In Imo State, September 14, 2024, marked a significant day for the Rebuild Imo Movement Leaders from the Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu zones convened in Owerri to engage with former Governor of the State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON.

These meetings, held at Ihedioha’s residence, underscored the growing momentum and unified resolve of the movement to drive change in Imo State.

In the Owerri Zone meeting, prominent leaders gathered to discuss the movement’s future direction. Ihedioha emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement in spreading the vision and policy thrust of the Rebuild Imo Movement. He called on the leaders to be “fishers of men,” ensuring they attract individuals of goodwill and serve as good ambassadors of the movement in their localities. He lauded Sir Bon Unachukwu’s leadership in steering the group within the zone and encouraged continued efforts to mobilize support across all nine local governments. In response, Sir Bon Unachukwu assured the readiness and exceptional dedication of the leaders of Owerri zone to the movement’s ideals.

The Okigwe Zone leadership, led by Chief Emma Okewulonu (IKEOHA), and the Zonal Coordinator, Prof Obioma Iheduru, also met with Ihedioha to reaffirm their commitment to the movement. Okewulonu pledged unwavering support, expressing the zone’s resolve to see Ihedioha become the next Governor of Imo State. He was accompanied by leaders from all six LGAs, who expressed gratitude for Ihedioha’s brief yet impactful tenure in office. Ihedioha, in his address, thanked the Okigwe leaders for their solidarity and urged them to keep reciprocating the goodwill extended to them in time past, by the Rebuild Imo Administration. He emphasized that “politics without women involvement is like food without salt,” highlighting the crucial role women play in the political process. He further urged the leaders to propagate their strengths to achieve their goals and always put their best foot forward.

The gathering from Orlu Zone was marked by passionate speeches and a strong display of unity among stakeholders. Leaders like Hon. Damian Ezerue and Dr. Vin Udokwu emphasized the significance of unity and collective effort in the movement’s success. Stakeholders from the zone expressed their readiness to drive the movement forward, establishing strong structures at both ward and zonal levels. Ihedioha stressed the necessity of pragmatism and strategic partnerships, encouraging synergy among the different zones to achieve the desired positive transformation in Imo State. He reiterated the need for members to be fishers of men and to serve as exemplary representatives of the movement in their communities.

These engagements highlighted a shared vision for a Rebuilt Imo State, with Ihedioha at the helm. Leaders from all three zones echoed a commitment to principles of integrity, accountability, and service to the people. The movement is now poised to strengthen its foundation through strategic partnerships and collective efforts, inviting like-minded individuals to join in this transformative journey.

Amid the challenges posed by insecurity in Imo State for years now, Governor Hope Uzodimma has challenged the leaders to join hands with him to ensure the restoration of government at the grassroots.

The Governor who made the call on Sunday at the Government House Chapel, Owerri at the end of the day’s Church service, noted that it should be a source of concern to the Imo leaders that they have abandoned their communities to stay in the cities as a result of insecurity.

Governor Uzodimma said that the Imo State local government election scheduled for September 21, is critical to the extent that it will be an opportunity to “push back government to the grassroots.”

He therefore admonished the leaders, particularly those of the All Progressives Congress extraction, to deemphasize excessive complaints about the chairmanship and councillorship candidates that have emerged from the Party Primaries for the coming election, but focus more on how to join hands with government to deal with the festering insecurity that has caused loss of lives, property and assets in Imo State.

The Governor also advised APC leaders who have been going about mouthing the issue of “turn” in the manner the chairmanship and councillorship candidates were elected, to bear in mind that their turn will still come.

His words: “Those who think it is their turn and have not got it now, we are holding it on trust; you will soon get it; it will get to you.”

Governor Uzodimma who reiterated his earlier promise that the chairmanship and councillorship aspirants who could not make it at the Party Primaries would be paid the amount they spent to buy forms, however called on political appointees at all levels to be ambassadors of government, willing to add value to the system.

He bemoaned what he described as the attitude of some appointees entrusted with public assets, and urged them to “search their consciences” as regards their acts in the offices they occupy.

Governor Uzodimma said that as a person he was not in a hurry to do anything that he will regret after leaving office and cautioned those who think their relationship with him could thrive when he resorts to doing the wrong things.

“I am not confused about this government. I want to finish from here and go home. Prevention is better than cure. We have come to serve Imo State. I am not in a hurry to do anything that I will not be able to interrogate my conscience. Allow me to carry my cross. When we finish we will be remembered for the things we did. I am open to investigation,” the Governor said.

He used the opportunity to thank the leaders and dignitaries who worshipped with him at the Chapel, including the new Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, and sought for stronger collaboration of the federal institutions in Imo State with his government.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Baring any last minute changes, aspirants who failed  to scale the primaries huddles of All Progressive Congress, APC, for the September 21, Imo State Local Government Election, will start getting  refunds for their expenditures effective, Monday September 16, 2024.

However, such refunds would only be limited to expenses incurred in the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms.

A statement issued on Sunday, September 15, by Governor Hope Uzodinma’s  Special Assistant Electronic and Creative media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, quoted the Governor as giving the assurance during a Church Service at the Government House.

The Governor said unreceipted  expenses such as those emanating from consultations and entertainment will be shouldered by the aspirants.

The Source reports that during the primaries to select candidates for the election, the ruling, All Progressive Congress, APC, had opted for consensus.

The Governor and the Party Leadership insisted that it was the only pathway to peace and rancour free means of selecting the party’s candidates going by the avalanche of aspirants involved.

However, to equally ensure justice and fairness, the Governor has also canvassed refunds to those that were dropped as a result of the consensus option.

“All the people that applied as aspirants for either Councilorship or Chairmanship in the Local Government election who are not successful, your money will be refunded tomorrow ( today Monday ).

“The ones we will not refund is the one you gave without receipts ( for consultations ) ” Governor Uzodinma said .

He appealed to the aspirants to remain firm and have trust in the abilities of the party to carry everybody along.

Further calling for unity of purpose, Governor Uzodinma emphasized the need for members to place the interest of the party above personal considerations.

He pleaded with individuals whose interests and expectations may have been dashed to see it as a necessary sacrifice for the overall interest of the APC as a party.