AN OPEN LETTER TO H/E GOVERNOR HOPE UZODINMA

KKK

BY: KENKWO KESAANDU KINGSLEY (KKK)
     

Dear Onwa Oyoko,

"Remember, 'governance' is a big word that includes human rights, freedom of
speech, economic transactions on a worldwide basis - it touches everything. It's
everywhere, and that's why Internet governance is Topic A in many corners".
Vint Cerf.

No matter how anyone feels about what transpired at the apex court on Tuesday evening, the fact remains that you are now the first citizen of our dear state, IMO. Therefore, I congratulate you.

No matter the political coalition or realignment that we have witnessed between you and Sen. Okorocha, our former governor for sometime now, it is crystal clear without doubt that you joined the gubernatorial race in 2019 simply because you were never comfortable with his style of leadership then as governor, mostly with his intention of installing a successor. It is a clear indication that you were on the same page with majority of the good people of Imo State.

Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, a man whom I can best describe with events of today as your 'John the baptist' has been in charge of the affairs of the state and to a reasonable extent, has returned Imo's glory. Today, institutions of government in the state are functioning effectively, all abandoned sectors of our economy have been visited with the hope of rejuvenation.

Your Excellency, frankly speaking, the land of Imo could be best described as a grave yard on the announcement of the apex court judgement which shows that Rt. Hon. Ihedioha was on track, and majority of Ndi Imo were enjoying his style of governance.

Today, nature has made you the servant-leader of the state and I must tell you that you have a big task ahead of you which includes winning and gaining the support, confidence and trust of Imo people.

Onwa, on assumption of duty, Rt. Hon. Ihedioha reintroduced due process in the land. Several committees were setup by him which were headed by reputable sons and daughters of the state. This helped not just him to hit the ground running but also helped the people to truly know the state of the state.

This no doubt has made your work simpler, and I humbly advice that you call for the reports of all those committees and work with them.

All over IMO today, construction of roads are ongoing by reputable companies. We suffered a major setback during the previous administration of Sen. Okorocha in terms of road construction and this left IMO in a deplorable state which you can also attest to, as seen during the last raining season. By implication, your name 'Hope' should also bring hope to the people of Imo by simply going through the agreement papers of these contractors and sending them back to site as I am sure that most of them have been properly funded. This will no doubt will give IMO people hope during the raining season.

Sir, I think it is also necessary for you to be conscious of the fact that you are the Leader of all IMOlites and not for your political allies or family.
Rt. Hon. Ihedioha in his short term in office showed that he has respect for competency and credibility in terms of his appointment in some key positions. Notable among them is the Ihitte/Uboma-born seasoned financial expert that he appointed the state commissioner for finance.

Even as I urge you to reward those who firmly believed in your course, I also wish to advice you to shun nepotism and never allow undue sentiments becloud your sense of reasoning and judgement. Good a thing that you have the likes of Dr. T. O. E. P. Ekechi in your camp.

You belong to the APC, a party that has been widely criticized for its disobedience to the rule of law. As a man who has benefited so much from the rule of law, I urge you to hold tenaciously to it and obey it to the last. It will not be wrong for posterity to say that in the history of Imo State, Imo people enjoyed democracy more under your watch. You should be ready to accept constructive criticism.

The issue of settling the on-going crisis of former elected members of the local government councils and conducting a fresh, free, fair and credible election is one thing that will take your shoulders high above all your predecessors .

The Single Treasury Account policy is something worthy of adoption, and I urge your continuity in that area.

Your Excellency, I have a lot to tell you, though I understand it is a herculean task before you, and that is why I shall pull back my ink at this point.
I welcome you to IMO, which is coincidentally 'Land of Hope' and pledge my loyalty as a citizen and will not fail to be a watchdog as IMO belongs to us all.

Conclusively, in the words of the Holy father, Pope Francis, " Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: 'Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble, and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?' If you don't ask those questions, your governance will
not be good".

Yours in the development of Imo,

Kenkwo, Kesaandu Kingsley (KKK)
PRESIDENT, IHITTE/UBOMA YOUTH FORUM.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020.