It is with a heavy heart that I write this article. I have come to the firm conclusion that I will not be supporting Emeka Ihedioha, the man who once served as the Governor of Imo State. Why, you may ask? Well, let me take you through the horrors of his administration and the reasons why he is clearly “unsuitable” to lead again.
First, He Was Too Transparent
From day one, Ihedioha made it his business to publicly account for the state’s finances. Can you imagine that? Instead of allowing the usual political mysteries surrounding funds allocation, he had the audacity to audit the state’s accounts and share the results. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, he established a fiscal discipline system where contracts were awarded based on merit and due process.
This “annoying” transparency just didn’t sit well with those of us who prefer the fun of shadowy government dealings, where we don’t have to worry about accountability. Who wants a governor who insists on doing everything by the book?
His Obsession With Fixing Roads
Ihedioha’s infrastructure plans were overwhelming. Rather than focus on a few highly visible projects and leave the rest of the state in ruins, he had this bizarre idea of fixing all the roads. Yes, you read that right—all. He launched road construction projects in multiple local governments, daring to create durable, long-lasting roads that could actually withstand the weather and the weight of heavy trucks.
Who does that? His determination to open up rural areas with good roads was clearly a step too far. We were getting used to complaining about potholes and bad roads—why take that simple pleasure away from us?
His Insistence on Paying Workers and Pensioners
One of the most unforgivable things Ihedioha did was to tackle the backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions. Apparently, he believed that workers should actually be paid for the work they did and that retirees deserved to receive the pensions owed to them. How ridiculous! For years, we had grown accustomed to a system where workers begged for months, even years, to receive their salaries, and pensioners were left to fend for themselves.
By paying the workers and pensioners regularly and on time, Ihedioha disrupted the norm. How dare he restore dignity to these people?
His Love for Development
Another reason why I cannot support Ihedioha is his obsession with development. He made it a priority to launch an urban renewal program aimed at turning Owerri into a modern city with adequate drainage, road networks, and waste management systems. Who needs that? We were perfectly fine with flooded streets and inadequate infrastructure that left parts of the city looking like a disaster zone after every rainstorm.
Instead of allowing Imo to remain in a comfortable state of disrepair, Ihedioha actually envisioned turning the state into an investment-friendly, modern environment. Why dream so big?
His Dialogue with the People
A governor is supposed to sit in the comfort of his office, sign papers, and enjoy the perks of power. But not Ihedioha. No, he insisted on meeting with traditional rulers, community leaders, and regular citizens. He dared to actually listen to people’s problems and try to solve them. He was approachable and too interested in what the common man had to say.
Clearly, this was not the type of leadership we were used to. He made it seem like governance was about the people, not about political grandstanding and empty promises. How dare he make us believe that government could work for us?
His “Dangerous” Ideas for Technology and Youth Empowerment
Now, here is the most troubling part: Ihedioha actually believed in youth empowerment. He envisioned transforming Imo into a technology hub. He even created a Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government, aiming to position the state as a leader in technological innovation and job creation for young people.
Who does he think he is, bringing Silicon Valley ideas to Imo? And why encourage the youth to pursue meaningful careers in technology when they could simply wait for handouts?
Why He Is Clearly the Wrong Choice
So, there you have it—these are the “reasons” I simply cannot support Ihedioha. His transparency, his focus on infrastructure, his commitment to paying workers, his dedication to listening to the people, and his dangerous obsession with development make him entirely unsuitable for the kind of leadership we have come to expect. After all, who needs progress when we can stick with mediocrity?
But on a more serious note, if we’re honest with ourselves, it’s clear that Emeka Ihedioha’s tenure, though short, represented a new vision for Imo State. His pragmatic approach to governance, his determination to put the people first, and his ambition to position Imo as a leader in technology and infrastructure were signs of the leadership the state needs. So, while I may sarcastically say I won’t support him, the truth is that Ihedioha is exactly the kind of governor Imo deserves—one who leads with purpose, integrity, and vision.
Owerri centric writer.
One of those in Imo state who believe that once Owerri urban infrastructures are okay, Imo state is developing. You even misrepresented Ihedioha. Ihedioha made urban renewal of Orlu and Okigwe a top priority. But you talked only about Ihedioha on reconstruction of Owerri urban roads. You don’t recognise that Okigwe and Orlu are also urban centres with roads to be maintained by state government.
Ok, what are you trying to put across to us? You have succeeded in saying opposite of what and how you see Emeka Ihedioha and his shortlived governance of Imo State. Until you own up honestly you are not going to get or achieve your targeted aim. Enough of this deceit from you people in Nigeria.