By John-Paul Nwachukwu
I read Hope Uzodimma’s reflection after a church service in Abuja, where he spoke of God’s unfailing Word and emphasised the importance of peace and unity. Those values resonate with many of us across Imo State. Peace, unity, tolerance, and love for one another are principles every responsible leader should not only preach but consistently demonstrate through actions.
Unfortunately, barely 48 hours after that public message, reports emerged on social media, along with video evidence, alleging that aides of Hope Uzodimma, including Chinasa Nwaneri and others, disrupted a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Owerri Municipal. If these reports are accurate, they present a disturbing contradiction between Hope Uzodimma’s public message and the conduct attributed to individuals closely associated with his administration.
Democracy is not measured by speeches delivered in churches, but by a government’s willingness to respect the constitutional rights of every citizen, including those who hold opposing political views. Freedom of peaceful assembly is guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution. Every recognised and lawful organisation has the right to gather, deliberate, and engage citizens without intimidation or fear of disruption.
One must therefore ask: why should an administration that constantly speaks of peace appear unwilling to tolerate peaceful political engagement by others? Why should opposition voices be treated as enemies rather than fellow participants in the democratic process?
If Uzodimma genuinely believes in peace and unity, then his government must demonstrate those values by protecting, not undermining, the rights of all political actors. Peace cannot exist where intimidation thrives. Democracy cannot survive where citizens begin to wonder whether attending a peaceful meeting could expose them to harassment or violence.
This also raises questions about Uzodimma’s achievements as a governor, as he has repeatedly projected himself as a hardworking leader transforming Imo State. If that is indeed the case, then there should be no reason to fear the gathering of opposition groups or civic organisations. Performance speaks louder than intimidation. Development is the most convincing campaign any government can present.
The Governor should therefore call every political appointee, supporter, and security operative associated with his administration to order. Imo State must not become a place where citizens need permission to assemble or where political meetings are viewed as acts of provocation. Such a culture only breeds resentment and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
