Ladies & Gentlemen

All protocols observed.

It gives me pleasure and an honour to be asked to speak at this unique event.  Firstly, I have to make it abundantly clear that I am wearing two distinct hats on this occasion.  One is that of the Leader of Owerri Think Tank UK, an organization that has as one of its cardinal objective that of promoting the effective political engagement of Owerri people both at home and in the Diaspora. Also as a senior executive member of Owerri People’s Assembly, UK, which as well as promoting political engagement of Owerri people, but for equity and fairness supporting the emergence of an Owerri indigene as the gubernatorial candidate of all the major parties in the forth coming election of 2015.

On this premise, I wish to congratulate all the parties that deemed it equitable to allow the emergence of Owerri indigenes as their gubernatorial candidate.   Any party that ignored this obvious fact, in my opinion has already planned for failure at the polls.

My second hat then is as a bonafide citizen of Imo State resident in the UK, who believes that I have a stake in the good governance of Imo State.  Every one of us here today I believe has a stake in the good governance of Imo State. Though financial support which we are bound to provide to our families at home is a major factor, there are other hidden factors why it is in our interest that good governance thrives in Nigeria and our dear state in particular.

Whilst it may not be just on my part to start evaluating here the successes or failures of the current government of Imo State in the last four year, as time would not permit me, it is important to note that in this forth coming election, there are cream of individuals who have presented themselves not out of selfishness, but with the intention to be of service to the good people of Imo State.

I am impressed at the caliber of candidates presented by a particular political party in Nigeria, the People’s Democratic Party.   Not only that the party adopted an Owerri indigene as their gubernatorial candidate, but that candidate Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representative, has been under training and tutelage over the past 12 years.

For the second time since the creation of Imo State, is the state by the grace of God and the people’s vote now likely to be governed again by a leader who has planned over the years what he would do for the people if given the opportunity to serve at that level.   This is a far cry from the accidental and imposed leaders who have governed Imo State since this third democratic dispensation.

Same could also be said of the party’s adopted candidates at the various National and State assembles.  It is worthy to mention that candidates like Hon Sam Daddy ANYANWU who is representing my Senatorial Zone, Owerri, is a young man that I have known over the years, and who has the interest of the people at heart.  Same also goes to Chief Athan Nnaji Achonu representing Okigwe Zone and Senator Hope Ozodinma representing Orlu Zone.  I cannot forget to mention Hon Kingsley Dimaku, who has been adopted for a second term to return to Imo State House of Assembly, as result of his outstanding performance during his first term.  These individuals have people oriented programmes and will provide adequate representation.

Being somebody who has tested and understands what leadership is all about, in my view it would not be in the interest of Imo State, again to be ruled by a party that is in opposition to the government at the centre.  Those of us who have had the privilege of being abroad over the past decade, and are good students of history and politics knows that political machinations are manipulated in such a way that it favours those whom it is meant to favour.  Those who were in the UK at the inception of Labour Party government in 1997 may or may not be aware that the Deprivation of Poverty Index in the UK was redefined.  This singular political act, redirected the focus of public spending from the new opposition parties’ supported areas to that of the government in power.

If you are therefore objective, and understand what democracy is all about, you will agree that it will be in the interest of Imo State and the South Eastern States that the government of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan should be returned to power.  Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan government’s programmes are focused, and a continuation of these programmes will invariably be to the benefit of not only those in Nigeria, but those of us in Diaspora.  The government’s programmes are policy based; same is applicable in the Western world. If one is looking for sustainability, then obviously that is the way to go.  These policies are transformational indeed. With good governance, certain basic provisions will be taken for granted, such as good roads, water, health, energy and education and other infrastructural needs.    Support for agriculture and industrial development would also be presumed.

Irrespective of our political inclination, it is our duty to encourage our families at home, not to sell their vote, but to vote their conscience, knowing fully well that their vote is their power. The result of the election at the state level could mean provision of qualitative democratic dividend, or a continuation of neglect which we have seen and suffered in Imo State over the past years.

Thank you very much and God bless.

Mazi Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ahanonu

Leader,

Owerri Think Tank, UK,

21 March 2015