Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has given an idea of the kind of leader that might succeed him once his tenure ends. He shared his thoughts while meeting with political leaders from Imo East Senatorial District, also known as Owerri Zone, at the Government House in Owerri.
During the meeting, Uzodimma reminded the attendees that he still has three years left in office. He made a striking remark, saying, “I am not discussing politics now because I still have three years in office unless, of course, you want to poison me here!” This statement caught the attention of many, as it suggested he plans to serve his full term unless something drastic happens.
The governor also spoke about the need to allow him to complete his time in office without unnecessary political distractions. He noted that overheating the political atmosphere could be dangerous and that governance should be given priority over early political debates about his successor.
Discussing the qualities of the next governor, Uzodimma stressed the importance of having a courageous and well-focused leader. He said, “I will not solve all the problems in Imo. I will do the ones I can do, but the man coming after me should be able to do some. We will support merit. We must look for merit because we need a man who is courageous.”
He further noted the challenges he faced during his first term, especially regarding security. “You saw the insecurity that greeted my emergence. You see, by the grace of God, we were able to survive it, so what we need is a well-focused, bold, courageous man.” Uzodimma also warned political stakeholders about external influences that might try to manipulate them for their own interests. He advised them to think beyond personal ambitions and work towards the collective good of the state.
