When the Sultan of Sokoto announced additional one day to celebrate the Muslim festival, many Nigerians groaned especially the private sector employers.
To them, it is another wasted day in their business.
Not after the last Christian celebration of Easter.
But to the people of Imo State, the celebration have been long and exhirating.
Since November 11th, when Governor Hope Uzodimma won his landslide victory, now known as”27/27″, the state has been in celebration mood.
The Governor’s home stead Omuma in Oru became a Mecca of sort.
Imolites troop everyday to the historic city to be with their governor.
Political appointment seekers, perennial contractors and praise singers struggle to out dress and out shine each other, with the majority seeking to fill their stomachs.
All in the spirit of celebrating a historic victory.
But with such celebrations, there is usually a cost. The affairs of the state suffered while the celebration lasted.
To be fair to the governor, he could not abandon the hordes of well wishers.
Now the affairs of the state must take precedent over any other primordial interests.
Apart from the appointment of 16 Commissioners and a negligible other positions, the governor has yet to ignite the state as expected of a second tenure that could define his government.
Agreed that much pressure is on him by political contractors, the governor must reinvent himself and offer the people of Imo State the leadership that they voted in for.
Sincerely, for now, there is little going on in the state. This is unlike the governor of the first tenure.
Having said that, His Excellency must fully and urgently constitute his expanded Exco.
The remaining Commissioners, Special Advisers,SAs, Senior Special Advisers,Ssa’s, members of Boards of Parastatals, etc, must be inaugurated immediately.
This will galvanize the system and trickle down the Shared Prosperity democratic dividends.
Giving palliatives as being done can never meet the needs of the people. Appointments and appointees remain the best reach to the people.
Peradventure His Excellency is scared of the financial implications, he can work out a formula to reduce the emoluments. It is better that more Imo citizens were involved than any financial considerations.
Let the Caterpillars and Bulldozers roar once again. Let the excitement that Imo is known for return.
Luckily, the people are behind their governor on every issue or project, but they are demanding that His Excellency roll his sleeves and lead from the front.
Contractors should be paid especially those who have been certified and those doing signature projects.
To be honest with Your Excellency, nothing exciting is happening in the state and the citizens demand that something should happen.
Set the ball rolling once again and let the people feel the real meaning of Shared Prosperity mantra.
By Chuks Ofurum.
chuksofurum18@gmail.com
