At drinking bars, in small circles, and in big gatherings, indeed anywhere you find Imolites, politics is sure to be a major topic of discussion. Most will say their state has wallowed in abject misrule for many years. They will criticise the different shades of politicians they feel have taken turns to rape and bastardise their state, keeping her painfully underdeveloped. Sadly, this is the impression of most Imolites.
The docility of the electorate has allowed politicians in most states in Nigeria to do as they please without any form of resistance. Over the years, elections and electoral processes have failed to sufficiently hit the ‘reset’ button to trigger a daring change across Nigeria. What we have seen is the same people, doing the same things and getting the same underwhelming results.
In recent times, many states have continued to see their elections rigged and victory handed over to the worst candidate, ensuring that the knees of politicians never leave the necks of the people. This current cycle must be studied, and the pattern stopped. Things must change!
Save for APGA, one would have argued that the just concluded gubernatorial primary elections in Imo State have the potential to continue the trend. The End Sars movement and the Obedient movement made it glaringly that the masses demanded a change in the ruling party. They want younger and qualified individuals to take up leadership positions—men and women who understand the pain of the average man, are compassionate, qualified for the job, have high moral standards, and possess good leadership skills.
Could it be that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) listened to the voice of the people and grabbed the bull by the horn and opted for something different in Imo? APGA did not recruit a known political figure whom the masses may feel is far removed from the grassroots, one who may be unable to relate to the issues of the poverty that have stricken the common man. Instead, the party stuck to its guns and founding principles and offered succor to the good people of Imo State.
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Ahead of the November elections, any fair-minded person in Imo will agree that the gubernatorial candidate of the APGA, Mr. Tony Ejiogu, is indeed a different breed among those seeking to occupy Douglas House from January next year. His counterparts in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu (Sam Daddy), the Labour Party, Athan Achonu, and the incumbent Governor, Hope Uzodinma, have served in the system—the same system people say they need a change from. In 2015, they belonged to the same political party, went to the National Assembly at the same time.
Imolites have a very simple choice to make in November: they can either continue the succession of career politicians or go for an unconventional gentleman worth his onions.
So why the hype about Mr. Tony Ejiogu? First, it is not strange that this cheering alternative emerged from the APGA party. This political party is one that is anchored on the emancipation and growth of not only Ndi Igbo but every marginalised section of Nigeria, and it is not surprising that it is offering the vehicle that will drive Imo State to the path of progress and prosperity. APGA may be looking to replicate in Imo what it did in Anambra, by giving the people of Imo a candidate who has the capacity to tackle all the issues of a state.
Mr. Ejiogu is an accomplished technocrat with a proven track record in both the public and private sectors, demonstrating a deep understanding of effective leadership. He is a consummate gentleman with the ideal temperament to offer selfless service for the improvement of Ndi Imo. As a candidate with a good background, a robust education, extensive exposure, and rich experience, Mr. Tony Ejiogu is uniquely positioned to comprehend the challenges facing Imolites and provide viable solutions. Imo State could not ask for a more qualified leader.
Tony Ejiogu’s administrative prowess and top-tier expertise in financial management are evident in his history of skillfully managing people and resources. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from the University of Akron, Ohio, a Master of Arts in Administrative Management from Bowie State University, Maryland, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, all in the United States. Currently, he is completing his doctorate degree program in business administration at the prestigious Netherlands Business School. His candidacy undoubtedly stands out in the race.
Mr. Tony Ejiogu has not entered the political arena to profit from it. On the contrary, an indigenous Imo group called Oganihu Ndi Igbo approached him. After several months of discussion and after consulting with his immediate family, Mr. Ejiogu felt the time was right to take on the herculean task of taking Imo to the next level. It’s worthy of note that Mr. Ejiogu is a product of Owerri zone, and going by the Imo Charter of Equity, it falls on Owerri Zone to produce the next governor for the state.
He currently serves as the CEO of E-Horizon Consulting Limited, a private financial management and business development consulting firm based in Lagos. The firm specializes in fund mobilization strategy, strategic and financial management support, business development, and process re-engineering consultancy services.
Using his experience in the financial sector, Mr. Tony also works with his American counterparts to take private companies public, listing them on the American stock exchange–a bold move carried out by only a few individuals with seasoned knowledge and experience of the financial sector. Imo State will undoubtedly benefit from his wealth of experience to break free from the grasp of poverty.
Electing Mr. Ejiogu as governor in November will present Imolites with a comprehensive package, marking the first time a genuine technocrat with a profound understanding of governance assumes office in the state. Imolites will be getting a man of compassion, a man of genuine high moral standards, one who ceaselessly lives an upright lifestyle. His commitment to due process, accountability, excellence, financial probity, and good governance is precisely what the state needs in these challenging times.
In November, Ndi Imo will be headed to the voting booths, and it is in their collective interest to make the correct choice. The solution to their problems is now within reach, but time will tell if Ndi Imo will seize this opportunity to elect Mr. Tony Ejiogu as the next Executive Governor of Imo State.
