By PETRUS OBI
Imo Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has refused to be distracted by opposition who has recently resorted to blackmail by using the name of his Press Secretary to issue fake press statements.
Rather than waste time joining issues, the Omuma born Governor appear to have devoted more time to studying the mistakes of his predecessors while charting a clear cut action plan to reposition the state.
Those who are conversant with the Owerri/Okigwe road knows how past governments failed to tackle it’s challenges. Season after season, the road continued to be a nightmare to its users.
A major gateway to Owerri, IMO State capital, the road made a mess of whatever achievements preceding governments might have have put on ground.
The naysayers was thus shut up when Uzodimma, the strategy master signed an MOU with Julius Berger to, once and for all solve the lingering Owerri/Okigwe road puzzle.
For those who don’t understand the import of involving the construction giant, it is the first time Berger would be doing roads for any state government in the South East.
Berger is known for quality and high cost as they don’t compromise standards. It is number one in construction; it is tested and trusted and gives no room for kickbacks and such sharp practices that have led to sub standard jobs.
It was thus a bold step towards Uzodimma’s well thought out infrastructural revolution plans and an exemplary step for other governors to follow.
As the governor himself stated during the signing of the MOU at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, it was a special day in the life of Imo State.
He also announced that the Owerri/Orlu road another gateway linking Imo State to her neighbours would also be done by Julius Berger.
He said that the choice of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is predicated on the company’s track records of quality and value for money which is very important to Imo people.
Governor Uzodimma reassured Imo people that, with what is known of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the projects would be delivered within a record time and “this will surely be a partnership that will sustain the test of time.”
Governor Uzodimma appealed to Imo people, especially communities on the right of ways of the projects to give the company maximum cooperation and needed support to enable them deliver the projects on time.
The South East Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Juergen Fischer, expressed appreciation to the Government of Imo State for the invitation to sign the MOU.
He said that they had looked forward to participating in the infrastructural development of the state and assured that a good cooperation and partnership between the State and his company has started, promising to deliver the projects on time.
The Imo State Commissioner for Works, Barr. Ralph Nwosu signed the MOU on behalf of Government of Imo State while Fischer signed for Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Since the landmark event, political observers has waited in vain to hear the reactions of the opposition.
Not a word of commendation has been said showing that criticism have been in bad blood and for pecuniary interests.
This step is not just eloquent it also shows the the direction and genuine interest and determination of the Uzodimma government to take the state to greater heights.
No doubt, the cost of working with Berger on the two roads can construct more than four roads, but the decision of the IMO government to do a long lasting and enduring job on these important roads deserves commendation.
IMO people are thus called upon to open their eyes and identity the true enemies of the state.
Truly Governor Hope Uzodimma has taken the right step and deserves the support and prayers of IMO people to lead them to the Cannan Land.
