Between Ihedioha and Uzodinma, who did Imo people vote for?

The Supreme Court’s ruling on the 14th of January 2020, saw Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha removed from office, and Senator Hope Uzodinma, announced as the rightful govenror of Imo State.

The Supreme Court reached their decision, based on information available to them. The inability of Ihedioha’s legal team to foresee what Hope Uzodinma had up his sleeves, and effectively address It, didn’t help matters.

Was the Supreme Court right or wrong in their judgement? Did those results tendered by Senator Hope Uzodinma, truly represent the true position of the heart of the people of Imo State?

A section of the people will disagree. Those mainly on the governor’s side, would however agree that the result was a true representation of the mandate of the people.

Of late, even Gov Hope Uzodinma’s “co-conspirators”, no longer seem to agree, that the verdict of the SupremeCourt was the best ruling for Imo State.

Let’s look at happening right from the day the judgment was given.

Unlike when Ihedioha was declared the winner of the 2019 General Elections, which was greeted by fanfare and celebration, the Supreme Court verdict was met with gloom and coldness.

It was like Imo State stood still in shock.

Does that represent the behaviour of a people who “reclaimed” their mandate, or a people whose mandate was stolen?

I remember Ihedioha’s swearing in ceremony. Imo State poured out without invitation. He became govenror in the eyes of the people that elected him. Hope Uzodinma “sneaked” into Goveernment House in the night.

When Ihedioha was govenror, the people cheered when he drove by. They cheered on their champion. He was never attacked by anybody.

Till date, Gov Hope Uzodinma is struggling to excite the people whenever he steps out. The only people cheering him are his party members at public functions. He is practically booed and mocked whenever he drives by. Barely weeks into his administration, his vehicle was attacked by an Imolite who felt embittered that his fight for the right of the people, was denied through the Courts.

In action, Ihedioha still showed that he was for the people. His actions represented a man answerable to the people. He paid civil servants promptly and corrected the problem with the pension system. For the first time in more than six years, Imo pensioners received their entitlements.

Who does Uzodinma owe loyalty to? That is a very important question to ask. Civil servants are till date owed months. Complain about nonpayment of your salaries, and indefinite suspension is handed down to you. In all his supposed evil, Okorocha didn’t do that. Our pensioners have returned to the dark days under Uzodinma’s watch. Who does Gov Hope Uzodinma owe allegiance to? The people or those who supposedly put him there.

Even those who helped him to power are regretting it today.

Karma can be a bitch.

The projects Gov Hope Uzodinma is executing today, are projects marked up by Ihedioha for which reputable contractors were contracted for, with better planning.

As much as I commend Uzodinma for carrying on with where Ihedioha stopped, since he didn’t seem to have a plan of his own, it would be important to point out the facts when we see it and generally, he is performing below….we cannot use the word expectations because he was probably not the choice of the people.

The courts. They should be the little man’s last line of defence against executive rascality and oppression.

To Imo people, the court and the Nigerian judiciary probably represents a collaborator with their slave masters.

I have never supported Ihedioha. I even criticized some aspects of his administration, but I’m too old to be telling lies and I have a God to answer to not man.

If you ask me, Ihedioha was the people’s choice and Uzodinma is join going along for the ride.

We don’t know what tomorrow holds. As long as Uzodinma is by law, declared govenror of Imo State, I will respect his office and offer advise when necessary. I may even offer my services for the good of my people if need be, but don’t ever expect me to tell you black is white or cheer you on like an imbecile when I know you are missing the mark.

As far as owing workers and pensioners go, you’ve missed the mark my dear Gov Hope Uzodinma.

Maazi