Where are Sam Mbakwe’s mansions? Where are Mbakwe’s posh cars? Where are Mbakwe’s fat local and foreign accounts? Dee Sam had no such houses, so noticeable in any corner of our state capital. Mbakwe possessed no flamboyant Estates here and there in Owerri, Umuahia and in Ebonyi States. Mbakwe was not spotted in Paris, London, Washington, New York, Amsterdam, Bonn, Moscow, Tel Aviv or Ottawa. When he ventured into NABRASKA United States, he came back with a Multi-campus University scattered in Aba, Owerri, Umuahia, Okigwe, Orlu and what have you. He sought to empower Imo Youths, Imo Women, and Imo Men. We heard of Akpodim Rehabilitation center. We heard of secondary school for the deaf and dumb Ofekata Orodo. Who remembered these great institutions for our sisters and brothers thanks to Honourable Simeon Iwunze who mentioned the Orodo stuff the day Imo House celebrated their two years anniversary. That was the ranking house member from Isiala-Mbano. Mbakwe spent his last kobo even from his pocket just to keep “Umu Imo happy”. He established cottage industries to keep Umu Imo working and gainfully employed. Did any body see Sam Mbakwe’s bill Boards any where: in old Imo? How many times did Dee Sam travel to Britain or Turkey? Imo, Imo was his Battle cry. He could quarrel with Alhaji Shehu Shagari of NPN because of Imo welfare? He could confront General Babangida just to draw his attention to the state of Imo. Mbakwe was elected not because of Zone A or zone B but because of Character, steadfastness, diligence, Due process, Rule of law, transparency and Honesty. Mbakwe went out there to defend Imo people, forgetting his personal welfare or the wellbeing of his Avutu people, Obowo and Okigwe Zone. He had every opportunity and right to site Imo University at Avutu but he and his team chose Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Axis. Has he been respected? He was elected based on his selfless doggedness in abandoned property palaver for Igbo race and beyond. He fought for Orlu Zone, Okigwe Zone, Owerri Zone, Ohaji/Egbema Zone, Mbaitoli Zone, Mbaise Zone, Ngor Okpala Zone, Umuahia, Aba and Abakiliki Zones. He won! To be greater than Mbakwe, one must enroll first of all in the Mbakwe School of government. His Government, though of the minority NPP, gave Imo- lites in all the federal and state universities bursary of which this writer benefited as an undergraduate then at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (1980-1984). He managed the little income coming into Imo even when NPN controlled Government at the center denied him necessary assistance. The only savings grace for Dee Sam was the ocean of love Imo people had for him as a person, in his style, in his character and in his Government. Mbakwe’s secret was his motivational power. He never Decamped or abandoned his minority NPP to decamp to NPN. Mbakwe miraculously transformed Imo, the old Imo, because he detested sycophancy. He had a tested and excellent team: the RBK Okafors, the speaker Gideon Atulomas Okechukwu Okibedis, Nze HSKs, the Dr. Ray Ofoegbus, the Otuokere Njakas, the Okechukwus Mezus, the OK. 2000, the Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwus, the Arthur Nzeribes and a host of motivational Men and Women. Imo Airport was the product, and efforts of all Imo citizens – thanks to Airport Levy; led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndi Igbo).; after those efforts, there was that education fund, and it was anchored by the collective efforts of president Generals and their Communities. ADA-Palm was on; and there was this “back to LAND-Mantra. Local Government Councils were working. Mbakwe would not like to hear that any council chairman messed up with councils’ fund. Power was with the people. Dee Sam believed absolutely in the rule of law. Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo was there in ANAMBARA. Solomon LAR was there in Plateau State. They worked as a team. Today, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Anambara states cannot see eye to eye. Golden Guinea breweries, the ceramics and the paint ventures that generated job opportunities for jobless south-easterners are dead. The most worrisome is to see the OLD IMO FIRST LADY CRY OUT FOR HELP. It is very shameful. The Friday, August 30, 2013 front page Headline Trumpeta “Dee Sam Mbakwe widow cries out. Wants south-east Governors to initiate welfare policy for deceased Governors families?? 10 years after Husband’s death. Our Amiable Mama Imo (Abia, Imo and Part of Ebonyi State) Her Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Ahuikpe is in pains of abandonment. Let us not hear this. We plead with Governors.
Okorochas, the Orjis, the Elechis, the Obis, the Chimes to come to the succor to all the deceased Governors widows in the Eastern State. We have the Mbakwes, the Ikwueches, the Onohs and a host of others. It is noteworthy that since the departure of the Great Awo of the Yoruba race – the Governors of the Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, have they left to cater for HID. Awolowo – the Yoruba Matriach? She still look like a young girl of today. Mbakwe’s Victoria need every attention. She need not say it. If some things are already done, more need to be done. Mama Vicky and Husband fought a good fight for Imo. Dee Sam will be greatly disappointed to hear that his family is a abandoned and his wife not catered for. OUR AUNTY, IMO FIRST LADY HER Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Ahuikpe. Mbakwe. OUR AMIABLE MOTHER-GENERAL. You who traversed the length and breadth of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, to cater for the Youths, the aged, Men and Women of yester years, to day belongs to you to reep those fruits you and your Husband sowed in tears. We pray God Almighty to keep you and your Children safe. Your cries are for all and not a personal cry. Imo, Abia and Ebonyi have you heard? We urge you to act! Thank you Mama. May God bless
