Chief Nnanna Victor Okere is the coordinator Imo Diasporas Support for Senator Hope Uzodinma 2019. In this interview with PAUL UWADIMA, he speaks about the forthcoming elections in Imo State and other national issues.
What is your take on the insurgency in the North East and and to stop insecurity in the country?
A cursory look at the situation shows that it is the youths that are involved in these nefarious activities because they are unemployed. There is an axiom that says that, “an idle mind is the devil´s workshop.” Nigerian youths should be engaged into something that will keep them away from being used to perpetuate crimes in the country. Government should endeavour to establish more vocational skill training programmes to empower some of our youths to become a force for peace and conflict prevention as opposed to instruments of violence. There is the need for multi-track youth capacity-building interlinking areas like human capital investment, employment, skills acquisition and peace and conflict prevention education and training. Government should create jobs for the teaming youths in Nigeria that is the only solution to all these despicable acts that have engulfed our country. Regrettably, the Nigeria Peace Corp was structured to perform most of these duties but unfortunately, the bill to establish it has not received the blessing of the President.
On Nigeria Peace Corp bill, do you think the President should give his assent to the establishment of the organisation?
The President has already rejected the bill. However, the incoming National Assembly should revisit the Peace Corp Bill, and I urge the President, who God willing will be reelected in February 2019, to this time sign the bill into law when passed by the incoming 9th National Assembly. It is already late in the day for the President to sign the present bill given his objections to it. I hope that he will be better convinced next time. The Peace Corp will be a force for peace and conflict prevention, aside providing employment for the teeming youths in the country.
Why is your group supporting Hope Uzodinma in the forthcoming election?
As a reporter with Champion Newspapers in those days, I have had the privilege of covering some of his activities even before he became a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I recall in 2005, during the burial of my late father he came and supported the family. We belong to the Trinitarian family of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Abuja. I worship there even before I travelled abroad. Any time I’m in Nigeria I worship there. Senator Hope Uzodinma is a humble man. He has a kind heart. He has compassion for the poor and downtrodden. He is a thinker, a passionate and resourceful man. I think it is very important for Imo State to align with a person that would alleviate the sufferings of Imo people. I think also that Senator Hope Uzodinma has vision and can move Imo State forward from where it is now.
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I have been campaigning for him both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. I have done a lot to garner support for him. I have been networking with several Imo State diaspora associations overseas on why they should support the election of Senator Hope Uzodinma as governor of Imo State come 2019. He is the right choice for the party in Imo State and with him, victory is assured. Imo would surely become a blessed state with Senator Hope Uzodinma as governor because of his record of accomplishment as well as his outstanding performance at the Senate through quality representation. Senator Uzodinma as governor will empower the youths to achieve their potentials. As a passionate and resourceful leader who became a millionaire in his mid-30s when hard work pays, Senator Uzodinma is determined to work with the young, intelligent and vibrant Imolites to drive growth that is built on human capital with productive knowledge.
As Imo State indigenes living abroad, how do you intend to ensure that Senator Hope Uzodinma is elected governor come 2019?
Apart from mobilization and contributions to ensure victory for Senator Uzodinma in the coming election our members are returning home in order to vote massively for the APC candidate. Before now, over 95 per cent of our members had taken time earlier to come to Nigeria and register for the election as well as obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Besides, coming home to vote, we can actually influence voting pattern in Imo State, the voters are our parents, brothers, sisters, wives, friends, relatives who are depending on us for their up keep so we can influence their voting pattern.
What specifically would you like Uzodinma to do if he is elected governor?
Youth empowerment should be encouraged, interestingly, he has promised to engage with young, intelligent and vibrant Imolites to drive growth. Besides, Imo Diasporas should be involved in his government. There are many Imolites abroad that have what it takes to move Imo State forward. They can be found in sectors like ICT, health care, international businesses, peace, mediation and conflict, public administration etc. They are looking forward to a governor that will create the enabling environment for them to come and contribute their quota for the betterment of Imo State.
What message do you have for Imo people in the coming elections?
They should vote for Hope Uzodinma, he is trusted to run a government that would alleviate the sufferings of Imo people. Uzodinma has always been there to identify with the youths, the poor and the underprivileged, as governor, he will be more compassionate with the suffering people of Imo State. We all know that Senator Hope Uzodinma has always been handy in helping the poor, youths and students. Senator Uzodinma is a political force and an experienced person who has the capacity to govern Imo State well if given the leadership opportunity.
Are you in support of those clamouring that Nigerians living abroad should be allowed to vote in Nigeria’s election at their country of residence?
It will be great if Nigerians living abroad are allowed to vote as it is done in other democracies around the world. This will give them a sense of belonging as Nigerians. If Americans, Britons, Canadians, Finnish etc, all over the world are allowed to participate in the election of their political leaders, why should Nigerians be the exception? The National Assembly should pass a bill to that effect without delay.
