Imo state is the Eastern Heartland and prides herself as the home to some of the brightest and best minds in the history of Nigeria. Predominantly, an agrarian state with a chunk of natures' gift of black gold "Crude Oil". This singular gift entitles the state to the share of derivation of 13% on a monthly basis amongst the other states in the south east.
Nature's gift to man is meant to enhance life on earth and consequently add value to the society.
But, that of Imo Sate is an ironical twist...seriously pathetic. One begins to wonder if there is a curse hanging on the state refusing to be obliterated for once.
Imolites are peace loving and gracious in their dispositions to life and to their leaders at any given point in time. Successive leaders in the state can attest to this fact. One can also posit that this good nature of Imolites is also taken for granted, reason for the unnecessary exploitation of the masses.
While other states not endowed by nature as much as Imo State have better experience of governance at all levels in their respective states-compare Imo state with the states that are entitled to the 13 % derivation.
Good governance has eluded the state since after the return of democracy in 1999 till date. Is this a deliberate act or political naivety of the leaders or the masses? Its quite instructive and bare to even to the blind and unconscious that there is no evidence of good governance in Imo State. In 2016 alone. Imo got over N67,717,778,855.94 as federal allocations and an additional N5,871,026,976.75 as IGR totaling N73,588,805,832.69. A cursory look into the finances of the state in terms of inflows since 1999 till date can only send a word across the state to enforce a REAL and EFFECTIVE Leadership. The level of enlightenment across the state demands a higher level of political consciousness and approach rather than the present clamour by a cross section of the state. Its more worrisome that this agitation is led by the young masses. one begins to wonder if this is out of ama kpa e me ka o bu isi adighi otutu mmadu mma. It is expected of the youth as it is across Nigeria and the globe to queue and also demand the best of governance by all standards, instead, they encourage their very own oppressors by their actions or inactions.
Is there any thing that can make one stand tall and feel impressed about Imo state at the moment? Imo State once appeared like a construction site, a dummy sold to the gullible. Now what is the effect of the so called construction activities-better roads, hospitals, schools, etc? A mobile patrol of Owerri town a few days ago only caught a miserable outlook to say the least. maybe the effect of the ACIDIC rains in Owerri alone. Who knows???
It is time again for the endless appeals to Imolites by politicians of sorts for one elective position or the other with all manner of promises made in heaven and not for Imo State. Depending on the mode of primaries to be adopted by the major or leading political parties, it still rests on Imolites to nominate candidates for the contending parties. Okwe agbala ugbu a.
The criteria should be Competence, Character, Capacity,Exposure,etcSentiments should be the last thing to be considered, however, the spirit of equity and social justice should pray to our conscience as well. Equity and social justice do not negate good values in any way.
Imolites relevant to the process of these choices across party lines must insist on the aspirants and candidates with such qualities and even more.
Imo at this point needs a man who knows the dynamics and intricacies of the workings of the state system backed by experiential advantage, a bridge builder, an accomplished and astute fellow civilized in all ramifications if you understand this! A peep into the affairs reveals that there is no reference to due process in the conduct of the affairs of the state.
It is natural and justifiable if Imolites ask for a true change and clear departure from the old retrogressive ways that only catered for the Privileged infinitesimal as it is today. A larger percentage of the masses are left more impoverished than they were a few years ago which is a negation of the principles of good governance that seek to promote, protect and preserve the social well being of the masses.
The ruling party (APC) that seems to have a structure across the entire state should not play to the gallery and take God and Imolites for granted again unless they will pay dearly for it. If they condescend to the point of primitiveness and parochialism in their selection process, the heavesn shall bear me witness on this day. All of the state resources belong to the people and should not be adjudicate upon by 1 or 2 people in a reckless and underserving manner while the people wallow in abject poverty and penury. Some continue to sing their praises.
Imo Sate deserves much better and its time once more to re write history by his grace.
All persons who have decided to play the infamous roles either at the State or LGA levels, we are watching and records taken as well for posterity. Imo state is a case of the dog that has decided to
chew the bone hung on its neck with reckless abandon after all, nothing megaaa.
Imo deserves much better this time.
God bless Imo State!
God bless Nigeria!
nkosisonga@gmail.com
