Imo 2015: Why Emeka Ihedioha is the most qualified

Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha

By AZUH AMATUS: Among the many aspirants lobbying, plotting, scheming and strategising for the soul of Imo State ahead of the 2015 governorship election, including the controversial and cantankerous incumbent, the only authentic individual resoundingly fit for the job of salvaging the crashed, damaged and sinking Imo ship of governance is Right Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC.

With all sense of modesty and sincerity, Ihedioha undoubtedly and unequivocally remains the most formidable force among the many pretenders and charlatans jostling to occupy the exalted Douglas House Seat of Government.

Ihedioha’s intimidating and impressive credentials, unquestionable character, competence, unrivaled and unparalleled wealth of experience, outstanding exposure and rich educational background are some of the rare qualities that clearly stands out the current Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, miles apart from the many noise makers laying claim to Imo’s throne of governance in 2015.

Little wonder, a large number of Imo sons and daughters, especially leading indigenes who are currently dissatisfied, disenchanted and disappointed with the horrible and deplorable state of affairs and very poor governance in their once beloved state are already calling on Honourable Ihedioha, the lawmaker with the Midas touch to rescue them by joining the race.

Articulate and cerebral Ihedioha, who has been robustly and richly representing his people of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency at the House since 2003 till date, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), based on his intimidating resume is unarguably the best man to lead and rescue Imo from the jaws of debts and inept leadership come 2015.

Speaking with some senior journalists recently at an interactive session in Lagos, Ihedioha who hails from Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State itemized some of the genuine reasons and qualities that stood him out as the best, most competent and most qualified to rescue Imolites in 2015.

This true son of Igbo land, who is equally a strong advocate for good governance and quality education, says that as a trusted administrator, his vast experience in politics would be put in good use for Imo people.

“I want to reclaim Imo from dictatorship and deceit and transform it into a culture of excellence and dignity in statecraft. I have also decided to join the race because I’m the most qualified and most experienced to govern Imo. I will give my Imo people the kind of government they require and desire. As I speak with you, I’ve toured 21 out of the 27 LGAs in Imo State and have also consulted widely. My people want me to come home and serve them having seen the great things I have done for them at the federal level since 2003,” he stated in a very calm but authoritative voice.

Ihedioha, the University of Lagos graduate who has been bestowed with several traditional titles for his immense contributions to Imo State and Igbo land in general, including Ome nke ahuru anya of Mbaise and Aha ejiagamba of Mbutu among others, added that he had been tried, tested and eventually found worthy by his people, hence his decision to help in reclaiming Imo from those ruining and ravaging the state come 2015.

“I’m a founding member and one of the major financiers of the PDP in Imo State. I have always promoted the values of good governance and delivered democracy dividends to our people, in line with our party’s Transformation Agenda,” he added with a sense of pride.

The resourceful legislator who holds the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Niger (CON) and equally a distinguished fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) among other memberships and fellowships of many revered associations, at the very revealing session highlighted reasons Imolites prefers him as their next governor in 2015.

 “I’m a team player and a promise keeper. Honesty and dignity are my creed. I’m a believer in youth development, women empowerment is my passion, while rule of law is my guide. I’m a truthful politician and a democrat, who stands for justice, equity and fair play. I’m also an apostle of good governance, a firm believer in separation of powers and a respecter of due process,” he declared.

Speaking further, Ihedioha, the Chief Whip, House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011 and equally chaired the House Committee on Marine Transport from 2003 to 2007, maintained that he is a credible family man and development oriented politician.

“I’m nationally and internationally connected. Bold and courageous. A devout Christian (Knight of St. Christopher, Anglican Communion since 2000). Servant leadership is my mantra.  I’m also a lover of peace and progress. Fear of God is my guide, my love for the challenged people is unmatched. Lastly, Ihedioha loves Imo State,” he posited with a subtle smile that revealed his white and well arranged dentition.

Sartorial Ihedioha, whose very popular green cap has become a national symbol, boldly stated that he has fully prepared himself very well for the task of leading Imo State, having being a trail blazer with an outstanding credentials of political tutelage laced with an intimidating and impressive record of great accomplishments.

Meanwhile, the very colourful brochure containing the profile of the astute lawmaker, who has meritoriously served his fatherland in various capacities since 1991, reads: “He Thinks. He Listens. He Delivers.”

Ihedioha has promised to continually do the above with Imolites the moment he moves to Douglas House, Owerri.

However, unknown to many Imolites, some of the critical infrastructural projects, Ihedioha, a thorough bred development minded politician has used his clout and high profile positions to attract to Imo State include the dualisation of Owerri-Elele road, Isinweke-Ihitte Uboma road, Okpala-Igwurita road, Mbaise ring road, rehabilitation of Owerri-Umuahia road, rehabilitation of Owerri-Okigwe road, construction of Ahiara round about with spurs, power substations, rehabilitation/construction of schools, health centres, multipurpose youth development centre at Nguru, Mbaise, integrated waste recycling plant at Ilile, Ohaji and the construction of jetty at Okpala (Imo River), among others.

Interestingly, Ihedioha, the former Chairman, Screening Panel of the Special National Convention of the PDP in 2012 and Chairman, House Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review since 2011, among other plum national positions and offices, is a very passionate promoter of women/youth empowerment and skills acquisition.

The energetic apostle of human capacity development has trained and empowered over 700 women and youth farmers in Imo State. He has also empowered over 500 youths of Imo State in different fields of skills acquisition geared towards making them economically independent among other empowerment initiatives aimed at extricating them from the claws of poverty.

In the area of enabling laws for the nation, amiable Ihedioha whose milk of human kindness is a common topic of discussion on the lips of many, especially indigent Nigerians and Imolites, has sponsored and facilitated the passage and signing into law of eight maritime related bills very critical to the growth of Nigeria’s economy. Some of these laws include, the NIMASA Act, 2007, bill for the establishment of CRFFN and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2005.

On the foreign scene, widely travelled Ihedioha has done exceedingly well for Nigeria and Imo State since his sojourn at the National Assembly began 11 years ago.

The impact of the father of four children, who is happily married to Lady Ebere, has been felt and applauded in his role as the leader of the Nigerian Parliamentary Delegation to the Third Legislative Session of ECOWAS Parliament, since 2011 till date.

Ever smiling Ihedioha is also the deputy leader of the Nigerian Delegation to the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), since 2011.

 Ihedioha, who has also attended executive courses at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions including Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, British Columbia Universities and London School of Economics, is the current President, Nigerian Chapter of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), among other revered international leadership roles.

The Ebubedike of Agulu believes that given his intimidating and impeccable record of service to fatherland, he is unarguably the only man that will hugely and positively make a difference in the whole of Imo State in 2015.

With the above achievements and accomplishments, it’s no longer in doubt that Ihedioha truly loves Imo State and is very willing to rescue and reclaim the lost and battered glory of his suffering, lamenting and crying people in 2015.

“I need the support and prayers of every Imolite to make this project become a reality in 2015, because I’m the best, most qualified and most competent for the job.”

BY AZUH AMATUS