Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has assured the Mbaise nation, comprising Ezinihitte, Aboh and Ahiazu Mbaise local councils of the state, that he is not in conflict with them, contrary to insinuations by some elements of the state.
Recall that the immediate past governor of the state, who was ousted by the Supreme Court, Emeka Ihedioha, hails from Aboh Mbaise.
Uzodimma stated this, yesterday, during the Iri Ji (New Yam) festival and conferment of chieftaincy title of ‘Enyi oma Mbaise” (Good friend of Mbaise) on him by monarchs of the three councils.
His words: “ I am not in conflict with Mbaise people. In fact, I am friendly with people of Mbaise. Do not allow anybody bring enmity to you due to their selfish interest.
“Anybody, who loves his community, will use his position to attract friends to his people. A good man will not attract enemies to his people.
“As governor of the state, I am your kinsman, when you are crying, I am also crying with you. When you are happy, I am happy. When it is well with you, it is also well with me. When it is bad, I share in that too. But God has said that it shall be well with us and it shall be so.”
“Let me start by thanking God, who made today possible. For me, what has happened here today is beyond new yam festival. It is an act of God.”
The governor stressed the advantage of the occasion, noting: “The advantage of this occasion is that it has, particularly, opened up all the issues that, before this time, were not known.
“Mbaise is a great nation. In Mbaise, we have educated men and women. Hardly will you get people from Mbaise who are intellectually blind. For me, civilisation started here in Mbaise.”
Uzodimma made it clear that he was delighted identifying with Mbaise people. He added: “I am happy to be here today. In fact, I was discussing with one of my friends and I told him that one of the reasons God made me governor is because of the people of Mbaise. Because God wanted to prove that you can have a brother from another land.”
