Former Executive Chairman of Ezinihitte Local Government Area, and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Dr Bede Agunnaya Nzenwa has reacted to the recent action of the former state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha by breaking into a state government sealed premises as very unfortunate of a former Governor to do.
Speaking in an organized zoom town hall meeting of concerned Imo citizens in far away Southern California in the United States, on Sunday, February 21, 2021.
The meeting was centered on the recent clash in Imo state between Rochas’ thugs and Imo State Government functionaries.
Dr. Bede Nzenwa, a Chartered Accountant stated and explained as follows:
‘Like Gov Uzodinma or hate him, no Imo citizen can deny the fact that he has displayed impressive political will by taking direct and unequivocal action against Sen. Rochas with a view to recovering the common wealth of Imo people which one man in a display of unprecented level of greed, insensitivity, arrogance and thievery, cornered to himself and family. Rochas’ martial style of governance cowed, diminished, hypnotized and chased our political leaders, elders, traditional rulers and elites into hiding.
He and himself alone appropriated Imo treasury to himself, his family members and selected cronies.
We must appreciate the former governor, H E, Emeka Ihedioha for setting up the legal framework through which the present administration of Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodinma is drawing authority to do the needful with Rochas.
Rather than throwing stones at Sen Uzodinma at this time, every legitimate Imo citizen must hail, support and encourage him. It is not wise to import the sentiment of political affiliation into this matter.
Rochas murdered democracy in Imo. He glorified impunity and lawlessness. His arrogance was legendary. All these traits which are destructive and infectious resulted in a big menace to the society.
My fellow Imo citizens, for the sake of posterity, Gov Hope Uzodinma deserves our total support in this battle to reclaim Imo from the economic chokehold of the former governor.
Opposition is a healthy structure in every democracy. It’s advisable that good journalism sometimes rises above the tendency of always trying to be sensitive only to the interest of a paymaster. Professional journalism implies that sometimes, the writer must acknowledge the positive (no matter how small) side(s) of a perceived ‘enemy’ government. This is character and common sense in display, resulting in mutual respect among the opposition, the opposed and the readership.
Imo needs and deserves balanced and constructive journalism especially at this critical time of our history . A time when an incumbent Governor is genuinely busy tearing down an evil empire erected by a former Governor. The gods of our land and the Almighty God shall protect Uzodinma and his government as they engage Rochas and his men.
Hope Uzodinma may not be an angel (there is no angel on earth anyway) but he has demonstrated uncommon ball in pursuing this matter. He had the option to compromise and enter into an ungodly alliance with Rochas for the purpose of “Agbata Ekee”. He gave Rochas the opportunity to return even 50% of his loot. The latter chose to bluff him. In his convoluted perception of power, of once a governor, always a governor, or, Mr. Karma has permanently dulled his brain as a result of all the curses Imo citizens rained and are still raining on him and his family for ruining Imo.
No Governor can do any magic in Imo with the level of economic, social and political liquidation inherited from Rochas’ Administration. If H E, Gov. Uzodinma effectively recovers and injects 50% of Rochas’ loot into Imo, our state will smile. Note that this is not the first time Gov Uzodinma has demonstrated strong political will. As soon as he came into office, he repealed the infamous law guaranteeing life pension to former Governors, Deputies and Speakers.
I must state here gentlemen and ladies, that I am not holding brief for Gov Uzodinma and his administration. Every statement I made here is my personal conviction and I am proud to share it.
