By Austin Uganwa, PhD
Golden age is one milestone usually celebrated by many with profound
fanfare and passion because it marks a critical turning point in one’s
life. To Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives
, this long established aphorism is not any different as he attains 50
today. But then for someone who has accomplished so many enviable feats in
politics and public service within a short life span Hon Ihedioha has a
lot to cheer, celebrate and many red carpets to lay consistent with his
towering accomplishments
Ihedioha’s golden age commemoration is remarkable in various ways. It
coincides with the period he is suitably contesting to rule Imo state.
Ihedioha is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship flag bearer
in the state in next month’s general election with his chances of
clinching the governorship brightening each passing day. His victory,
predictably on the heels of this milestone would open yet another
uncommon but largely striking chapter in his life
Born into the family of late Pa Green Ihedioha on March 24, 1965 at the
idyllic Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Council of Imo state, Ihedioha had a
humble and regimented beginning. This was particularly so because he grew
up under the tutelage of disciplined parents who held education and strict
religious obligations in high premium. Thus, they brought young Emeka up
to be a devout Christian, to have voracious appetite for education;
growing thirst for selfless service and service to humanity
These attributes have had a far-reaching effect in shaping Ihehioha,
accounting for his astronomical growth and success in public service and
politics. At 50, Ihedioha has amazingly held several strategic political
positions through appointments and elections and now coasting home to be
elected Imo state Governor.
Ihedioha began his political apprenticeship when Third Republic Deputy
Senate President, Senator Legogie appointed him Press Officer in 1991.
Following military interregnum that resulted in the demise of that
Republic, Ihedioha returned to private practice, firming up his First
Page Public Relations outfit. He later joined People’s Democratic Movement
that merged with other political associations to form the People’s
Democratic Party . This enabled him to be part of the team that designed
the party’s publicity roadmap at inception.
He emerged in 1999 as the Special Adviser on Media Relations to the then
President of the Senate, Senator Chuba Okadigbo. The tenure of his boss
was short-lived and terminated in 2000 following his unbridled pursuit for
the independence of the legislature which consistently put him in
collision with the Presidency . Ihedioha was shortly after appointed
Special Assistant Political Affairs by the then Vice President, Alhaji
Atiku Abubakar
It was from there his political career began to witness exceptional boost.
At 50, Ihedioha has achieved so many rare feats with several legacies to
attest to. He ran and won his first election in 2003 to represent Aboh
Mbaise/Ngor Okpala in the House of Representatives. The Selection
Committee of the House headed by Aminu Bello Masari appointed him Marine
Transport Committee Chairman. He pursued critical Acts such as NIMASA
Act of 2008 towards ensuring the revamp of the Nigeria Ports
Authority.
Interestingly, Ihedioha has won three consecutive elections, resulting in
his 12-year stint in the House. Far more amazing is that his positions in
the House have been on a steady progress . During his second tenure in
2007, South East House caucus elected him Chief Whip. Four years later,
he was unanimously endorsed without dissension in 2011 as Deputy Speaker
by his colleagues
Ihehioha accordingly chairs the House Ad hoc on Constitution Review;
headed the intellectual-based committee that designed House Roadmap for
2011 and 2015 and chairs the House Committee of the Whole that considers
and passes all bills into law
As chairman Constitution Review Committee, Jhedioha enthroned a credible,
largely novel constitution review process by painstakingly involving the
civil society groups and broadening the participation base of Nigerians by
seeking their inputs in the 360 federal constituencies in the country.
Thus all the items of his Committee’s report were endorsed wholesale by
the House. Some of the revolutionary recommendations made by his
committee included; making basic health, free and compulsory education
from primary to junior high, basic shelter for all Nigerians
constitutional imperative
His stint in the National Assembly has shown him to be development-focused
and infrastructure-led. His pursuits for empowerment programmes resulting
in wealth creation and employment boost have remained palpable and
unassailable. These realities including his regular interface with his
constituents are instructive of his dexterity for effective legislative
governance.
Although this piece is not principally fashioned to compute the many
projects Ihedioha has brought to the state and South East zone, the record
of his road infrastructure, electricity projects, education facilities,
water projects, hospital facilities is significant and verifiable. For
instance, Ihedioha got NDDC to award contract for OKpala-Igwuruta Road,
linking Imo to Rivers with the first phase costing N4.2b; facilitated
award of contract for the dualization of Owerri-Elele (Omayelu)
35-kilometre road at N23b. He also attracted contract for the design of
the famous 63-kilometre Mbaise Ring Road cutting across three local
councils
Driven by the desire to build human capital to propel socio-economic
development in Imo state, he has at various times organized empowerment
programmes for Imo journalists, youths, women and even graduate engineers
His guiding principle is respect for the rule of law and frankness with
his “word being his bond”. He has promised Imo people that one of his
cardinal objectives when elected as Governor would be the restoration of
rule of law in a state Governor Rochas Okorocha has unfortunately
enthroned lawlessness, civil dictatorship and disobedient to court
decisions as the order
His 7-point agenda contains well articulated framework fashioned robustly
to correct Okorocha’s many anomalies and set the state on the path of
education rebound and socio-economic development and prosperity. Free
qualitative education; integrated health care delivery and free primary
health; urban renewal; industrialization; local council autonomy;
mechanized agriculture are some of the cardinal programmes Ihedioha has
severally promised to bequeath to Imo when elected.
At 50, Ihedioha is set to lead Imo. His pedigree, profound public service
experience, legacies, accomplishments, inspirational leadership style,
sincerity and well based, results-oriented programmes for Imo place him
over and above all other candidates in the race for Imo Government House.
The real gift Imo indigenes would bestow on this man of vision is to
commemorate his golden age celebration by voting him in to preside over
the affairs of the state. It is only incontrovertible that such is a
plausible and wise decision which Imo would benefit inestimably.
Dr Uganwa, wrote from Owerri