Ideato Nation, Kinsmen  Dump Okorocha, Seek Uzodimma’s Intervention

The people of Ideato Nation have bemoaned large scale neglect they suffered in the hands of their son and brother, the former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha through out the eight years of his reign, even as Governor Hope Uzodimma has promised them better dividends to wipe away their tears.

It was on a day the high and mighty from Ideato Nation paid a solidarity visit to Governor Uzodimma at the government House Owerri to present to him a catalogue of needs, not just as their in-law, but one they described as “part and parcel of them.”

They said former Governor Rochas Okorocha who is their kinsman, neglected them and their needs despite being in power for eight years and that they are confident Governor Uzodimma will completely wipe out their tears.

Led by their Apex Leader, Chief Tony Ezenna, Chairman of Orange Drugs Limited and key traditional rulers from the area, the people said they were not only excited about the emergence of Uzodimma as Governor of Imo State, but regret that the administration of former Governor Okorocha did nothing to improve their lot.

Addressing the visitors, the Governor who did not reserve any part of him to show that he is one of them, explained that God did not make mistakes in bringing him on board the leadership of Imo State, and that what the Ideato Nation were not able to get from past administrations God could use him to actualize it.

Governor Uzodimma acknowledged that he is conversant with their problems as enumerated by them and at such will, after proper government assessment and procedures, tackle the problems head on. He informed the audience that satisfying their yearnings as part of Imo people he would be justifying the confidence reposed in him by them.

He specifically commended the lawmakers representing Ideato North and Ideato South in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Arthur Egwim and Hon. Johnson Duru for their positive contributions in the House, as well as the Interim Management Committee Chairmen of Ideato North, Gloria Uche Mbadiwe and Ideato South, Chukwuma Ikeaka for their doggedness in the administration of the two Local Governments Areas that will lead to their development.

The Governor thanked the traditional rulers led by the Chairman of Ideato North and South Council of Ndi Eze, HRH. Eze Gerald Ezeiheakaibeya of Umuma- Isiaku Autonomous Community for their efforts towards peace and progress in their various communities.

Governor Uzodimma assured them that the current government of All Progressive Congress (APC) is working towards making all Imo people happy of which Ideato Nation will not be left out.

In their written address signed by Chief Ezenna, he described Governor Uzodimma as the “Governor whom we are well pleased,” and congratulated him on his well deserved election.

Chief Ezenna appreciated the Governor for finding some of the Ideato Nation’s sons and daughters worthy to be appointed into various offices in his administration, noting that they have never been so favoured.

According to Ezenna, the major reasons for their visit was to relate to him some of their teething problems and needs which they believe the Governor will passionately look into and help them solve.

These needs include but not limited to the bad state of: Orlu-Akokwa to Uga Road which is the major road connecting them as a constituency with the rest of Imo State and the Ntueke-Isiekenesi-Dikenafai Road which they described as a death trap.

Also, they informed the Governor that Ideato North and South have been in complete darkness as a result of power outage for about 12 years now, and pleaded with him to extend the on-going power distribution from Egbu to Nwaorieubi via Banana junction to Ideato.

Lastly, they asked for the establishment of a functional General Hospital in Ideato to compliment the services of Urualla Mission Hospital.

In their various contributions, the two lawmakers for Ideato North and South pledged their continued support to the programmes and policies of the Governor.

The two Chairmen of Ideato North and South appealed to the Governor to passionately look at the request of their people especially as it concerns electricity and come to their aid.

On their part, the traditional rulers reassured the Governor of their prayers, continued support and loyalty, and readiness at all times to mobilize Ideato men and women to support his programmes and activities, and appealed with him to critically look at their presentations and save them from the present quagmire they find themselves.

Present at the visit were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of State Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and other members of the Imo State Executive Council.