The recent directive by Governor Hope Uzodimma instructing the 27 Local Government Chairmen in Imo State to either reside in their domains or resign is both commendable and timely.
This move, coming against the backdrop of the rising insecurity in the state, underscores the urgency of responsible governance and grassroots leadership.
The directive is impressive not just for its timing but for its rationale. Local Government Chairmen are elected to serve their people, and their headquarters is their official post of duty.
Residing in their domains fosters accountability, ensures they are closer to the people they serve, and enables a proactive response to security challenges. It is inexcusable that many of these Chairmen have chosen to operate from outside their jurisdictions, leaving communities vulnerable to escalating violence.
Insecurity has become a pervasive issue in Imo State, with communities increasingly at the mercy of criminals. For the Chairmen to abandon their posts is a dereliction of duty. The directive by Governor Uzodimma is a reminder that public office is a call to serve, not a position of privilege to be enjoyed from a distance.
However, one cannot ignore the systemic issues that have contributed to this lack of commitment.
The credibility of the local government elections that brought these Chairmen into office remains highly questionable. The polls, widely criticized as a sham, were marred by irregularities and blatant manipulation.
Consequently, many of these Chairmen do not feel obligated to the people, as their mandate is seen as dubious. This lack of legitimacy undermines their sense of duty and connection to the communities they are meant to serve.
The Governor’s directive, though commendable, also casts a spotlight on his leadership style. Governor Uzodimma has often been criticized for governing Imo State from Abuja.
As a leader, he must set the standard for others to follow. His frequent absence from Owerri has been a source of concern for many citizens, who argue that his limited physical presence has stagnated governance in the state.
While it is understandable that Governor Uzodimma’s roles as Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and the South Governors Forum demand his attention, Imo State should remain his primary responsibility. These national and regional positions are secondary to the mandate he holds as Governor, a position entrusted to him by the people of Imo.
The challenges facing the state demand hands-on leadership. Insecurity has reached alarming levels, with recent incidents highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Over 30 persons were brutally killed along the Owerri-Okigwe road, with trucks and tippers burned in the process. Similarly, along the Owerri-Aba road, suspected Fulani terrorists kidnapped 26 people, killing a driver in the process.
These tragedies have heightened fears among residents, and many expected the Governor to personally address and condemn these attacks. His presence in the state during such trying times would have sent a reassuring message to the people, signaling that their safety and well-being remain a top priority.
It is imperative that Governor Uzodimma rethinks his approach to governance. The advancements in technology make it possible for him to handle national assignments while remaining physically present in Imo. Proximity to the issues on the ground would enable more effective leadership and decision-making.
The directive to Local Government Chairmen to live in their domains should serve as a starting point for broader reforms. The Governor must take steps to rebuild public trust, starting with his own commitment to spending more time in the state. His leadership should inspire confidence, not just among his appointees but also among the people of Imo State.
The need for change cannot be overstated. Imo deserves a government that is both present and proactive. Governor Uzodimma’s directive to the Chairmen is commendable, but it must be accompanied by a personal resolve to lead by example. The time for improvement is now, and the people of Imo are watching.
“While it is understandable that Governor Uzodimma’s roles as Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and the South Governors Forum demand his attention, Imo State should remain his primary responsibility. These national and regional positions are secondary to the mandate he holds as Governor, a position entrusted to him by the people of Imo”
Nwoke, A Public Affairs Analyst, Writes From Abuja
