As far as my memory can carry me, I will state equivocally that one of the things that set Imo state apart from other states in Nigeria is her peaceful nature. While other states enmesh in violence to the extent of burning houses, looting and killings, Imo politicians shoot with only their mouths.
While we had the “we tie” in the South West and in the last election in which many people lost their lives in the Northern part of the country, the entire South East has remained relatively peaceful.
Whenever there is anything like violence in the South East, it is usually armed robbery and kidnappings not political violence, where the outside world would notice.
Imo state since the Governorship of Chief Sam Mbakwe has never dwelt on violence for political heavy weights to settle their scores.
However, what nearly shattered the violence-free Imo politics was the death of a former Commissioner, during the Governor Achike administration, Chief Ogbonna Uche, known as OGB. Till date no one can swear that the death of that heavily built Accountant, called Osofia Ndizuogu was politically motivated, since there is still no official record of those who perpetuated the act.
Although one can not say there are no incidence of deaths during elections in Imo state, but the victims were not political heavy weights that could attract public attention like is the case in Yoruba and Hausa lands.
Having said that, it is pertinent to note that during the Ikedi Ohakim dispensation as Governor, there was not a single political assassination. The former Governor usually prides himself on that score. That he ruled Imo state for four years without having blood in his hands.
Infact, a few weeks to the end of his administration, Ohakim was confronted with situations that could lead a quick tempered Chief Security Officer to fly off the handle.
One could remember the day Ohakim and his visitor, former President Olusegun Obasanjo were confronted by demonstrators right at the Okigwe/Wetheral Road round-about, opposite the Government House, Owerri. Ohakim and Obasanjo were pelted with “pure Water” by the sponsored demonstrators who apparently were disabled persons, sponsored by a politician to humiliate the then Governor at the height of 2011 campaigns.
Honestly, after Ohakim had escorted Obasanjo and was returning to Government House, intelligent report was that the disabled demonstrators were still at the Government House gate, laying siege.
The Governor, the Chief Security Officer, had to make a detour, took Nekede road, through Akanchanwa road, and made the Government House by the back gate at Orlu Road.
All these were to avoid a situation where an over zealous security personnel, in a bid to impress his principal, shoots and kill Imo citizens, Ohakim later told his Aides.
In such a scenario, a leader could unleash his power and leaves unprecedentent chaos and mayhem, which may maim the populace, whom he is elected to protect.
Therefore, it is to Ohakim’s restraints and sense of patience that he could today boast that he governed Imo state for four years without any recorded assassination and shedding of bloods.
It was in the spirit of peace and tranquility of Imo state, that, while many advised him to resist the result of the 2011 Governorship election even as he was still sitting in Governor House, Ohakim elected to congratulate his successor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, and even emplored all candidates of other parties to support him.
Therefore, that a Governor or president may seem cowed in the face of challenges, is not cowardice, but the spirit of allowing the sleeping Dog lie.
Step in Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Since the inception of Okorocha’s administration on May 29, 2011, he has continued with where his predecessor left, by maintaining peace in Imo state.
There is no gain saying the fact that Okorocha may be a combative politician, but he cannot be accused of harming any body yet.
Imo since Okorocha administration has not recorded any political assassination, and will not in Jesus Name. But we should all pray that as the political environment builds up, the state should remain its peaceful self.
This is where the state Chief Security Officer, Owelle Rochas Okorocha should be at alert and not allow dangerous and desperate politicians turn the state into a bedlam for, all fingers would be pointed at the Governor, the Chief security office, who may know nothing about such acts.
From experience, I have discovered that some people who benefit from a particular Government, who wish not to lose their grip on the polity, can perpetuate mayhem on behalf of their Boss who knows nothing about the nefarious act.
Some politicians, who are over ambitious and desperate can also cause trouble, pointing at the Government in power to carry the blame.
As I write today, the political trend in Imo politics is gradually assuming new dimensions that we have never before witnessed in these parts.
Earlier on this page, I had warned against Imo politicians attacking each other, be it in Newspapers or physically as that may enthrone catastrophe in the polity, whose end no one can predict.
Recently, Newspapers in Imo have been awash with dirty publications against fellow aspirants, especially those in the Governorship category.
Rather than inform the masses what they can offer the electorate when voted into office, these Aspirants hide under fictitious names to attack their colleagues.
And certainty, those attacked may in the coming weeks “reply” their attackers, which enveriably will heat up the polity.
But one surprising thing is that in most cases, those attacked may direct their reprisals on innocent Aspirants, whom such people may presume master minded the attack on them.
For instance, for those of us that are Journalists, you may get calls enquiring on who sponsored what publication, which by ethics of the profession you must not disclose. But you will be shocked that the caller will tell you who he thinks sponsored the publication which infact has nothing to do with such a person. But since he/she sees this fellow as his/her major opponent, therefore whatever negative publication must come from him. Which in most cases is a lie. That is why many people die for something they know nothing about.
It was just like on November 22, 2011 when I was-way laid by some APGA thugs at Owerri High Court premises and beaten to the extent that it was a miracle to the police men who picked me from inside the gutter that I am still alife today.
Till date, I continue to ask myself; what did I do to those people? I was a poor Journalist chosen by my state to render service, and my job was to protect the image of my principal through Press Releases and countering any media attack on him. So, I never held a gun, nor attacked anybody but was only defending. So, why kill me for remaining resolute to the job I was assigned?
Just like Uncle Sam Onwuemedo doing his Media Work for Governor Rochas Okorocha now. Do you expect Sam to let you go free if you attack his principal? If that is what you want, he has no reason to be the Media Assistant to the Governor.
Therefore, Sam Onwuemedo is not fighting anybody but simply doing his job, which after rendering service to Imo, he gives way for another. Therefore it is not a crime, but an honour to serve your fatherland.
Before I digress, I want to appeal to Gov Okorocha to continue to maintain the peace for which Imo state is known for by doing his best in securing all Imo citizens, and should not allow the state degenerate into a violent orbit. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the buck of safe-guarding all Imo citizens rests on his shoulders and must not relent to send evil men out of the state.
On Wednesday May 14, 2014 something strange that should be nipped in the bud, before it escalates happened in Owerri. The three bed room in Bungalow of the former Governor of Imo state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim was Petrol-bombed.
The perpetrators defied the security personnel in the premises, and pulled down part of the PVC ceiling of the house, and threw inside, what looked like a gas bomb, that melted every property in the house.
Not a single pin was retrieved. Therefore, had people been inside the building when the attackers came, none would have survived, as they would have all died of smoke suffocation.
Many political commentators are pointing at politics as the main reason of that failed assassination attempt on the former Governor.
Till now, no one knows or can say who carried out the act, but what is not in doubt is that this singular act may trigger more devilish attacks on other citizens of the state.
Unfortunately, the incident coincided with the day Ohakim landed Imo after been away from Owerri for over two months.
Whatever be the situation, Imo state should continue to play her politics of “lip bomb” than lethal Bombs from politicians. We must not allow violence creep into Imo politics.
It is now left for security personnel to be alert. If a home of a former Governor could be attacked, what assurance does the poor masses have over their own security.
Imo belongs to us all, including those yet unborn. If what happened to Ohakim and his house were politically motivated, we warn that sincere politicians do not engage in acts that will shed blood of those they claim to represent.
Let us say no to violence in Imo. When elephants fight, the grasses suffer. These big politicians are only fighting for their ego, and not for our general good, we know it, and we must stop them before they destroy us all.
