Governor Hope Uzodimma has revealed the kind of leader who will succeed him in 2028, insisting that Imo needs a bold, battle-ready leader to continue his legacy. His remarks have sparked intense debate. Read the full story.
Owerri – Governor Hope Uzodimma has made a bold declaration about the kind of leader who will take over from him after his tenure, insisting that Imo needs a courageous and battle-ready successor to continue his work.
The governor made this statement during a meeting with Owerri Zone political leaders under the umbrella of the Owerri Harmony Project, held at the Government House.
He stated that while he cannot possibly solve all of Imo’s challenges, his successor must be brave enough to continue his vision and push the state forward.
Uzodimma, who secured re-election in 2023, emphasized that leadership in Imo requires a bold and focused individual who will not back down in the face of opposition.
“I will not solve all the problems in Imo. I will do the ones I am able to do, but the man coming after me should be able to do some. So, we must use taxpayers’ money for our people. We will support merit. We must look for merit because we need a man who is courageous,” Uzodimma said.
The governor recalled the intense insecurity that marked his emergence in 2020, warning that only a fearless and strategic leader could sustain political stability in the state.
“You saw the insecurity that greeted my emergence. 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 that will be my successor. The person who may not be a troublemaker but must fight if fight is necessary.”
Addressing concerns about power rotation, Uzodimma reaffirmed his commitment to the Charter of Equity, stating that while it remains important, merit must be the overriding factor.
He called on political leaders to avoid overheating the polity with unnecessary disputes, urging them to embrace unity and work for the collective good rather than personal ambition.
“There was a time when we lost our state, but we have recovered and restored its honour. Peace is essential for progress. Without it, society struggles to survive, and rules lose their meaning.”
He further warned against external influences, stating that political godfathers and external forces often deceive politicians with false promises.
“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.”
Uzodimma Highlights Achievements, Defends His Legacy
Speaking on his administration’s performance, the governor highlighted key achievements, including:
Debt reduction: From ₦298 billion in 2020 to ₦110 billion by 2021.
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Growth from ₦400 million to nearly ₦5 billion monthly.
Despite ongoing political discussions, Uzodimma insisted that he is not yet focused on succession politics, adding a dramatic remark:
“I am not discussing politics now because I still have three years in office unless, of course, you want to poison me here!”
As the 2028 Imo governorship race draws closer, Uzodimma’s insistence on a fearless, battle-ready successor has sparked intense debate, raising questions about the political landscape of the state.
Will his preferred candidate inherit his political structure, or will power dynamics shift before the next election?
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