By Prof. Protus Nathan Uzorma
As Imo State hurtles towards the 2027 gubernatorial succession, the air is thick with anticipation and speculation. The question on everyone’s lips is: who will succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma? The stakes are high, and the expectations are even higher. As the great philosopher, Niccolò Machiavelli once said, “The prince who relies on fortune is destroyed as soon as it changes.” In this context, the next governor of Imo State must be someone who can navigate the complex web of politics and fortune.
The people of Imo State are looking for a leader with good character, someone who has the capacity to hold on to power and wield it for the greater good. This is not just about politics; it’s about the future of the state. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Leadership is about making choices that will impact the lives of others.” The next governor must be willing to make tough decisions, prioritize the people, and demonstrate leadership charisma. According to Thomas Jefferson, “The care of human life and happiness is the most important business of government.” The people of Imo State expect a governor who can deliver on the promises of development, security, and prosperity. We want someone who like Gov. Hope, understands the dynamics of modern politics and can navigate the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that define the state’s political landscape.
Governor Hope Uzodimma is doing his part, and 2027, shall be time for the baton to be passed. As the saying goes (in the esoteric philosophy), “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” The people of Imo State will soon be ready for a new leader, someone who can build on the foundations laid and take the state to another greater height. However, what Gov. Hope is not saying is who the next governor is.
The history of Imo State is replete with leaders who have made significant contributions, but the current moment demands a unique blend of vision, courage, and wisdom. As Barack Obama once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” The next governor of Imo State must be the change that is added to the change we are witnessing. If Chief Uzodimma is not talking about who this continued change is, then there’s something he’s not saying. I’m convinced that Gov. Hope will not allow anyone no matter the zone he comes from to destroy the strong socio-political foundation he has laid in Imo to be destroyed. Gov. Hope should endeavour to accomplish the task so that the next governor in 2027 would be the change that’s added to the change
Leadership is not just about power; it’s about service. The next governor must be someone who understands this fundamental truth and is willing to serve the people with humility and dedication. As Lao Tzu put it, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” The political landscape of Imo State is complex, with various interest groups and stakeholders vying for influence. How many of them can people barely know they exist? Almost all our political leaders are known for noise making. The case of Imo is a different thing because infrastructure and good road constructions and advanced economic development speak volume. The next governor must be someone who will continue to navigate these choppy waters with ease, building alliances and forging partnerships that will drive development and progress.
In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” The people of Imo State expect a government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people. They want a governor who will listen to their concerns, address their needs, and represent their interests just as Gov. Hope Uzodimma is presently doing.
As Imo State looks towards 2027, the field is wide open, and the possibilities are endless. Who will emerge as the next governor? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the people of Imo State are ready for a leader who embodies the values of integrity, vision, and service.
The journey to 2027 is gradually beginning, and the eyes of the nation are on Imo State. The next governor will be someone who can inspire, motivate, and lead the people towards a brighter future. As the saying goes, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Any governor that is not ready to create the future should not ever attempt to indicate interest in the governorship race. The people of Imo State are ready to continuously create a better future; they just need the right leader to guide them just as Gov. Uzodimma is doing presently.
There is no doubt that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s tenure in Imo State has been marked by significant achievements, particularly in infrastructure development and economic growth. Since taking office in 2020, Uzodimma has completed over 130 major roads, transforming the state’s landscape and boosting trade. His administration has also prioritized internally generated revenue (IGR) growth, ensuring timely payment of salaries, with workers even receiving 13 months’ pay in some instances.
Uzodimma’s success is noteworthy, especially considering the historical trend in Imo State where no governor has successfully produced a successor. Previous governors, including Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, and Rochas Okorocha, failed to achieve this feat. As Uzodimma approaches the 2027 elections, speculation is rife about his potential impact on this trend.”Power in Imo is never transferred by decree,” notes an investigative report by Uzodimma’s alignment with the federal government and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes could be crucial factors in his favour.
Uzodimma’s leadership style is characterized by quiet determination and strategic planning. He has focused on delivering tangible results, earning him recognition as a “silent achiever” and a “visionary champion of progress”. His administration has also made strides in healthcare, education, and security, with initiatives like the Imo State Health Insurance Agency and the SkillUp Imo programme. However, it’s imperative that the governor’s attention is drawn to the plouring state of primary education in rural areas. The dilapidated buildings, the lack of infrastructure, and the deplorable conditions of some of our primary schools are a stark contrast to the modern roads being built across the state. It’s a glaring disparity that demands urgent attention.
The recent employment of teachers is a welcome development, but it’s just a drop in the ocean. What good is a teacher without a classroom to teach in? What good is a student without a conducive environment to learn in? The governor’s good office is being appealed to, to declare a state of emergency in our primary education system. It’s time to prioritize the future of our children and give them the best possible start in life.
The primary schools in our rural areas are the foundation upon which the future of Imo State is being built. They need our attention, they need our support, and they need it now. The governor’s infrastructure development drive is commendable, but let’s not forget the classrooms, the laboratories, and the playgrounds that are crying out for attention. Let’s give our children a fighting chance and provide them with the best possible education.
The governor’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with awards for excellence in health insurance, fiscal transparency, and overall leadership. As Uzodimma looks to the future, he is well-positioned to break the succession curse in Imo State and that is what he is not saying. In the words of Nigerian philosopher, Chinua Achebe, “The man who does not know where the rain began to beat him cannot say where it stopped raining.” Uzodimma’s understanding of Imo’s history and his commitment to its development suggest he might be the one to chart a new course beyond 2027, though not like Wike.
Uzodimma’s Imo Digital Economy Agenda and investments in infrastructure have positioned the state as a potential digital hub in Africa. His focus on sustainable development and economic diversification is expected to drive growth and prosperity. As Imo State celebrates its 50th anniversary, Uzodimma’s leadership is seen as a turning point. His achievements demonstrate that with visionary governance, even the most challenging environments can be transformed.
The question on everyone’s mind is: Will Uzodimma break the succession curse and produce a successor? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – he has set a new standard for governance in Imo State.