By MarkAnthony Nze
Political power is as sweet as it is intoxicating especially in Africa generally, and Nigeria particularly. It gives politicians who have achieved it, a certain air of arrogance or confidence depending on the individual that wields such power. For Sir Emeka Ihedioha, the incumbent governor of Imo state, it should be that of confidence, and not arrogance considering the way, the notoriety of his predecessor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha ruined his political image in Imo state.
Ihedioha is not a new comer or novice to the intricate politics of Nigeria, and the bluntness of Imo people that he governs, having been part of the country’s polity as a member of the House of Representatives for twelve years, and four of those years as deputy speaker. It is expected that he must have garnered enough political, and leadership experiences to pilot the affairs of Imo state without making excuses or heaping blames on the previous government that he took over from.
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In reality, Ihedioha just like many Nigerian politicians entrusted with leadership positions did not fare well as regards execution of projects in his Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala federal constituency. Ihedioha had a good opportunity to have done very well in those years but he failed.
However, everybody deserves a second chance, and the people of Imo unanimously gave him another opportunity to govern them because it was very clear that Ihedioha had learnt from his mistakes, he had come to deeply understand the plight of his people, and that was quite evidenced with the way he genuinely explained his campaign manifesto before and during the election that ushered him in as the governor.
Previously, Ihedioha had contested against Okorocha and lost because the latter was envisaged then by the people of Imo state as the messiah that will take them to an enviable economic, and political status but unfortunately, Okorocha was the most terrible disaster that befell Imo.
A hypocritical politician, and marauder like Okorocha under normal circumstances should not have been seen in the corridors of power let alone allowed to become a governor.