Gov. Hope Uzodinma Defends Frequent Abuja Visits, Cites Benefits for Imo State
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has addressed the reasons behind his frequent visits to Abuja, asserting that his presence at the national level is crucial for the state’s growth and development.
The Governor made these remarks during the first anniversary thanksgiving service of his second term at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri. His comments were in response to a homily by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who had advised the Governor to focus more on his presence in the state instead of frequenting Abuja.
In his response, Governor Uzodinma explained that as a state within Nigeria, Imo must maintain strong representation at the federal level to maximize benefits from the central government. He emphasized that as the Chairman of both the APC Governors’ Forum and the South-East Governors’ Forum, his national engagements were necessary to secure federal support and resources for the state.
Uzodinma further stressed that the effectiveness of his leadership should not be judged solely by his physical presence in Imo. He maintained that a good leader must use every opportunity to advance the welfare of the people, regardless of location. “Being in Abuja has not hindered the payment of workers’ salaries, slowed the fight against insecurity, nor delayed the progress of ongoing projects in the state,” he said.
Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, also defended the Governor’s actions. Nwaogwugwu noted that the Governor’s presence in Abuja had led to significant federal interventions in the state. He pointed out several major federal projects secured by Uzodinma’s efforts, including the conversion of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education into a Federal University of Education, the elevation of the Federal Medical Centre to a Federal University Teaching Hospital, and the reconstruction of critical roads like the Owerri-Port Harcourt and Owerri-Aba roads.
“These are just a few of the major accomplishments under the Governor’s strategic engagement with the national government,” Nwaogwugwu said, emphasizing that Imo has never experienced such a level of federal involvement as under the current administration.
Nwaogwugwu also debunked what he described as misconceptions spread by the Governor’s critics, stating that the results of the Governor’s efforts speak for themselves. He concluded by reinforcing that the Governor’s primary responsibility is to improve the lives of Imo residents, and his strategic presence in Abuja has been instrumental in ensuring the state’s fair share of national benefits.
