Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has offered insights into the leadership qualities he envisions for his successor while emphasizing that he still has three years left in office—unless, as he put it, he is poisoned.
Speaking at a meeting with political leaders from the Imo East Senatorial District, also known as Owerri Zone, under the Owerri Harmony Project at the Government House in Owerri, Uzodimma cautioned against prematurely heating up the political landscape.
“I will not solve all the problems in Imo. I will do what I can, but the man coming after me should also be capable. We must support merit and look for a courageous leader,” Uzodimma stated.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced upon assuming office, particularly issues of insecurity, the governor stressed the need for a bold and focused successor.
“My prayer is for a leader who is not a troublemaker but knows when to fight if necessary. External forces will soon come to you, promising support and incentives, but they will abandon you after the elections. We must differentiate between personal ambition and collective interest,” he warned.
Uzodimma, whose rise to power was marked by controversy, secured a landslide victory in his second-term election. However, he reiterated that discussions about his successor were premature, saying, “I am not discussing politics now because I still have three years in office—unless, of course, you want to poison me here! First, we must create awareness, consult, reconcile, and unite.
Politics should be pursued with love and understanding, not confrontation.”
