The book 'Reflections on the Igbo Question', written by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma was on Saturday, 11th of December, 2021 presented to the public.
The event which was held at the Eze Imo Palace, Owerri, witnessed in attendance a high level of dignitaries from within and outside the state who came to felicitate with the Imo state Governor on the book launch and to celebrate his 63rd birthday.
In his opening prayer, The Arch- Bishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. AJV Obinna ably represented thanked God for granting safe journey to all the guests, he prayed for God's continuous protection and guidance on Senator Uzodimma as he pilots the affairs of the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmus Iwu presented the kola nut to the gathering. In the usual traditional way, the kola nut passed through protocol and was finally blessed by the Chairman of Imo State council of Traditional Rulers.
The chairman of the Planning Committee and Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Hon. Declan Emelumba eulogized the Governor, noting that he has not changed since he became the Chief Executive of the state. Hon Emelumba described the Governor as a very prudent spender when it comes to public funds.
"I want to thank the Governor for taking time out of his very busy schedule to put pen to paper to produce this book". These were the words of the Chairman of the Occasion and the former Chief of Army Staff, LT. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.
Ihejirika highlighted some salient points in the book, he noted that the issue of marginalization is not peculiar to Ndi- Igbo but one that cut across the entire country.
Ihejirika further said that for a President from Igbo extraction to emerge in Nigeria, Ndi- Igbo must be ready to align with other tribes.
"Igbo presidency can only be achieved by aligning with other tribes and not by violent agitation". "I call on other leaders to emulate Gov Uzodimma by sharing their experiences while in public office in writing to serve as reference by the future generations". Ihejirika said.
The book Reviewer, Prof Bennett Nwanguma painstakingly took time to enumerate chapter by chapter the key points in the 206 pages, 10 chapters book.
He said the book is primarily the collection of addresses made by the author at different Igbo fora. He commended the Governor for taking time to put up the book. He endorsed the book for all to read.
Prince Charles Amadi (Chalvon), the Chief Presenter of the book in his address described the governor as 'A unique and special Person'. He said the Imo Chief Executive has made history by being the first Governor to Chronicle his experience while still in office.
He donated the sum of Twenty -Five Million naira for Three Thousand copies of the body.
Prince Charles said he will make sure that all the federal and state legislatures in the country gets copies of the book.
Other donations included Chief Tony Chukwu; Five Million naira cheque and Captain Iheanancho who also give Five Million naira.
Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo President General, Amb. George Obiozor and a former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim took turns to speak and congratulated the Governor for a job well done
When it was time for the author of the book and man of the moment to speak, he was visibly excited and elated to have all the guests come around to celebrate with him.
Senator Uzodimma noted that leadership offers him and others the opportunity to proffer solutions to challenges affecting the common people.
He urged Ndi-Igbos to seek for restructuring that will offer all federating units a sense of belonging, saying that "the original plans by our fore fathers have become weak and needs to be looked into".
He went ahead to say that the aim of him writing the book is to tell his own story. Uzodimma spoke on how Igbos have not had a fair play in the 'Project Nigeria' since after the civil war.
"Igbos are citizens of Nigeria by birth and not any other country, and we will stay and claim our rights as bonafide citizens, we are on a cross road and it is no fault of ours". Uzodimma said.
He advised the youths to shun violence and imbibe the true Igbo spirit of Industrialization.
"Anywhere you go in Nigeria, Igbos are the second populous tribe, second only to the Indigenes there.. Igbos are better off staying in the Nigeria project, our youths must rise and take their rightful place in the scheme of things" Uzodimma stated..
Dignitaries at the event included, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Engr Ebere Udeagu, Douglas Achonlonu, Members of the Imo state house of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr Kennedy Ibe, Members of the State Executive Council, Members of the Judiciary led by the acting Chief Judge of Imo state, Hon. Justice Theresa Chikeka, Chairmen and members of Interim Management Committe of all the Local Government Area in the State, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Senator Osita Izunaso and lots of others
