Walter Duru, Ph.D
On Monday, June 3, 2019, former chieftain of the All Progressives Grand
Alliance and former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Uche
Onyeagucha was sworn in as Secretary to the Government of Imo State by
the Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. Governor Ihedioha’s choice of
Onyeagucha has, as expected, generated reactions, with different
stakeholders canvassing different opinions. But, why should Hon.
Onyeagucha that joined the Ihedioha camp just before the elections land
the post of SGI?
Apart from the fact that Onyeagucha proved his mettle, by ensuring that
the attempt to allegedly smuggle in fake results during the Governorship
collation was foiled, his efforts in convincing members of the ‘New
APGA’ to join the Ihedioha/Irona train may not be forgotten in a
hurry. Most importantly, is he qualified? Does he have capacity to
deliver? If yes, why not? His choice ultimately shows that Governor
Ihedioha’s promise of inclusive government is beyond rhetoric.
Examples abound, but, this is a discussion for another day.
Another classical example is the Retreat for members-elect of Imo State
House of Assembly. The venue of the Retreat is a Hotel in Oguta. The
Proprietor of the Hotel may not have worked for the Peoples Democratic
Party during the election. Reports have it that he invested heavily in
the campaigns of one of the other candidates (against his brother- the
Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona), but failed to make any meaningful impact
in the area.
To the chagrin of many, the same Hotel is about the first beneficiary of
the Ihedioha/Irona administration. Is it about the millions he will/may
have been paid for hospitality services or the exposure, considering the
fact that the twenty seven House of Assembly members, the Governor,
Deputy Governor, aides and other top government functionaries attended?
Many who never knew that such a place existed now know. What other kind
of marketing does the Hotel need?
The point is simple. The Ihedioha/Irona administration is looking beyond
party affiliation and loyalty in running the affairs of Imo State. They
are building bridges, preaching reconciliation, while insisting on doing
the right things at all times.
Ihedioha has never hidden his intention to involve as many Imo people as
possible in his administration, irrespective of political divide and
affiliation. He has continued to reiterate his call for all Imo
stakeholders to join his government in rebuilding the State.
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, pursuant to this task of
bringing Imo sons and daughters together in the rebuilding Imo project
had long traversed all nooks and crannies of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West
Federal Constituency, preaching reconciliation, while calling on persons
other than members of the ruling party to join the government of Hon.
Emeka Ihedioha to take Imo to greater heights.
After one of such moves, one of the persons Irona visited has this to
say:
“Irona shocked me. He did what I cannot do. He bought wine and came to
my house after the Independent National Electoral Commission-INEC
declared his Party, the Peoples Democratic Party winner of the 2019
Governorship election. Initially, I did not support his Party, but,
following that move, I supported the PDP in the rerun election. Even
after winning the election, he visited some of us (his old friends) who
had other political interests. Henceforth, whatever he (Irona) wants
from me politically, I will do it for him.”
The above were the exact words of a former Senior Special Assistant to
the Governor of Imo State, Hon. Williams Ejiako when I spoke with him
after a reconciliatory visit by the Imo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon.
Gerald Irona. He indeed, supported and assisted the ruling PDP to
victory in his area- Agwa, one of the densely populated areas of the
state, with three electoral Wards.
In one of my quiet times with him, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Gerald
Irona told me about his plans to reconcile with all his former political
allies. He said it with utmost humility. I know when he is serious about
issues and from the way he said it and his body language, I got the
message clearly. He meant business.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, when, in an emotion-laden speech during a
reception in his honour by thousands of political stakeholders from
Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal constituency at the Haven of Peace
residence of former Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe, Irona announced his
determination to reconcile all political stakeholders in the area, with
a view to bringing all back into one political family.
That declaration came to many as a shock. For some, it was impossible
for a Nigerian politician to want to initiate a reconciliatory move with
those that worked against his interest and that of his party, after
winning the election without their support. No doubt, the political
culture in Nigeria is “winner takes all”. Therefore, for many, it
was a strange narrative, but, he meant it.
Whoever has worked closely with Hon. Gerald Irona will know a few basic
things about him. First, he does not make empty political promises.
Second, he respects relationship. Third, he does not forget whatever
contribution/assistance one makes to him, no matter how little. In
short, he does not throw away a baby with dirty water.
To show that he is a man of his words, days after that expensive pledge,
Irona took the bold step. He visited the homes of some notable political
actors in the area. In all of the visits, his message was simple- we are
brothers. Come, let’s work together.
He was at the residence of Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, a chieftain of the All
Progressives Congress-APC and Izombe-born confidant of the APC
Governorship candidate in the last election, Senator Hope Uzodimma. He
also visited Hon. Henry Igbomezie, a former member of the House of
Assembly, representing Oguta State constituency in his residence, among
others. In all of these, Irona’s message was simple- “We are
brothers. Imo belongs to all of us. Come, let’s work together to
rebuild Imo.”
Even in victory, Irona is ready to embrace and work with all. This is
indeed, the spirit of the Ihedioha team.
But, this move did not go without reactions, particularly, his core
loyalists and members of his political family. Many expressed fears that
the same persons that confronted them in the field during the elections
may be positioning to take their places in the government, thereby
reaping where they may not have sown.
But, that will not be the case. Irona has continued to explain to all
that the “Umbrella is large enough for everyone.” His firm belief
that public offices are calls for service and not to ‘eat’ has kept
him going.
But, is it a personal decision? Not likely. A look at the Transition
Technical Committee and even the Governorship Inauguration Committee
shows that a lot of persons other than members of the Peoples Democratic
Party were on the lists. Chieftains of other political parties were
involved. Technocrats and professionals from all walks of life were also
involved. These are obvious signs of an administration that believes
that the only language citizens understand is good governance.
It is almost certain that the ‘Ihedioha team’ is on a mission to
make Imo people united in the rebuilding Imo project. The implication is
that those that will manage the affairs of the state in the next four
years may not necessarily be card-carrying members of the ruling PDP,
but, those that have great things to offer the people of Imo State.
However, I do not envy the new Governor. Imo is wrecked. The eight years
of reign of Chief Rochas Okorocha remain a deep sour on the feet of Ndi
Imo. The debt profile of the State is frightening. Public Institutions
in the state are grounded. The issue of Okorocha’s eight years of
disaster in Imo is a case for another day, anyway.
Definitely, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and his Deputy, Rt.
Hon. Gerald Irona understand clearly the enormity of tasks ahead. They
understand clearly that governance goes beyond primordial sentiments.
The ultimate thing is that there has to be results that all will be
proud of.
One thing that may take some time for Imo state to get after the
Ihedioha/Irona era is the rare combination of the duo. Never in the
history of Imo have we had such great talents work together as Governor
and Deputy. No doubt, expectations are very high, but, the fact that
they have realized the need for head-hunt, with a view to identifying
the best brains to help rebuild Imo suggests that they are ready for
business.
But, are the reconciliatory moves working? The answer is simple – yes!
While I do not support a one-party state in Imo, stakeholders must
realize that the period of politicking is over. This time is for
governance. All efforts should be made to ensure that Imo is better.
Irona’s reconciliatory moves are exemplary and should be emulated by
all political office holders. No one person can do it alone.
Now, let’s rebuild Imo State. I have joined the train of good
governance in Imo. What about you?
All hands must be in deck.
Dr. Walter Duru is a Communication expert, Teacher and Public Relations
Consultant. He can be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com