By Amby Uneze
Imo State presents a special case as the journey to Douglas House in 2027 is concerned. Amby Uneze examines the veracity of one of the leading aspirants.
As political landscapes evolve globally, the emergence of fresh leaders with innovative ideas becomes paramount. Chief Charles Orie, a notable figure in the upcoming 2027 Imo State governorship race, presents such wits and vision to propel the future destiny of the State. In as much as governance remains a tough job to venture into because most of those who had tested the pie left sordid experience, while some are used as reference indices for notable developments and achievements.
However, Orie's proposed policies and leadership approach resonate with the people's growing demand for pragmatic governance and sustainable development in Imo State. The incumbent governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma would be serving out his eight years by January 15, 2028 but the race for Uzodimma’s successor starts in earnest because the party primaries and election properly would be held in 2027, hence the jostle and bustle of interested individuals gearing up for the plum position.
From all indications, governor Uzodimma has so far impressed Imo people with the array of infrastructure development, health care delivery, improvement in education, economy, etc. His present task bothers on who would be his anointed successor that would continue from where he stops and sustain his achievements? To many that may be why he is sluggish to stick to the charter of equity which he initially believed in and where he drew immense support from for his re-election in 2023.
Be that as it may, Charles Orie, a respected public figure with a background in community development and governance, has emerged as a potential leader with a vision for transformation. He has consistently claimed that the charter of equity mostly favours his area having held the notion that Umuokanne and Ohaji being the closed neighbor to Obinze in Owerri West local government area in Owerri zone belongs to the same zone. Truly, his argument is very germane because his area is a stone throw from the Owerri, the State capital, while it would take his people about two hours to get to Orlu, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to get to Owerri.
Orie is a prominent Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and political figure from Umuokanne in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. He holds a degree in History and Masters in International Studies, and blends academic knowledge with practical experience. He has served as the Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), where he implemented initiatives aimed at community development and youth empowerment. His tenure at ISOPADEC was noted for introducing skill acquisition programmes, job creation through agricultural initiatives, and scholarship schemes for Imo youths.
During his tenure as MD/CEO of ISOPADEC, Chief Charles Orie demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to grassroots development. He built from scratch and fully equipped three ultra-modern hospitals in each of the three oil and gas-producing Local Government Areas of Imo State, significantly improving access to quality healthcare. In addition, he rehabilitated 20 primary health centers, expanding medical outreach to underserved communities.
His previous roles in various non-profit organisations have equipped him with insights into grassroots challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Orie also oversaw the construction of a concrete bridge in the Late Senator Arthur Nzerebe’s village in Oguta, enhancing transportation and connectivity for local residents. Furthermore, he built a brand-new Skill Acquisition Center in Awommamma, Oru East LGA.
In 2024, Orie resigned from his position at ISOPADEC to focus on his political aspirations for the 2027 elections. His resignation was accompanied by a commitment to continue serving the people of Imo State through political leadership.
One of the central tenets of Orie's vision is infrastructure development, and continuation of tangible projects initiated by governor Uzodimma. He wants to leverage on policy focusing on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which would allow the government to collaborate with private entities to finance and manage infrastructure projects. This approach not only alleviates the financial burden on the state but also encourages innovation and efficiency in project delivery. Orie believes that tackling infrastructure deficits is foundational for economic revitalisation and job creation, and his plans in this area resonate strongly with the people.
Another critical aspect of Orie's platform is economic empowerment and job creation. Reflecting on the alarming unemployment rate in Imo, especially among the youths, Orie believes that prioritising entrepreneurship initiatives would boost local economy of the State. His proposal includes establishing skill acquisition centres that focus on vocational training and entrepreneurship. By equipping young people with practical skills, Orie aims to reduce reliance on government jobs and promote self-employment, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, Orie plans to implement a universal health insurance scheme to ensure that all citizens have access to affordable healthcare. This initiative is particularly vital, as some pandemic exposed significant gaps in the healthcare system and highlighted the need for resilient health infrastructures. Orie's commitment to improving healthcare demonstrates his understanding that a healthy population is crucial for sustainable development and economic productivity.
In the light of global concerns about climate change and environmental degradation, Orie's is focused to addresses environmental sustainability. Recognising Imo’s rich natural resources and biodiversity, especially as he comes from the oil and gas rich communities, he has a strategy to promote environmentally friendly practices in agriculture, mining, and waste management. He aims to implement policies that would ensure sustainable exploitation of natural resources while safeguarding the environment.
His intending policies also include awareness campaigns focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and promoting renewable energy sources. By pivoting towards environmentally friendly practices, Orie aligns his vision with global sustainability goals, appealing to environmentally conscious people of Imo State. Additionally, such policies have the potential to open new avenues for investment in the green economy, positioning Imo as a leader in sustainable practices in Nigeria.
As Imo State approaches for 2027, Orie's success will ultimately depend on his ability to overcome the numerous challenges that lie ahead and effectively communicate the feasibility of his ambitious proposals. If successful, Orie's leadership could herald a new era of development, unity, and progress for Imo State, making his aspiration a compelling narrative in Nigeria's political landscape.
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