Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has made a startling declaration, acknowledging that he cannot fix all the problems plaguing the state and that his successor must be courageous enough to continue his “good work.” However, the governor stirred controversy by suggesting that he still has three years left in office—unless he is poisoned.
Uzodimma made the comments on Tuesday, March 11, during a meeting with political leaders from Imo East Senatorial District, also known as the Owerri Zone, at the Government House in Owerri.
The governor, who secured a second-term victory in a landslide election, expressed concerns about external forces attempting to manipulate Imo politics. He warned his audience that political opportunists would soon approach them, promising incentives and power, only to abandon them after elections.
“I will not solve all the problems in Imo. I will do the ones I can do, but the man coming after me should be able to do some. We must look for merit because we need a man who is courageous,” Uzodimma said.
Reflecting on the turbulence that marked his emergence as governor, Uzodimma emphasized that his successor must be a fearless leader.
“You saw the insecurity that greeted my emergence. By the grace of God, we were able to survive it. So what we need is a well-focused, bold, courageous man,” he said.
But the governor’s most shocking statement came when he implied that only an assassination attempt could cut his tenure short.
“I am not discussing politics now because I still have three years in office—unless, of course, you want to poison me here!” Uzodimma remarked, raising eyebrows among political observers.
His comments have since fueled speculation about potential threats to his administration and the deep-seated political tensions in Imo State.
