Why Governor Okorocha Should Appreciate These ‘’catalyst Lawmakers’’
Scientifically and denotatively, the word catalyst could be described as any substance that makes chemical reaction happen faster without changing itself. Invariably any substance which can allow for faster chemical reaction without changing its nature after the process of chemical reaction observably appear to be catalytic in nature.
More facts about catalyst is that the (catalyst) don’t waste time, don’t change, neither do they pretend. By implication, catalyst is elastic, original, uncompromising, rigid, solid, unyielding, unbending, rational, sacrosanct, deterministic, regimented, focused, unequivocal and spirited.
Observably, it pays more to be catalyst than to be cartel in one’s domain, where excellence and hard work are appreciated with kind gestures.
Notably, when a man achieves, it is good to reward him accordingly by putting a success smile on his face to enable him feel honored! Honor stimulates and elates morale in every human endeavor.
Basically, it is not out of place for leaders to engage in the mission to inspire and motivate people, as well as, help them fulfill their dream. Greatness is only found in a man that is willing to sacrifice for a course he believes in.
Against the backdrop of the above narrations and analogies, we deduce that the speaker of the current Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, and the majority leader, Hon. Chief Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, Hon. Acho Ihim and Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo (OZB) are literally political catalyst in the Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s administration since inception in 2011 till date.
Therefore, what is imperative is that these catalysts personified either by commission or omission, should be rewarded by Okorocha, by ensuring that these four trusted men were adequately compensated in the incoming government.
What this means is that, considering the risk and role these four lawmakers took and played from june 7, 2011, to May 29, when the life of the administration of Governor Rochas Okorocha will be rounded off, these gentlemen are deserving of preferential treatment.
A bit down memory lane of my subject matter, precisely from June 7, 2011, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, Hon. (Mrs.) Adaku Ihuoma, Hon. Acho Ihim and Hon. Ugonna Ozirigbo (OZB) who were all elected into the House of Assembly, on the platform of People Democratic Party (PDP) by their various state constituencies yielded to the appeal of Governor Okorocha, who came to power through the All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA) a minority party to the PDP them, to join forces with him, in the overall interest of the state.
In that scenario, the pressure, political attack, media attack, humiliations ranging from name-calling, casting of aspersions as well as court-litigation that enmeshed them were unprecedented.
Some of them, of a truth were treated like political Judases, outcasts, betrayers as well as reducing their self-esteem. They were variously discussed by the media. Some sections of the media described their decision as the biggest political blunder of the century.
At a certain time, these four law makers faced several recall threats from some non-political groups whose stock-in-trade is to inject crises in any political arrangement not favorable to them.
For some of us who are keen observers of the legislative activities that have been carried out since 2003, it is now common knowledge that the path these four lawmakers threaded to ensure the Governor succeeds in his rescue mission philosophy was full of thorns. It was never rosy!
Factually, it was literally a difficult season for the lawmakers as attempts were made by the PDP National working committee to oust the speaker by attempting to declare his sit vacant. It was the same sad story for Hon Acho Ihim, who constantly said to the hearing of everybody that ‘’he was prepared to sacrifice his seat for Governor Okorocha’’. For member representing Ahiazu Mbaise state constituency Hon. Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, precisely, as one who is not used to political jiggery puckering and Gerry meandering. It was attack right, left and center, but she persevered, knowing that they are involved in a system that was poised to deliver ring dividends of democracy to the masses. This is a course she believed in, hence, the sacrifice of joining APC and adhering to the Governor’s request.
Indeed, within the period these gentlemen were facing trials and persecution from the PDP stakeholders who believed that the lawmakers’ action would affect there means of livelihood, they never wavered, they never compromised. As political catalyst they were busy engaging in serious legislative exercises that have leveraged the governor to make democratic gains.
They never betrayed the governor even in the face of adversity, it is no longer news that the members of the opposition party the PDP, who were stiff inn their move to reduce the membership of the majority party in order to impeach the Governor, were instead wooed to Okorocha’s camp, courtesy of their tenacity of purpose . They remained undaunted. They rejected over 3billion naira bribe money offered to them by the opposition party’s stalwarts to oust Okorocha through impeachment process. The confidence reposed in them by Owelle Okorocha was never betrayed.
For me, I believe their is reward for loyalty and trust, and what this means is that the Governor should assign Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu and Hon. Chief Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, either federal or state port -folios, in the incoming APC federal and state government, where they will still be relevant to render their individual services to the Rescue Mission Government of the Governor, pending when they will be through with their electoral fate, where their alleged stolen mandate will be decided at the electoral tribunal.
Also, it will be a reassuring experience for Imo APC members in the state, if Governor Okorocha, considers the duo, Hon. of Acho Ihim and Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo (OZB) in the incoming 8th Imo Assembly leadership for Speaker and the Deputy Speakership positions respectively, being that both are demographically and psychographically qualified. That is, both coming from Okigwe and Orlu zones respectively where the positions are zoned as well as based on their legislative experience and loyalty exhibited so far.
Should the opinion expressed in this piece be well read, digested, considered and implemented, I believe our Governor stands the greater chance of making headway to a progressive Imo state, where hard work, trust, transparency and goodwill reign supreme. One good turn deserved another.