By Anaezichukwu Ubagu
Governor Hope Uzodinma’s assumption of office as the governor of Imo State on January 14, 2019, through a controversial Supreme Court pronouncement, continues to stir discontent and raise questions about democratic processes in Nigeria.
His ascension to power, which removed Emeka Ihedioha, the earlier declared winner of the gubernatorial election, sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape. While that chapter is one of the most debated legal interventions in Nigerian politics, the focus has shifted from how he became governor to his performance since assuming office. Unfortunately, his tenure as governor has been characterized by deepening insecurity and mounting concerns about his leadership, both in Imo State and beyond.
Under Uzodinma’s administration, Imo State has witnessed increased militarization, with widespread reports of violence, insecurity, and human rights abuses. The region, once a relatively peaceful part of Nigeria’s Southeast, has turned into a hotspot for violent clashes between state forces and militant groups. The impact of this conflict on everyday citizens has been devastating, with schools, markets, and local communities becoming unsafe zones. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost, with many others displaced as a result of the violence. School children now grow up in an environment where the sound of gunshots is more familiar than the sound of school bells.
Rather than addressing these critical issues of security and governance in Imo, Uzodinma has extended his meddlesome influence to institutions beyond his state’s boundaries, notably the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). It is deeply concerning that Governor Uzodinma has reportedly exerted undue influence over the administration of UNN, a federal institution in Enugu State, and other federal institutions in the Southeast.
Credible sources have highlighted his involvement in allegedly selecting members of the UNN Governing Council, which should ideally be an impartial and transparent process. This level of interference in an institution outside the jurisdiction of his governorship reflects a worrying overreach of power.
Furthermore, Uzodinma has allegedly influenced the shifting of the UNN Governing Council’s meetings to Enugu, causing external council members not to feel the decadence currently witnessed at UNN. Many suspect this move is a strategic ploy to control the outcome of the upcoming Vice-Chancellorship election at the university.
Such actions threaten the autonomy and integrity of a university that has long been a hub of research, innovation, and community service in Nigeria. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and intellectual leadership, and it must be shielded from political manipulation. Allowing Uzodinma to bring his controversial style of governance into the administration of UNN poses a significant risk to the institution’s values.
Universities thrive on academic freedom, transparency, and merit-based leadership, and any interference from political actors undermines these principles. Uzodinma’s attempts to control UNN are not only inappropriate but also a distraction from his primary responsibility as the governor of Imo State. His attention should be focused on addressing the pressing issues within his state, particularly the alarming levels of insecurity and economic stagnation. The people of Imo State deserve a government that prioritizes their safety, well-being, and development, rather than one that engages in external power struggles.
The insecurity in Imo State is not just a matter of local concern; it has implications for the entire region. Investors, businesses, and even residents are fleeing due to the unpredictable security situation, leading to a collapse in economic activities.
Rather than positioning himself as a political overlord in the affairs of UNN, Uzodinma should concentrate on restoring peace and stability in his state. This would not only benefit the citizens of Imo but also contribute to the overall security and prosperity of the Southeast region.Governor Hope Uzodinma should resist the urge to extend his influence into the affairs of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
His involvement in the university’s leadership dynamics is unwarranted and serves as a dangerous precedent for political interference in academic institutions. More importantly, he needs to refocus his efforts on the governance of Imo State, where the citizens are crying out for peace, security, and effective leadership. It is clear that actions of Governor Uzodinma are already making him and his APC party unpopular in the entire Southeast.
The Governing Council of the University, led by a respected elder statesman, Gen Ike Nwachukwu should also resist the temptation of acting in ways that will tarnish the image of its respected members.
- Ubagu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Enugu
