A former Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs in Imo State, Dr. Ugorji Ugorji, has urged the people of Mbaise to begin mobilising politically for the emergence of one of their own as the successor to Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Ugorji made the appeal during an interactive session with members of the Mbaise Association in New York, where he encouraged the community to unite behind the goal of producing the state’s next governor. He argued that greater political representation would create more opportunities for development in Mbaise and the wider Owerri Zone.
Speaking in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP after the event, the former commissioner maintained that Governor Uzodimma’s administration has outperformed every other governor in the Southeast, insisting that his assessment was based on measurable achievements rather than political sentiment.
According to Ugorji, Governor Uzodimma will leave office with what he described as a remarkable record in governance. He urged Mbaise people not to resent the level of development witnessed in Orlu Zone under previous administrations led by governors from the area, but instead work towards securing the governorship through the democratic process.
“Uzodimma will run his race and bow out with a superlative record. 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 in the area. If I am elected governor, Mbaise and Owerri Zone will be a priority—not the only priority, but a clear and immediate priority,” he said.
Ugorji credited the Uzodimma administration’s 3R agenda with several developmental initiatives, including the SkillUp Imo digital empowerment programme, road infrastructure projects and reforms in other sectors. He also praised the government’s handling of security, payment of salaries and pensions, and the implementation of an improved minimum wage.
The former commissioner also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti, saying he had shown signs of good governance despite belonging to a different political party. He, however, argued that Otti’s popularity had been amplified by the strong online support of the “Obidient” movement following the 2023 general elections.
While acknowledging Otti’s performance, Ugorji insisted that Governor Uzodimma had delivered more tangible results in Imo than his Abia counterpart had achieved in his state.
“I am a truth teller and a democratic realist. Whenever we see good governance anywhere, we must applaud it. Governor Otti appears to be doing well in Abia, but Governor Hope Uzodimma has done more for Imo than Otti has done for Abia so far. From tackling insecurity to road construction, SkillUp Imo, improved minimum wages, and the regular payment of salaries and pensions, Uzodimma continues to set the pace in governance in the Southeast,” he stated.
The remarks come as political discussions ahead of the next governorship succession in Imo State continue to gather momentum, with stakeholders from different parts of the state positioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
