Businessman: I want to succeed Uzodimma

• ‘It is the turn of Owerri Zone’

Obioma Success Akagburuonye, lawyer, engineer and businessman, has thrown his hat into the ring in Imo State.

Ahead of next year’s governorship poll, he is intensifying consultations across the three senatorial districts on his ambition to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“In Imo State,we need a change for good, change of baton, from Hope to Success. In a relay, it gets to a point where the fast runner finishes the race, he said.

“Uzodinma has made impact. He has provided a friendly atmosphere for people and businesses to thrive. I commend him for creating employment opportunities and fighting insecurity,” Akagburuonye added.

The aspirant, who spoke with reporters in Lagos,  empharised the importance of succession, saying that  Uzodimma’s  successor should have a proven record of integrity. He stressed that if the governor can handover to a competent person, Imo would be better for it.

No fewer than 12 indigenes across the political parties and local governments have unfolded their aspirations.

Akagburuonye said: “Though am not a politician,  I am a professional in politics with verifiable integrity, achievements, and I believe am the best man for the job.”

He said power should be fought for, noting the advice of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that power is not served a la carte.

“Power should be fought for. It may not be a straight road. I believe with God on my side, I will be able to serve my people and serve them well.

“I am a lawyer and and I believe that Uzodimma should hand over the baton to the best person to continue with his legacies.

“Imo state is not an easy one to govern. Over the years, there had  been controversies of integrity. Uzodimma has set the pace that needs the right man to fit in. I am that man. Imo state  has been trailed by governance below expectations before Uzodimma’s administration.

“What the people need now is someone with integrity, who can continue with Uzodimma’s legacies. The present administration in Imo state has surpassed itself in infrastructural development and empowerment of the people. Uzodimma’s successor must be ready to continue with it,” he added.

However, Akagburuonye never disclosed his platform, saying that the non-disclosure is strategic.

“The platform is not the issue now. What is important is getting the right candidate. Ikedi Ohakim did not emerge from a popular party. He emerged from PPA. God can choose you and make people to work for you.”

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The aspirant reflected on zoning, saying that it is the turn of Owerri Senatorial Zone.

“I believe in the charter of equity. I believe it could be me. Sentido Hope Uzodimma has said it is the turn of Owerri to be governor. That is why I am contesting. He is the governor now. He has spoken on the charter of unity. Power should shift to Owerri Zone.”he said.

Noting that rotation would foster equity, Akagburuonye added: Orlu Zone produced former Governors Achike Udenwa ,  Rochas Okorocha and Uzodimma. Okigwe zone also produced former Governor Ikedi Ohakiim, leaving out Owerri zone.

” There has been controversy over Okigwe zone having another four years to complete Ohakim’s tenure. This argument is far fetched because Owerri is yet to have any term. We must be allowed this time.

“If Uzodimma makes true his pronouncement that it is the turn of Owerri zone, it would be one of his greatest equity legacies. “

Akagburuonye insisted that zoning should be factored into the Imo power arrangement as “all fingers are not equal.

“Currently, there are 12 LGAs in Orlu zone, Nine in Owerri and Six in Okigwe. If zoning is not allowed, it means that to get power out of Orlu Zone will be a huge problem.”

On why  he felt he could succeed Uzodimma,   the aspirant said that his philanthropy which across the councils would speak for him.

“My achievement are verifiable. I won’t steal money because I don’t need money that I will not use,” he said.

No fewer than 300,000 people have been trained under his solar empowerment programme. The aspirant also floats the ‘Believers of the Gospel Care Foundation, which takes care of the people across faiths and shares their burdens.

He said hw would not stay in Government House. He also said he would have offices across the local governments to enable him monitor developments in the state.

Akagburuonye disclosed that he has declared his asset, adding that his life is an open book.

He reflected on his ordeal as a real estate operator when for 20 years, his lands were seized, but later restored.

He promised to set up a transparent government. But the contender ruled out probing his predecessors,  if elected.

“I won’t probe anybody when I get to power. You just do your best. The truth will come out one day,” he added.

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