Emeka Ihedioha: A visionary with a Mission

UGO AMADI, Business Editor

The unprecedented and sporadic jubilations that greeted the declaration of Rt. Hon. Chukwemeka Nkem Ihedioha, the flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP as the winner of Imo State Governorship 2019 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, is a clear indication that the Imo people are in unanimity that Ihedioha is a liberator and shackles breaker who is needed more than ever before to free Imo from years of misrule , bad governance, extreme deprivation, “Iberiberism”, poverty and inhumanity which former government and their cohorts have inflicted on Imo People.

The change of baton in the state was greeted with joy from Imo people across the length and breadth of the state and non-Imolites all over the nation, with Imo people in the states declaring free drinks to exit era of holocaust in Imo State. Thus, this bears quantum testimony that the people are eagerly waiting for him to come on board and steer Imo to the path of greatness.

Interestingly, the victory was for people of Imo State who felt spell of darkness since past years and the sporadic triumph was to vent suppressed joy and herald the era of good leadership that would work in tandem with peoples’ aspirations.

As he takes over leadership, Chief Ihedioha should bear in mind that ‘’The measure of any great man is seen in terms of the strength of his commitments, the genuineness of his friendships, the sincerity of his purpose, the quiet courage of his convictions, his capacity to suffer and his willingness to endure in order to achieve success and put smiles in live of many.

Currently, Emeka Ihedioha is the rave of the moment in the State. Having dislodged the so called political gladiators in the state to emerge as Imo’s governor elect. He is the man whose time has come. His acceptance is unprecedented as he enjoys popular support across all the nooks and crannies of the State.

He was the greatest threat to the incumbent supporter in AA led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the best gubernatorial choice of the PDP to take over the Douglas House, Owerri. It is perhaps in realization of this obvious reality that the Okorocha-controlled State media organs launched ferocious but futile attacks on the candidature of Ihedioha. The government is highly rattled hence the desperation.

But amidst all this, Ihedioha remains focused, calm and calculated as he takes his campaign message of rebuilding, liberation and restoration to all parts of the State.

Born on March 24, 1965 at Mbutu Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area in Imo State, South-East Nigeria. Ihedioha attended Town School Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, and completed same at SDA Primary School Abule Oja, Yaba Lagos in 1976. He had his secondary education at St. Ephraim’s Secondary School, Owerrinta in present day Abia State.

He was the most prepared of all the front line contestants that wants to govern Imo State, having surely but steadily occupied critical and sensitive public positions in the last two decades.

He is well educated unlike some of his opponents whose educational qualifications have question marks. He holds a Bachelor`s degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Lagos. In addition, he has undertaken an Executive Certificate Course in Financial Management from the Stanford University, and a Leadership Certificate Course from Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, both world-renowned and prestigious Ivy-league institutions in the United States of America (USA).

In 1992, Ihedioha was appointed press officer to the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Iyorchia Ayu. A year later he was appointed as chief press secretary to the Deputy Senate President. Following military incursion in the polity in November 1993, Ihedioha returned to his communications practice as Chief Executive Officer of First Page Communications. He became the Director of Publicity of the newly formed People’s Democratic Movement, the purveyor of the ruling People Democratic Party in 1998.

He was named as special assistant to the Presidential Adviser on Utilities in July 1999, as special assistant of media and publicity to the President of Senate in November 1999, and as special assistant on political matters to the Vice President in September 2001. He won a seat into the House of Representative as a member representing Aboh-Mbasie-Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency of Imo State in 2003.

He was the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of the federal Republic of Nigeria from 2011 to 2015. During this period, he also served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives after Tambuwal’s defection to the APC and choice to stand down.

He has held key positions that have prepared him for the governorship of Imo State. In his last position as the Deputy Speaker, he chairs some critical committees in the National Assembly whose mandate and functions at the very heart and soul of the 7th House of Representatives.

They include the House Ad-Hoc Committee on New Legislative Agenda; House Ad-Hoc Committee on Constitution Review and Committee of the Whole.

As the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on New Legislative Agenda, he worked assiduously alongside some of his colleagues to fashion out a vision document that has defined the direction of the House in the last three and half years.

Under his superintendence, the Committee produced an innovative agenda in which the House seeks to promote internal democracy in its business and deepen the values of probity and accountability in the conduct of public policy.

As the Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on the Constitution, he has guided the House in passing critical amendments for the good of our nation. Such amendments include autonomy for Local Government Councils, and the making of primary health and housing as basic rights amongst many other landmark amendments. As the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, Ihedioha presides over the consideration of all Committee reports. This critical role is assigned to him by the Rules of the House of Representatives.

