Imo, Uzodimma and a Tale of Two Amadi
Most worrisome is a recent report by a coalition of Civil Society Organizations that an orchestrated plot involving the use of digital technologies to fabricate and circulate doctored voices, images, and videos of both Dr. Sam Amadi and Dr. Chima Amadi, has been uncovered.
Imo, Uzodimma and a Tale of Two Amadi
Chidi Elemuo
In the unfolding political drama in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration has chosen a curious and deeply troubling strategy: attacking citizens who dare to speak truth to power.
At the center of this unfolding controversy are two distinguished sons of Ngor Okpala LGA., Dr. Sam Amadi and Dr. Chima Amadi. These two individuals, widely respected in their fields and beyond, have come under sustained attacks for simply choosing to raise their voices against the deepening rot in governance and the deteriorating conditions in Imo State.
Dr. Sam Amadi, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),. governorship aspirant and a noted intellectual, has been vocal in his critique of the Uzodinma administration’s glaring failures, especially in the areas of insecurity, infrastructure decay, and the abandonment of public services. Not one to mince words, Dr. Amadi has consistently called for accountability, good governance, and a return to the values that once defined leadership in the South East. His criticisms, far from being malicious, are well-reasoned, data-driven, and grounded in a deep love for the people of Imo State.
His recent position on the controversial handover of land, originally acquired by the government of Imo State for a Free Trade Zone in Ngor Okpala to a private religious organization, has clearly hit a nerve.
Rather than engage in constructive dialogue and provide answers, the Imo State Government through its Commissioner for Information, Hon. Declan Emelumba and other appointees have opted for personal attacks and character assassination. In a recent outburst, they sought to discredit Dr. Sam Amadi’s credibility, hurling baseless accusations that smack of desperation and fear of dissent.
On the other hand, Dr. Chima Amadi, a Governorship hopeful and President of The Mazi Organization (TMO) and founder of the Jude and Juliana Foundation, is another victim of this smear machinery..
A first class scholar, civic advocate, policy expert and business mogul, Dr. Amadi has worked tirelessly to empower marginalized communities, champion youth development and strengthen democratic accountability across Nigeria and beyond. Yet, for daring to criticize the systemic failure in Imo State, particularly the worsening insecurity, crumbling health and education sectors and unchecked corruption, he has been targeted with vicious propaganda.
Long before he became a critic of the Imo State government, Dr. Chima Amadi had earned a reputation for his deep commitment to social justice and people-centered development. Through the Jude and Juliana Foundation, named in honor of his parents, Dr. Amadi has invested in several community-based initiatives aimed at lifting people out of poverty and despair. His foundation, since the past 12 years, has provided scholarships for underprivileged students, healthcare support, vocational training and empowerment programs for widows, youths and persons with disabilities, trade support and housing.
Dr. Amadi envisions a state where government is a platform for service. Where every child can access qualitative free education and affordable healthcare and importantly where every citizen lives without fear.
Yet, for all these selfless efforts, Dr. Amadi has been subjected to one of the most shameful campaigns of state-backed misinformation in recent history. In a series of orchestrated attacks, media mercenaries, including some on the government’s payroll, have attempted to malign his image with baseless accusations, including the absurd claim that he attacked the process of selection of the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. Typical of idle minds, they have even questioned his identity, labeled him an “Alhaji” and tried to ignite ethnic and religious sentiments to tarnish his credibility. All because he asked questions.
Most worrisome is a recent report by a coalition of Civil Society Organizations that an orchestrated plot involving the use of digital technologies to fabricate and circulate doctored voices, images, and videos of both Dr. Sam Amadi and Dr. Chima Amadi, has been uncovered.
According to the information, this is a scare tactic against dissent. The target is to manufacture lies to mislead the people of Imo and turn public sentiment against these courageous advocates and other opposition figures. These desperate tactics represent a dangerous dimension in political propaganda which threatens the soul of our democracy.
It has, therefore become urgent to call on the good people of Imo State to remain alert and vigilant. Imolites must be hoodwinked with these devious devices. Ndimo must rise in defence of these leaders, continue to pray and support the voices that speak truth even when it is inconvenient to those in power. We must not be swayed by the manipulations and distractions of the government or any other tendency. Instead, know that it is your inalienable right to hold your leaders to account on every issue.
This is a clarion call to action. We must ask relevant questions. Why is the government so rattled by these two voices of conscience? What is the Uzodimma administration so desperate to hide that it cannot tolerate criticism? Why spend resources on smear campaigns instead of ensuring adequate security, electricity, jobs, and infrastructure at least commensurate to the revenue that accrue to the state?
The people of Imo are not blind. They see the decay, they feel the insecurity and they understand that propaganda cannot replace good governance.
To Dr. Sam Amadi and Dr. Chima Amadi, do not waver. Your courage is the candle in this darkness. Your voices represent millions who suffer in silence. Posterity will be kind to you and the people will never forget when it matters.
The battle for a better Imo is a marathon. The people of Imo State, the silent majority – are they really silent – are watching. They are taking notes. And history will not forget who stood for the people and who stood against them.
Governor Hope Uzodimma and his aides must stop the media witch-hunts. It is time to stop manufacturing malicious lies, blackmail and technology to deceive the very people you were elected to serve. Instead, return to the basics – good governance – and leave a legacy that the next generation can be proud of.
It is documented that the more the government detests the truth, the louder the fearless speak it.
__Chidi Elemuo is Head of Strategy, Imo Coalition for Positive Change and Development_
