In a meeting with political leaders from Imo East Senatorial district, dubbed the Owerri Zone, under the Owerri Harmony project at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State hinted at what the people of Imo could expect in their next governor after his tenure.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of allowing him to finish his term peacefully, stating that he still has three years left in office unless something unforeseen like poisoning occurs.
He cautioned against overheating the political atmosphere and urged for a smooth transition to the next leader.
Uzodimma said, “I will not solve all the problems in Imo. I will do the ones I can do but the man coming after me should be able to do some. We will support merit. We must look for merit because we need a man who is courageous.
“You saw the insecurity that greeted my emergence. You see, by the grace of God, we were able to survive it, so what we need is a well-focused, bold, courageous man.
“That is My prayer for the kind of person who will be my successor. The person who may not be a troublemaker but must fight if a fight is necessary.”
“Very soon, external forces will approach you, tell you that you are the best candidate for governor, and even offer incentives.
“But after the elections, they will abandon you. We must differentiate between personal desires and collective interests.
“I am not discussing politics now because I still have three years in office unless, of course, you want to poison me here! Let us first create awareness, consult, reconcile, and unite. Politics should be pursued with love and understanding, not confrontation,” the governor said.
Uzodimma, who became the governor of Imo State in the most controversial manner, recorded a landslide victory in his second term eĺection.
