By Alex Nwahiri
Imolites are on the march again as moves have
begun in various sectors to select or elect a Governor who will
superintend over the affairs of Imo State come 2015. Already many
individuals and groups have began jostling for attention and recognition
using whatever facts they can lay their hands to justify their moves.
The
issue of who occupies Douglas house in 2015 is very crucial to all Imo
people. Imolites have been victims of bad governance and broken
promises. Many have suffered frustrations in the hands of successful
governments and wept under the burden of oppression. One of the
functions of periodic election is to offer people the chance to take
their destiny in their own hands and effect a change of bad leadership.
Again,
governments in Africa nay Nigeria control more than three thirds of the
resources of the state and could decide peoples’ destiny, either
positively or negatively. A bad government brings misery and sufferings
to the people, while good governance brings happiness and better life
for its citizens. It is therefore imperative that whoever will occupy
Douglas House Owerri must possess certain basic attributes and qualities
to face the challenges of governance.
The 2011 governorship
election in Imo State revealed that Imolites are no longer ready to be
taken for a ride as they effectively used their voting power to elect
the present Owelle Rochas Okorocha led government in Imo State. The
present administration achievement in infrastructural transformation
notwithstanding, there is evidence of wide spread disenchantment against
the regime.
In other words, Imolites need a governor who will in
addition to infrastructural development, respect the rule of law, due
process, fear of God and respect the views of others. Such a Governor
must be well educated, disciplined and humane in all things and
courteous. When you look at the army of gubernatorial aspirants, you
will certainly see all manner of people, but any discerning mind will be
able to choose the man who can make Imo alive again. A man that by
nature is kind, easy to access, soft spoken and very humble. A person
whose humility is transparent with verifiable past records of
achievements and stewardship.
Our state has experimented so much
with self-acclaimed business magnates and populist individuals who rode
on the euphoria of philanthropist to Douglas House only turn their backs
on those downtrodden, elderly and less privileged people immediately
they are declared winners. Imo needs more than ever, someone tested in
leadership positions and who thoroughly understands the workings of well
structured government and corporate establishments.
My fellow
Imolites governorship is not for the highest bidder, but for a man who
has the qualities of humility, discipline, respect for rule of law, God
fearing and educated. These attributes are the ingredients of good
governance. Good government is what Imo elites are yearning for. It
means the greatest good for the greatest number. It means payment of
salaries and pension as first charge for all and not selective payments
of pensions where some are paid while others are allowed to die in
penury and disease.
Imolites have suffered enough. The land needs
healing and restoration through the election of a Governor that would
run an inclusive government and restore the hopes and destiny of the
people. We must shine our eyes; go to God in prayers since the challenge
of who occupies Douglas House in 2015 is fundamental and crucial.
Extracted from Nigeria Newspoint Newspaper, March 7-9 2014 publication Page 4
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