Dr Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, the Imo State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, confidently predicts an overwhelming victory for Governor Hope Uzodimma in the upcoming gubernatorial election in November 2023 within the Mbaise land.
Addressing journalists at his office in Owerri on Friday, Ugorji emphasized that Governor Uzodimma’s impactful policies and programs have substantially swayed the electorate in his favour.
As the November 11, 2023 election approaches, the three Local Government Areas constituting the Mbaise region are poised to deliver a resounding victory for the incumbent Governor. Drr. Ugorji, known as one of Governor Uzodimma’s most trusted aides, firmly aligns with the governor’s vision and mission.
The technocrat-turned-politician, educated in the United States, hails from Aboh Mbaise LGA and has been dedicatedly working towards ensuring the governor’s re-election.
Stakeholders attribute the Commissioner’s refined character to the shift in political allegiance within the area, particularly in Aboh Mbaise and Mbaise at large, where he is regarded as Governor Uzodimma’s dependable representative.
Nze Julian Nwogu, the former APC Chairman of Aboh Mbaise, laud Dr. Ugorji a new-generation politician who rejects traditional political tactics, bringing much-needed reforms to Aboh Mbaise’s political landscape.
“I was the one who welcomed him to the party in 2015. Not only did he help the APC campaign in 2019, he has brought transparency and accountability to the way we play politics, especially in the handling of responsibilities and public funds,” the former party Chairman said.
Speaking also, Hon Alex Elugwraonu, one-time elected Councillor for Uvuru Ward 2 in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, opined that Dr Ugorji’s character is exemplary, pointing out that he is a leader who leads by example.
“He is honesty par excellence. If he is with you, he will swim or sink with you, even when everyone else leaves,” Elugwaraonu said.
The former Councillor from Uvuru Ward 2 also said that the people of Aboh Mbaise are fond of the Homeland Security Chief, especially the young professionals.
“We gravitate to him because he has brought into Aboh Mbaise politics a new culture of transparency and accountability,” Elugwaraonu added.
According to Elugwaraonu, Dr Ugorji is the only leader who has called separate meetings in all the political blocks of Aboh Mbaise.
“He brings leaders to dignified environments with great ambience, entertains them, discusses with everyone without any air of his office or his credentials, and sends transportation allowances for those who come. He is the unifier we know,” he added.
In her words, Mrs Ngozi Aharanya, an APC woman leader at the Lorji Ward in Aboh Mbaise, described Dr Ugorji as a political gladiator and a leader with whom the literate and illiterate people feel at home.
“He came as a technocrat but he has played the politics of integrity and credibility better than most old political operators. He can galvanize people because he does not ask anyone for anything. Instead, he gives of himself and his resources,” Aharanya said.
She added that the Commissioner is so unencumbered and principled, that those competing with him for attention and power feel intimidated.
Ugorji who is also the crown prince of Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community was deployed by Governor Uzodimma to Ahiazu Mbaise LGA during the supplementary election in April, to help secure victory.
The commissioner said he remains committed to changing how leaders treat those they purport to lead, “If we raise the bar of expectations realistically, our people will rise to the challenge superlatively. My return to Nigeria would be meaningless if I leave my environment here the same way I saw it when I returned.”
He was emphatic that the incumbent governor’s re-election was non-negotiable because of his notable strides in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people; he said, “The reelection of Governor Uzodimma is non-negotiable… I will do anything and everything legal to help renew Onwa Oyoko’s mandate.”
