…Concerned Lovers of good governance
By Peter Uwa
Initially, we, CONCERNED Lovers of Truth And Good Governance, felt like allowing the publication with the above headline and which was routed through an Owerri-based tabloid,the Watchdog newspaper,fizzle out naturally, without qualms, as that has always, been the case with fallacious publications that emanate from crash ignorance of the real meaning of SUPPORT For GOOD GOVERNANCE and overall well-being of the society.
However, for the mere fact that to a large extent, silence on issues of common interest, is often, interpreted as consent, especially, on matters of baseless allegation that is simply an offshoot of envy, malice and ignorance of the realities on ground, we have decided to present to right-thinking Imo Stakeholders, the truth about Sir Basil Maduka’s fair enough comment on the performance of avowed Apostle and Crusader for Good Governance in Imo state of Nigeria, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, GSSR.
First and foremost, we thank, commend, appreciate and doff the cap for the Ezinihitte Mbaise-born business Mogul of international repute, a clean-minded, God-fearing Chieftain of the Labour Party(LP), a true Knight in Christendom, Sir Basil Maduka for being sincere, courageous and large-hearted enough to say the Truth and that Truth which he voiced out, to encourage steady growth of GOOD GOVERNANCE in Imo state, is that Governor Hope Uzodimma of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has done marvellously well in piloting the affairs of Imo state since the last five years. Period !
From the foregoing, it is quite obvious that the likes and calibre of this Labour Party Chieftain, Basil Maduka are more concerned and interested in the betterment (overall well-being) of Imo state than personal, own political party’s goal of scheming to take over power by all means or, clannish consideration.
Under a just god and in a civilised clime, all those who claim to be waiting for an opportunity to enthrone GOOD GOVERNANCE, should courageously stand up for a rousing ovation for this Great Patriot of the Labour Party, Basil Maduka. There is no gainsaying the fact that, goodness and mercies follow and embrace men of goodwill and genuineness of purpose because, truth is light and light is life.
Having dwelt on the character and intension of Basil Maduka which of course, is to encourage good governance (Ekele Onye Akidi …), may we now talk about the group which in the publication attacking Basil Maduka addressed itself as Coalition of Imo Patriots (COIP). The self-acclaimed group of Imo Patriots summarized its grievances thus : that Basil Maduka should not have charged and urged Imo Stakeholders to join hands with Governor Hope Uzodimma in efforts to achieve a better Imo state. Secondly, that Basil Maduka should not have even mentioned that Hope Uzodimma has done well as according to the group, that comment amounted to being psycophantic. Chei, so it has become a taboo in this part of the world to say simple truth because of politics?
Finally, the group on the prowl in its publication in the WatchDog edition of Thursday, February 13, 2025, insisted that rather than mention areas where Hope Uzodimma has excelled in governance, the Labour Party Chieftain should have restricted himself to attacking the governor over alleged killings recorded in the state over the years. Funny enough, the group of anonymous persons failed to state in its publication, those who masterminded the killings, the governor who is already on seat, working hard to retain the love and support of the good people of Imo state, or, members of the opposition who openly deny that Hope Uzodimma has even done anything good ?
Seeing, they say, is believing. If the group had patiently read through Sir Basil Maduka’s comment in appreciation of Hope Uzodimma’s marvellous achievements, it would have realised that the Labour Party Chieftain drew his conclusion after visiting some of the projects completed and some others still under execution by the Uzodimma 3-R mantra administration.
A highly successful business man and prudent Manager of human and material resources, Basil Maduka is not in the class of human beings that talk before they think or those that jump before they look. He does not act in a haste. Our conviction on this side which is right too, is that no member or leader of the so-called COALITION of IMO PATRIOTS (COIP) knows Sir Basil Maduka or the stuff he is made of. Basil Maduka is a Realist who fears neither Man nor Oracle.The Labour Party Chieftain says what he sees and does what he believes.
The group of Basil Maduka’s attackers goofed again as it failed in its media battle to let its sponsors know that Basil Maduka did not only award pass mark to Governor Uzodimma, the Labour Party bigwig in his vision and wisdom, also scored the Imo State House of Assembly high in legislative service to the state.
Basil Maduka in his fair comments about the instruments of governance in Imo state, observed that the state house of assembly as presently constituted, has in less than two years of its inauguration, been able to fashion out many life-transforming bills and motions that that act as spring board for the executive to accelerate towards effective performance. Could it also be said that Basil Maduka was psycophantic in awarding pass mark to the legislative arm of Imo state government?
Well, in as much as we acknowledge the fact that the nation’s constitution provides for freedom of speech and freedom of expression, discerning minds and true, genuine Patriots and Well-meaning Imo Stakeholders across the different political parties and Senatorial Districts are aware and appreciate the fact that the Labour Party Chieftain, Basil Maduka by his fair comments, intends to encourage the Man on the pilot’s seat, Senator Hope Uzodimma to continue in his crusade for a safer, better, more conducive and investment-friendly atmosphere where he (Basil Maduka) and his international business associates could bring multi-national companies to settle and do business in Imo, the Southeastern Nigeria Heartland state.
Basil Maduka is a no nonsense, non biased and fearless international business icon Imo Stakeholders should be proud of. The Labour Party Chieftain, a highly detribalised Nigerian in furtherance of his constructive comment through the media, expressed the view that the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu should look beyond tribal sentiments and bring in real technocrats to key positions in governance for better results.
In the case of Imo state, Maduka’s comment amounts to encouraging Governor Hope Uzodimma to do more for the state and ensure execution of more solid and enduring projects than was the case with his predecessors.
If the Chieftain of the Labour Party, Basil Maduka, a man you can neither intimidate nor influence, can award pass mark to any one in position of authority, it means that the person is moving on the road to excellence.
The Christian Bible book admonishes us to tell the just (Onye Ezi Omume ) to continue with good deeds and it shall be well with him. This is exactly, what Sir Basil Maduka of the Labour Party has done by telling Hope Uzodimma to do more for the state and, urging men and women of goodwill to join hands with the Imo State Chief Executive to achieve a better and more prosperous home for all Imolites.
” Conscience Is an Open Wound, Only truth can heal it”
— Peter Uwa,
Owerri, Imo State