He is always a delight to watch whenever he is presiding as he brings to bear on the legislative process uncommon brilliance and political sagacity. Through a combination of wits and statesmanship, he has on many occasions steered the House out of controversies and difficult situations.Ihedioha has also empowered many Imo youth and women through his numerous skills acquisition and training programmes organized in the State within the 12-year period he has been in the National Assembly as the representative of Aboh-Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal constituency.

On Legislative activities: Between 2003 and 2007, he served as Chairman, House committee on Marine Transport. Ihedioha is credited with the passage of two key legislations which allowed for increased participation of Nigerians in that sector of the economy. These laws are:The International Convention for the Safety at Sea (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004, The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2005, The United Nations Convention on Carriage of Goods by Sea (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2005, The International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for the Compensation of Oil Pollution Damage 1979 as amended (Ratification and Enforcement )Act 2006, The International Convention on the Civil Liabilities for Oil Pollution Damage (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2006.

Ihedioha is a Knight of the order of St. Christopher of the Anglican Communion. He was conferred with Diocesan Merit Award by the Diocese of Mbaise, Anglican Communion and is a recipient of several chieftaincy titles.

A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping, he was awarded the Most Outstanding Maritime Legislator by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria; Distinguished Service Award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and recently as One of Nigeria’50 Most Outstanding Legislators (1999–2009).

Outside politics, Ihedioha’s business interests span through real estate development, industrialized farming, hotel and petroleum sectors. He is married to Lady Ebere Ihedioha and has four children.

Acquiring power is one thing and deploying it to serve the good of the society is another thing altogether. However, Emeka Ihedioha has always shown that he is young man who is seeking power not for the trappings of office or the grandeur that comes with such exalted position; but he is doing so to serve the common good.

On May 29, 2019 Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha will be ascending the throne when Imo State is under the unbearable weight of human cruelty and blistering pains of demonic influence.

The economy shows spiking, dashing and frustrating outlook, yet expectations are not only high but urgent. According to Debt Management Office (DMO), Imo has domestic debt stock of N85bn plus foreign debt of $62.2m as at 2018 Half Year. Also . Pension Arrears/ Liabilities: N57,000,000,000 and Debts / liabilities owed to deposit money banks, contractors, judgement debts liabilities stands at N48billion.

Imo’s IGR averaged N6.8bn annually. It receives average of N85bn from Federation Accounts Allommittee (FAAC) a year.This puts its consolidated Debt/Gross Revenue at 292.82%, or 369.65% Debt/Net Revenue. Either way, the journey is long, tough, rough and the future not far from being bleak. With estimated population of 5m growing at 3%p.a, and 60% being youth, Ihedioha should know that the problem at hand is as real and must make every effort to arise and rebuild IMO

Captivatingly, the quote from by Robert H. Schuller ,Tough times never Last but Tough people Do, is statement of hope for Chief Emeka Ihedioha who can make a difference if he applies the spirit of the quote by taking up the challenges in good fate.

What Ihedioha needs to do.

The Incoming Ihedioha led government must as a matter of urgency need to set up a strategic master plan and economic recovery group to commence speedy scientific review and strategic work planning on how to tackle all challenges from the current Imo state government

Ihedioha must shun clannish partisanship, be above board and lead Imo people with fairness and integrity. Run an inclusive government, remove nepotism far from himself and use the best brains he can harness. Run an open system. Communicate effectively and always. Hold quarterly Town Hall forum at Senatorial levels. Make it open, free and frank.

He must show commitment to repositioning the state with massive infrastructural development and making the state a prime investment hub in the country. He must develop a blue print, strategy and the vision which will be to develop the Imo into a model, one with massive industrial and economic boom, with excellent array of industrial, agricultural, tourist and commercial facilities with global economic influence comparable to any developed country in the world.

This includes but not limited to massive agricultural development, beautification and greening, infrastructural and industrial revolution, rural development, job and wealth creation, internal and foreign direct investment, crime control and general security, educational revolution and eradication of gender disparity.

His leadership must deliver quality pro-people projects and improve the living standard of the people of the state, it’s not about being a Governor but about taking governance back to the people, where the youths will be empowered and be the best in Africa, where families will live fulfilled life, and where over one million business will start in Imo

Chief Ihedioha you do not only have at stake his reputation and that of his party but also the reputation of an entire Imo people who defied brazen intimidation, outright physical and mental abuse as well as threat to their lives to vote you in ,Chief , the ball is now in your court and all eyes are on you.

For a better society