Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has addressed criticisms regarding his frequent presence in Abuja, explaining that his visits are strategically aimed at securing federal benefits for the state.
The governor made this clarification during the first-anniversary thanksgiving service of his second term in office held at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
Responding to remarks made by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Revd. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who advised the governor to spend more time within the state, Uzodimma defended his actions as being in the best interest of Imo State.
In his homily, Archbishop Ugorji emphasized the importance of visible leadership and advised the governor to prioritize presence within the state.
“Leadership is about being available for your people,” Ugorji said, urging Uzodimma to connect more directly with the challenges and aspirations of Imo people.
Uzodimma, however, asserted that his frequent trips to Abuja were essential for effective governance.
“Imo State is part of Nigeria, and for any state to maximize benefits from the Federal Government, its leadership must maintain a robust presence at the national level,” he said.
He further explained that his roles as the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and the South-East Governors’ Forum necessitate his constant engagement with federal authorities in Abuja.
According to him, these positions enable him to advocate effectively for Imo and the South-East region as a whole.
Uzodimma dismissed the notion that a governor’s physical presence in the state is the sole measure of effective leadership.
“How often a governor stays at home cannot be a useful yardstick to determine his administration’s achievements,” he stated.
Speaking on his administration’s accomplishments, Uzodimma insisted that his frequent travels have not compromised governance in Imo.
“Being in Abuja has not hindered the payment of workers’ salaries. It has not slowed down the war against insecurity. It has not slowed down the pace of numerous ongoing projects across the state,” he said.
The governor also pointed out that modern leadership requires leveraging every available opportunity to advance the well-being of citizens.
“A good leader must seize opportunities wherever they arise to secure benefits for his people,” he said.
Uzodimma underscored the importance of collaboration between state and federal governments, noting that such partnerships often translate into tangible developmental projects.
“Securing federal attention for Imo State is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he explained..
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