Uzodimma is a star player in politics, says Lemmy Akakem
-Urges Imo people to give him solid support, vote massively for Tinubu
By: Jotham Emenyonu
The Deputy Chairman of the Imo Elders Council Forum Prince Lemmy Akakem, has described Governor Hope Uzodimma as a “star player in politics” whose visionary leadership has transformed Imo State and placed it firmly on the path of sustainable development.
Akakem, who has served the state in various strategic political and administrative capacities and is widely respected for maintaining a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with media practitioners over the years, made the remarks when members of the Owerri Zone Media Practitioners Association ( OZOMPA) paid him a courtesy visit at his residence yesterday.
Speaking during the interaction, Akakem commended Governor Uzodimma’s achievements across the state, particularly in infrastructure, economic development, healthcare, education, power, and security, urging Imo people to continue giving the governor their unwavering support.
According to him, Governor Uzodimma has distinguished himself as one of the most impactful governors in the history of Imo State through the execution of landmark projects that have positively affected the lives of citizens across the three senatorial zones.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma is a star player in politics. His leadership style, courage, vision, and commitment to development have changed the narrative of governance in Imo State. The people should continue to support him because the results are visible everywhere,” Akakem stated.
Highlighting some of the governor’s achievements in Owerri Zone, Akakem pointed to the reconstruction of the Owerri-Orlu Road, Owerri-Okigwe Road, Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, the Assumpta Flyover, Control Post Flyover, the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre Road network, the MCC-Toronto-Uratta Road, and several urban renewal projects that have significantly improved transportation and economic activities within the capital territory.
He also noted that the governor’s road revolution extended beyond Owerri Zone to Orlu and Okigwe zones, where numerous federal and state roads have been reconstructed and rehabilitated, opening up rural communities and boosting commerce.
The APC stalwart further listed the establishment of the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, revitalisation of healthcare facilities, expansion of digital governance, investment in youth empowerment programmes, rehabilitation of schools, the dredging and restoration of the Oguta Lake economy, and sustained efforts to improve security as some of the notable achievements of the Uzodimma administration.
Akakem particularly praised the governor’s bold initiative in the power sector, noting that Imo has become one of the few states in Nigeria actively generating, transmitting and distributing electricity to support industrialisation and economic growth.
On the issue of the 2027 governorship election, Akakem assured the people of Owerri Zone that Governor Uzodimma remains committed to equity, fairness and justice.
According to him, the governor understands the importance of maintaining the existing zoning arrangement in the state and has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that Owerri Zone gets its rightful opportunity to produce the next governor of Imo State.
“Governor Uzodimma is a man of honour. He understands the principles of fairness and equity. Owerri people should remain united and continue supporting his administration. I am confident that he will stand by justice and ensure that Owerri Zone takes its turn in 2027,” he said.
Akakem also called on Imo people to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and vote massively for him in the next election, stressing that the President has demonstrated genuine commitment to the development of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.
He cited the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), increased federal infrastructure investments, ongoing rehabilitation of critical federal roads, support for electricity reforms, student loan initiatives, and various economic programmes aimed at improving productivity and national development as evidence of the President’s commitment to the country.
According to him, Imo State has continued to benefit from the cordial relationship between Governor Uzodimma and President Tinubu, leading to increased federal presence and developmental opportunities in the state.
“President Tinubu has shown that he means well for the South-East. The creation of the South East Development Commission alone is a landmark achievement that will accelerate development in the region. Imo people should appreciate this gesture and support him massively,” Akakem added.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Chinedu Opera, said the visit was primarily to appreciate Akakem for his consistent advocacy and strategic role in championing the cause of Owerri Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2027.
Opera noted that Akakem has remained one of the most vocal and respected proponents of equity, fairness and justice in the state’s political arrangement and has continued to mobilise support for the realization of the Owerri Zone governorship project.
He commended the Deputy Chairman of the Imo Elders Council Forum for standing firmly with the people of Owerri Zone and for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the governorship seat rotates to the zone in line with the principles of fairness and inclusiveness.
The OZOMPA leader further assured Akakem of the continued support of media practitioners in promoting issues that advance peace, development, equity and good governance in Imo State.
The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on governance, development, media partnership and the future political direction of Imo State.
