A former Imo State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Dr Ugorji Ugorji, has called on the people of Mbaise to unite and position one of their own as the next governor of Imo State after Governor Hope Uzodimma completes his tenure.
Ugorji made the appeal during an interactive session with Imo indigenes at a meeting of the Mbaise Association in New York, where he also delivered a strong endorsement of Uzodimma’s administration.
In a telephone interview, the former commissioner insisted that his position was based on what he described as verifiable achievements of the current administration.
He argued that governance benefits often reflect political representation, urging communities to organise politically if they want increased development attention.
“If you want the government to do more in Mbaise, you must work to elect a governor from Mbaise. I don’t begrudge the great things governors from Orlu zone have done,” he said.
Ugorji further stated that Governor Uzodimma would leave office with what he described as a strong record of performance.
He also suggested that any future governor from Mbaise would prioritise the region, while still governing in a balanced manner.
“If I am elected as governor, you can bet your last kobo that Mbaise and Owerri Zone will be a priority, not the only priority but a clear and immediate priority,” he added.
The former commissioner commended the Uzodimma-led administration under its “3R Agenda”, crediting it with achievements in road infrastructure, youth empowerment through the SkillUp Imo programme, and improvements in salary and pension payments.
He also praised developments in the state’s security architecture, claiming the government had made progress in addressing insecurity.
Ugorji, however, extended his remarks beyond party lines, acknowledging governance efforts in neighbouring Abia State under Governor Alex Otti, whom he said deserved recognition despite political differences.
“I am a truth teller and a democratic realist. Whenever we see good governance anywhere, we must applaud it,” he said.
However, he maintained that Uzodimma’s administration had performed more strongly in comparison, particularly in infrastructure delivery, civil service reforms, and economic management.
His comments are expected to further fuel political conversations in Imo State ahead of future succession debates, especially as regional blocs continue to position themselves within the state’s evolving political landscape.
