Peter Dibia (08137847696)
In actual democratic setting power always belongs to the people instead of rulers, but in this clime rulers lord it over to the people who could not even take to the streets without being molested by the powers that be.
Hence democracy is a Greek word which means ‘rule by the people’. It is used to describe a system of government where power is held by the citizens without unruly interference.
Democracy has turned out to be the most supported political tool for development and social changes, which has attained near global acclaim and admiration by many world leaders. Although it is contestable. First, democracy has gained acceptability as a form of government based on equity and justice. Secondly, it purports to uphold the rule of law, and as well, guarantees the preservation of human rights.
Studies have shown that, an effective strategies adopted and properly implemented by a nation have the tendency of accelerating progress in the development of the nation.
My write up today will be examining some strategies for sustainable development in Imo State and to highlight an already existing strategies by the people’s oriented Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma for the development of the state. Of which this strategies by the governor will position the state well for social, economic and political emancipation for social economic growth and sustainable development.
Democracy as a system of government that gives preference to and strengthens citizens’ decision-making, promotes equal participation of local citizens in securing and building their nation for the collective good of all while upholding the principles of justice, peace and rule of law. Citizens who are also members of the civil society are to be recognized as active participants in deliberating issues that affect their lives with government both at the community, local, state and federal governments.
Moreso, democracy avails the ruler the opportunity of meeting his people regularly through stakeholders meeting just to chart the way forward as well implement government plans to develop the state infrastructurally and otherwise.
Uzodimma has assured Imo people who gathered at the Heroes Square during his swearing- in ceremony upon his entrance into office that he has come not to enrich himself with Imo people’s treasury, but to use it to rehabilitate, reconstruct and recover the state.
Indeed, Uzodimma’s constant meeting with Imo State Stakeholders has shown that he meant business more than anything you can think of and worthy of appraisal. At the meeting, the governor reiterated his administration readiness to recover all stolen properties belonging to Imo State without fear or favour. This simple means that all those Imo properties and treasures purportedly looted by past administrations will be recovered and handed over to the original owners.
Hearing the Governor giving the assurance “as I recover Imo properties converted to personal ownership by those who had political power back to Imo people, the same awaits me when I leave office”, I just said to myself Imo is in a safe hand.
Upon assumption of office on January 14, 2020, Senator Hope Uzodimma, affirmed that, he will return power to the people, of which today, it has started manifesting in some of his programs.
During Imo stakeholders meeting, the governor had revealed his intention to revive all the 44 Development Centers in the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State which were created by the the then government of Chief Achaike Udenwa to work towards making the grassroot feel more of the impact of government.
Ndi Imo, revamping of these Development Centers is another way which the governor has fashioned to fulfil his promise of returning power back to the people. Once this is achieved it will definitely bring good governance and government nearer to the people thereby reducing the load and the inflow of the people from rural areas to the state capital, for one need or the other.
Also, at the gathering involving the stakeholders, the governor had encouraged players from outside and within Imo State to return back to their normal businesses while assuring them of putting up some packages of incentives to attract investors all over the world to investment to the state. Is this not wonderful and worthy of commendation. This will not only cause business to boom, but will increase Imo State internally generated revenue and in return help the government to pay workers as and when due, achieve more laudable projects.
Understanding the importance of team work, the Governor sees himself as a team leader that needs efforts of all team players to acheive the common glory of the state. “What we set to do is not personal, but setting standard for my government and those coming after me”, this is a clear indication that the man at the helms of affairs in Imo State is well prepared.
This is another stimulus package to revitalize our Local Government system and to make Imo people understand that government is all about serving the people not to embezzle money.
Election has come and gone, let us as a matte of urgency corporate and support the current government and develop our dear state. If Imo is good today is for all of us, we have no other place to call our state rather than Imo State.
Your Excellency, I have no doubt that, your journey and commitment to rehabilitate, reconstruct and recover Imo State is gradually taking a new shape. Indeed, Imo must be great again.
