoing governor, Rochas Okorocha, proposed in an open letter the people in order to appreciate their who he had presented as his preferred to Ihedioha thus: “I think unique challenges, wishes and aspira- candidate, on account of the perceived that irrespective of what your tions which will in turn guide the policy recklessness of the administration and technical committee pro- thrust of your government. its apparent disconnect from the people. vides for you, you already By carrying the people along, giving The election presented the needed have some distinguished them sense of belonging and working platform for self examination in retro- templates from which to for their common good, you will be spect, for the people of the state, over design your programs. I strengthening their belief in democracy the mandate they had given to the gov- think you must borrow and and its uplifting principles that make the ernor in the past. And in what could be hybridize five playbooks – people the bedrock of democratic prac- likened to a referendum, they spoke in Azikiwe’s “Eastern Nigerian tice. unison about the path they desire the Economic Development and Let fairness, justice and equity shape state to travel, going forward, especially Reconstruction plan, 1954- your leadership ethos. But I don’t have as they were obviously dissatisfied with 1964” which was fully im- any iota of doubt that you will make your how the affairs of the state was managed plemented by Dr. Okpara, people proud, as your time in the lead- by Governor Okorocha, in the past eight Ihedioha for its visionary impetus, ership of the House of Representatives the Ojukwu War Action plan authored have sufficiently prepared you for the years. triumphed over 60 formidable oppo- by Dr. Pius Okigbo, which turned the task ahead, the same way it prepared And their collective resolve was a nents from other political parties and East into a vast workshop, the Ukpabi your good friend, Governor Aminu nod for a new order. New vision. New persuasions, which included a former Asika postwar Reconstruction pro- Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of direction, inspired by the belief that Imo governor, former ranking senators, gram, with its bold economic and social the House, in taking Sokoto state to a state deserves better. And that with a boardroom titans, businessmen and initiatives, and the Imo state Economic path of sustainable development. more responsible leadership that would even the clergy. Development plan of the Mbakwe ad- So, my dear brother, boss and for- make the interest and wellbeing of the Many commentators have, there- ministration. These plans, with a few mer colleague, I urge you to roll up your people the overriding priority of gov- fore, posited that all eyes would be on contemporary tweaks, are still pro- sleeve, and get to work, because the task ernment, Imo would, in no distant time, Ihedioha and Imo state, especially as the foundly brilliant, far-reaching and rele- ahead, going forward, calls for total regain its pride of place in the nation. pre election controversies that engulfed vant.” commitment, focus, courage and dy- Urbane, savvy, articulate and astute, the state and the controversial public It is imperative to note that any mean- namism, that will have no room for dis- Ihedioha presents a fresh hope for this image of his predecessor have combined ingful future programmes and projec- tractions that may arise from avoidable collective desire for fresh reinvention, to turn Imo into a state of interest in nations could benefit from the values and bickering, rancour and other inanities reinvigoration and re-engineering of the tional political discourse. wisdoms of history, as Nwakanma, has of politics. creative energy of the state that would Notedly, Ihedioha is not unaware suggested. The late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, for Widely hailed as Igwe during his engender development, prosperity and of this unpleasant narrative. He under- instance, remains a positive reference time as deputy speaker, Ihedioha is in- progress in the state. stands, through his training and prac- point in administrative acumen, lead- structively, not associated with the tra- The choice of Ihedioha, the candidate tice as a veteran journalist, frontline ership and development foresight, in the ditional red cap which defines royalty; of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), legislator and former Deputy Speaker, recent history of Imo state. instead, he adorns the Green cap, which therefore, was a consensus endorsement House of the Representatives, that this In fact, it was documented that “At symbolises vegetation and regeneration. for quality leadership, doggedness, loy- mandate comes with big responsibilities creation in 1976, Imo was completely Therefore, as he mounts the saddle on alty, creativity, and perseverance. It was and very high expectations. bare and bereft of infrastructure, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 as Governor - a vote for a man whose aspiration came Speaking recently during the inau- account of the 1967 – 1970 Civil War, with his traditional green cap perched with years of strategic networking and guration of his transition committee, he which affected most communities in the on his head - Imolites can be rest assured preparedness for leadership. And given promised to turn what he called the bad old Eastern Region. But with Mbakwe’s that the urgent task of Rebuilding Imo his well-known antecedent as a trust news of the state to a good story. Adding election in 1979, in a period of four has started in earnest! bearer, Ihedioha’s fidelity to genuinely that he would be leveraging the experi- years, the state had outpaced even the Hon. Ogene, a former newsmag- be of service to ndi Imo cannot be of any ences of many professionals who were older counterparts, including those that azine Editor, was Deputy Chairman, doubt. indigenes of the state to change the “bad did not witness the war in terms of de- Media & Public Affairs committee, The nod given to Ihedioha to pilot news of the state.” velopment. That deployment of energy House of Representatives, Abuja, 2011- the affairs of the state, however, didn’t In doing that he assured that his ad- and exhibition of committed leadership 2015. come on a platter. He worked hard and ministration would consult widely and Get up-to-the-minute updates on the Parliament on ORDERPAPER.NG | Follow on Twitter and Facebook @OrderPaper