Gov Uzodinma Succession Agenda: Avoiding Mistakes of His Predecessors

By Jude Ekeocha

In my thinking, having succession plan and achieving  same, should be one project every leader needs to accomplish .This is  because no matter your level of success as a leader, if don't produce a successor, you failed 

 You failed because  hand over to someone who doesn't believe in you, your vision and legacy, is equal to handing over to your"enemy."  And if that happens, as has become  the norm in Nigeria, the first policy of that  "enemy" successor will be to  pull down and destroy your legacies. By the time he's done with that agenda ,he would have wiped out every trace of your success.As a past leader, if the younger generation can't find evidence of your touted good leadership, they would surely  brand you a big failure. If  this negative robe  is put on you, you will wear it forever.

The only  way a leader could avoid this ugly and unfortunate scenario, is by producing his successor. if a leader carefully selects, grooms and, eventually hands over to his choice replacement, he will  continue from where he stopped. He will also safeguard and protect his legacies. This way, his predecessor may end up being kindly treated by posterity, since there are  indices on ground to make that possible.

With the above contexts in mind, it's therefore a good idea that Governor  Hope Uzodinma, is showing in words and actions, that he has a succession agenda, and also poised to drive it to logical conclusion. But ,the inevitable truth is that in life, desiring to achieve a goal and achieving same ultimately, are two different things.

In the light of the above therefore, if Gov Uzodinma governor is  really keen on producing his successor in 2027, he should take every single action necessary for achieving that dream.

However, to be fair to the governor, he seems to be taking those actions already. The resuscitation of the hitherto moribund Imo Charter of Equity is proof  of his  effort in that direction. His many open disclosures that Owerri Zone will succeed him, equally signposts this readiness.

Recently too, he seems to have activated the second phase of that agenda. He appears to be talking with his body lately. This is commonly referred to as body language. It seems he's  saying something lately about 2027 with his body language, regarding his now regular appearance with Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi.

From reports the duo have long being relating. It is said that it is because of their friendship that Gov Uzodinma tried to help him get APC Senatorial ticket. That was after after he was shortchanged by Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha. However, that effort it was learned didn't work eventually, because APC oligarchs in Abuja slapped outrageous fee on the ticket.

Lately, however, the governor seems to have  have taken their affinity new level. He was on ground at the National Assembly to personally   receive him into APC. Also, there is hardly any important state function these days he doesn't invite him. To matters more interesting on each of those functions, the governor always displayed open affection towards the Senator,by always holding hands with him.

It's possible the governor is not deliberate in his actions. However, whether he's knowingly or unknowingly doing it, the public is seeing his actions as some kind of tell tale. Thus, the trailing reactions. 

Among the electorate it is provoking  speculations and questions. Many are asking, has  Gov Uzodinma settled for the Owerri Zone Senator his successor?

But , among the political class it is a different scenario. In some circles it has given rise to "let's wait and see," attitude, and in others it's provoked disquiet and disbelief. This , perhaps explains why a sudden lull seems to have descended in the political terrain, as signposted by the very obvious easing of the wrangling over whether it's Owerri or Okigwe Zone that will succeed him.

In the wake of his second term swearing, there had arisen debates  between political actors from Owerri and Okigwe Zones, over which is best qualified to take over from him. The struggle was in the front burner for several months, surprisingly however, it seems the fire has suddenly been put out, going by the calmness everywhere.

 Going forward however, i think what needs to be drummed into the governor's ears is great need, to avoid making the mistakes his predecessors made. And failed in their succession agenda.

I'm talking about ex Govs Achike Udenwa and Rochas Okorocha. Both desired and worked to produce successors. But, avoidable flip flops scuttled their dreams.In the case of Chief Udenwa he allowed himself to be distracted, by close confidants. They cooked lies and blackmail against his believed choice then, Rt Hon Ike Ibe and speedily the governor gulped it down. He became distracted and lost focus and the rest as they say is now history.

Senator Okorocha was messed up by greed and power drunkness. Every indicator prior to 2019 election showed that if he picked any of his loyalists from Owerri Zone, the election will be a walkover. But, he wanted to remain the only cock that crows, politically and financially in the state. So, he opted for Uche Nwosu his son in law and, again, the rest is today history.

We are watching and waiting to see how Gov Uzodinma's own transition history would end.