When truth is twisted to score cheap political points, it becomes not only a disservice to history but also an insult to the collective intelligence of the people of Imo State. I read with mild amusement an article by Nze James Chinonyerem titled “Taking Imo Backwards: The Ikedi Ohakim’s Comeback Call.” In it, the writer attempts to rewrite history, mask injustice with propaganda, and paint a man whose only crime was standing tall where others bowed, as a villain in his own story.
Let us not allow falsehood to gain ground through repetition.
THE IMPOSITION FALLACY
To begin with, it is historically disingenuous to claim that Dr. Ikedi Ohakim was “imposed” on Imo people. Ohakim was popularly elected in 2007 in a rerun after April 14 elections were marred with irregularities. He came in through the votes of the people, not through a backdoor. If he were truly imposed, how then did the people embrace his populist environmental reforms? How did he achieve so much in so little time that even those who opposed him now echo his vision?
Let’s call it what it is: Ohakim became a victim of a political undercurrent driven by vendettas and federal might—punished not for poor performance, but for not aligning with political puppeteers in Abuja.
THE AGBASO NARRATIVE: MISDIRECTION 101
The writer dredges up the tired story of Chief Martin Agbaso in 2007 as if Ohakim orchestrated the rerun that led to his emergence. Let it be clear: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not Ohakim, decided the rerun. Ohakim didn’t rob anyone. He contested, he won. So if there’s any “Peter and Paul” analogy, it should be directed at the system that administered that election—not the candidate who emerged.
And even at that, if Owerri felt injured in 2007, why did they not support Okigwe in 2011 to complete their turn and secure 2015 for themselves? Why instead did they make the mistake of backing another candidate from Orlu? That is the real betrayal. That is the real error we’re still paying for.
THE MYTH OF THE “UNGUIDED MOUTH”
Accusing Ohakim of “talking down” on people is rich coming from supporters of those who rained abuses on churches, elders, and the civil service. Under Ohakim’s government, Imo witnessed decorum, institutional respect, and structured reforms. His famous “Clean and Green” initiative didn’t insult anybody—it dignified everyone. He was firm, not abusive. Articulate, not arrogant. And if he refused to bow to political overlords in Abuja, it should be seen as courage—not a sin.
Would you rather have a puppet for a governor or a man who can stand tall before giants?
OHAKIM’S RECORD VS PROPAGANDA
Between 2007 and 2011, Ohakim ran one of the most development-driven governments Imo has seen:
The IRROMA Road Revolution
Imo Clean & Green (which won international awards)
Structured urban renewal projects
Revitalization of public infrastructure and civil service discipline
He governed with vision. And yet, because he didn’t serve the personal interest of a cabal, a smear campaign was launched—including the false, now debunked, story about a Reverend Father.
COMEBACK ATTEMPTS? OR A MAN RELENTLESSLY COMMITTED TO HIS PEOPLE?
Is it a crime that Ohakim has continued to answer the call to serve? Those who accuse him of staging comebacks forget that in politics, the true test of relevance is whether your people still call your name in times of uncertainty. The fact that Ohakim’s name remains in the political conversation, more than a decade after leaving office, is proof of enduring relevance—not desperation.
Let us not forget: Okigwe never completed its turn. That injustice must be corrected before any zone can talk about equity with clean hands.
No, It’s Not About Going Back to Egypt. It’s About Doing What Is Right.
This is not about taking Imo backward—it’s about restoring what was broken. It’s about finishing what was started. A one-term handover to Okigwe through Ohakim is not a regression—it’s a redemption.
The state needs a bridge. A trusted hand. A harmonizer with institutional memory, not a fresh face with no compass. Ohakim is not seeking vengeance; he is offering closure.
If justice is truly blind, let it not be blinded by hate.
CONCLUSION: THE REAL QUESTION
If Ohakim is not fit to serve, let the people of Imo say so—not political jobbers and their sponsors who tremble at the thought of his return.
Let them remember this:
The road to equity must pass through justice.
The way forward is to go back—and fix what we broke.
And that, my dear Imolites, is not going backward.
That is the only honest way to move forward.
— Obinna Ndukwe
Writes for Imo Uncensored
JusticeForOkigwe | #OhakimOneTerm | #EquityMeansClosure | #Imo2027
