By Chuks Nwokeji ( 08034082725)
Some special United Nations Days mapped out for celebration, refreshes our memory, brings us back to drawing board and further reminds us about the need to appreciate certain personalities, their qualities and immense contributions towards the betterment of the society.
The International Day of Peace celebrated on the 21st of September, is a special United Nations Day that offered opportunity for us to celebrate a special personality like former Imo State Governor and the immediate past Senator for Orlu Zone, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
International Day of Peace, is a global event celebrated on September 21st every year. It serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and the need to work towards a more harmonious world.
Is a day to specially honour individuals who have promoted peace and stability in their communities, state country and the society at large. From all indications One of such individual is former Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
Peaceful Leadership of Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha's was obvious in his level of tolerance, indeed;.his leadership style was characterized by peace and stability.
During his tenure as governor, Imo State experienced a period of relative calm, despite the challenges faced by many states in Nigeria.
His commitment to peace and development earned him respect from his peers and the people of Imo State.
It is on record that during his tenure, he displayed high level of tolerance even in the face of obvious unwarranted provocations. He gave room to freedom of speech.
In less than two months of his tenure, his predecessor Ikedi Ohakim and PDP allegedly sponsored a protest with few people singing Ikiri ka Onye Oshi mma.
What of the Ogboni story allegedly sponsored by Ohakim"s aide, Ethelbeth Okorie? his boys revolted he intervened and calmed down the situation.
Uche Ogbuagu,who was part of his Rescue Mission Administration pulled out and joined opposition PDP, shortly after that, he released Oratory Comedy against him titled Ka Opuo, followed by jideya, called him all manner of unprintable names.
All these happened when Rt.Hon.Emeka Ihedioha was in charge as the leader of PDP in Imo State. What of the publications in National Daily,,like Alhaji in Imo Government House, allegedly sponsored by Opposition PDP?. He never arrested, detained or send thugs to beat up anybody.
It is on record that during his tenure as Governor of Imo State, no journalist was arrested, by any of his political appointee, no journalist was intimidated and taken to Tiger Base Police Station, detained and his fundamental human rights abused.
During his tenure journalists muster courage to ask him all manner of questions based on information circulating against him in public domain and go free without any form of molestation,intimidation or witch haunting
He has a lifestyle of regular press conference to clear any trending impression about him. During his tenure when it was rumoured that he is the owner of Roche Construction Company, at a press conference in his Ogboko residence,the publisher of Newspoint Newspapers, Ojukwu Lambert asked him, Sir;" is rumoured everywhere in the state that you are the owner of Roche construction company, please before the press,Ndi Imo will like to know if you are the owner or not". without hesitantion, he told his audience, is a mere coincidence or similarity of name.
During the tenure of Rochas Okorocha, opposition were allowed to thrive no molestation, intimidation,persecution or prosecution.
Owelle Rochas Okorocha had all it takes to clamp down on opposition elements in Imo State even when it was glaring that they were hitting up the polity, but he never did that. We all witnessed how Ifeanyi CY Njoku, Coordinator of Ohakim Youth Vanguard, a well known supporter of Ohakim, Okorocha's predecessor carried fake story that Female Deity Nworie slapped Okorocha and all the lies about his coma or stroke, while in office opposition wished him death and fought him to a standstill but he followed the part of peace.
Time and space will still permit me to remember the armnesty, he gave Niger Delta youths in Imo,send many of them to learn skills and some were sent to study abroad with state government scholarship.
Under Okorocha's leadership, Imo State witnessed significant development projects, including infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. These projects improved the lives of many Imolites and contributed to the state's growth and development.
Okorocha's peace building efforts were evident in his approach to governance. He promoted dialogue and understanding among different groups in the state, which helped to maintain peace and stability. His leadership style was inclusive, and he encouraged participation from all stakeholders.
His legacy as a peacemaker and leader continues to inspire many in Imo State. His commitment to peace and development has left a lasting impact on the state, and his leadership style is still studied by many.
Former Governor Okorocha's leadership style makes him a role model for many, an inspiration to leaders and individuals alike.
Peaceful coexistence is essential for development and progress. Okorocha's leadership promoted peaceful coexistence among different groups in Imo State. His approach to governance encouraged understanding and cooperation among stakeholders.
The impact of Okorocha's leadership can still be felt in Imo State. His commitment to peace and development has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire many. As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, let us recognize the importance of peacebuilding and inclusive governance.