Uzodimma: What Do They Still Say He Is Doing in Abuja?
By: Ambrose Nwaogwugwu.
Last Wednesday, during the first anniversary of the #PeoplesGovernor Hope Uzodimma’s Thanksgiving Mass at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, the Archbishop, His Grace Most Revd (Dr.) Lucius Ugorji, in his homily, advised our Governor to be more frequently present in Imo State rather than spending so much time in Abuja. However, in his characteristic forthrightness, the #PeoplesGovernor offered a response that set the record straight: Imo State is one of the sub-nationals that make up Nigeria, and for any state to derive the maximum benefits from the federal system, its leadership must maintain a robust presence at the national level.
Governor Uzodimma’s response was not only logical but also insightful. He reminded His Grace—and by extension all Imolites—that his roles as the Progressive Governors Forum Chairman and the South-East Governors Forum Chairman necessitate frequent engagements at the national level. This is aside from his strategic presence in Abuja, which has proven indispensable for attracting unprecedented federal government interventions to our state.
While we are not here to directly counter the Archbishop’s advice, it is imperative to debunk the misconceptions being peddled by detractors about the Governor’s frequent stays in Abuja. If anything, the results speak for themselves. Imo State has never had it this good in terms of federal presence.
Let’s revisit our recent political history: we had a governor who served for eight years under the same party as the ruling federal government, yet there was no tangible federal project to show for it. Compare that to the five years of the #PeoplesGovernor, and the difference is crystal clear. In just five years, Governor Hope Uzodimma has delivered on numerous federal projects that were previously considered unattainable:
1. The Dredging of the Oguta/Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean: This monumental project, which holds immense economic and environmental benefits, is now a reality under his watch.
2. The Conversion of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education: For over 20 years, this proposal lingered without action until the political will of Governor Uzodimma brought it to fruition.
3. The Conversion of the Federal Medical Centre to a Federal University Teaching Hospital: Another groundbreaking achievement that underscores the Governor’s commitment to the health and education sectors.
4. The Reconstruction of Owerri-Port Harcourt and Owerri-Aba Roads: These critical infrastructure projects have restored pride and functionality to major transportation routes in the state.
5. The Establishment of a New Federal Medical Centre in Okigwe: Just days ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the bill for this project, championed by none other than Imo’s representatives and facilitated by the Governor’s effective lobbying.
6. The Acquisition of the Egbema Power Plant by the State from the Federal Government: This ongoing project is poised to revolutionize power supply in Imo State by providing uninterrupted electricity, 24/7, to Imolites—a dream that is fast becoming a reality under the #PeoplesGovernor.
These are just a few ,amongst other intangibles, of the dividends of democracy that Imo State has enjoyed under Governor Uzodimma, thanks to his strategic engagement with the national government.
As the Governor rightly noted, leadership such as governing a state is not about how frequently you stay home but about the impact your leadership delivers. A true leader must leverage every available opportunity to uplift their people. For informed Imolites who understand the power dynamics at the federal level, the call would not be for the Governor to stay home but rather to increase his presence in Abuja to secure even more benefits for the state.
Being in Abuja has not hindered the payment of workers’ salaries. It has not slowed down the war against insecurity. It has not slowed the pace of the numerous ongoing infrastructural projects across the state. In fact, these projects are progressing simultaneously, affirming that governance at home is uninterrupted.
If staying in Abuja more frequently ensures that Imo State gets its fair share of the national cake, then what exactly should he be doing at home? The Governor’s primary responsibility is to use his office to improve the lives of Imolites, and he is doing just that.
The reward for good work is more work. And in this context, good work means staying at the epicenter of decision-making to attract more benefits to Imo State. As illustrated in the attached achievements, the dividends of Governor Uzodimma’s strategic presence in Abuja are unmatched.
So, the next time anyone asks, “What is he still doing in Abuja?” the answer is clear: he is doing the work that ensures Imo State takes its rightful place on the national stage.
Long live Imo State! Long live His Grace. Long live the #PeoplesGovernor. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
– Ambrose Nwaogwugwu is the Senior Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Electronic and Creative Media.
