By Gideon Njoku
This news is going to have, at once, a negative and positive effect on people, depending on which side of the divide one belongs to.
For those nervous that new Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, will scrap the Judicial Commissions of Inquiry set up by his predecessor in office, there is good news for them.
And, for those who were jubiliating that Uzodinma’s government would spell a breather for them from the probe panels, they have a shock waiting for them.
The governor, on Tuesday, disappointed both sides.
Seeing the all-round sorry state of Imo when he assumed office, the immediate past governor, the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, set up Judicial Commission of Inquiry and Panels to enable his government know the exact state of affairs.
To most Imolites, the most important were the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Contracts awarded between June 2011 and May 29, 2019, and that of Lands and Other Related Matters.
They have their reasons.
The deluge of complaints alleging all kinds of fraudulent activities on contracts and land in the state was worrisome.
And, when the Commissions were set-up, not a few Imolites heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, the truth will be exposed, they chorused. Those who alleged that their plots of land were fraudulently, and forcefully taken away from them, looked forward to getting them back. Contractors who said they were “419ed” looked forward to justice.
Imolites who were stunned by the shoddy jobs done on roads and bridges began to have faith that those responsible for such sabotage and short-changing of the people will pay for their sins.
Alleged culprits were nervous.
But, suddenly, there was a change of baton. Ihedioha was removed from office on January, the 14th. The impact was immediate on both sides of the divide, especially, as former Governor Rochas Okorocha, under whose watch the alleged short-changing took place, and who had been away from the state since his exit from office suddenly surfaced.
He was first seen at the Imo Airport when he arrived, almost, at the same time with Uzodinma for the swearing-in ceremony. At the ceremony, Okorocha was all over the place, throwing banters as if saying: I told you. I am back.
Anger rose when speculations came strongly that Uzodinma said he would not probe anybody. That he had struck a deal with them.
But, not true. No deals, a source close to the governor told this magazine.
Stories were rife that some people were already celebrating that the work the Commission had been doing had come to nought, that they would be thrown into the thrash can. Apprehension was high.
But on Tuesday, Uzodinma shocked both parties, and there was sadness and joy.
Receiving the Chairmen and members of both Judicial Commissions of Inquiry in audience, the Governor appreciated them for accepting to, selflessly, serve their state, and asked them to continue the job.
He told them Imolites were looking up to them to unravel what happened during the locust years. He said:
“I will encourage you in every way possible to finish your job, to meet your terms of reference.
I will provide logistics. Do your work without fear or favour.
“Government is a continuum. When you see the good, you continue with it. When you see the bad, you discard. What you are doing is good for our people. They are looking up to you.
“I assure you that I will implement your recommendations. There will be no politics. Work with the fear of God, and good conscience. Do not be afraid of anybody, or any interference. You have my support.”
To make a point, he expressly, approved the three months extension and logistics which the Commissions asked for, due to the volume of work at hand.
For Imolites, the good and new beginning, started by Ihedioha continue.
