We’re going to do more to better the lives  of our people – Hon. Esile

Hon James Ubah Esile is the Honourable member for Onuimo State Constituency in the 10th Imo State House of Assembly. He is also the promoter of the Fresh Air Movement, a non-Governmental Organisation, saddled with bringing succour to the less privileged in the society. He spoke with Political Correspondent, Ben Duru, on the on-going voter registration, the outlook of the house on resumption and the pedigree of the governor of Imo state.

Now that the Imo State House of Assembly has resumed plenary after its recess, what should the people of Imo be expecting?

Well, after a well-deserved rest, first and foremost let me thank the Almighty God that saw the house through and has brought us back to work for the good of the people of Imo State. You will agree with me that the Imo State lawmakers have discharged their duties creditably before going on recess. It is good that we are resuming from where we stopped. By His grace, we are going to do more to better the lives of our people. The hallmark of leadership and representation is to lift the lives of the people better than the way you met them. We are not mouthy leaders; our good works speak for us. The people of Onuimo can testify. Leadership is about service, not competition. We have made a covenant with the people to only work for the good of the state and that is where we stand and will never deviate. Let me also assure the good people of Onuimo State Constituency that things will only continue to get better and better. They have not seen anything yet. All they have to do is to believe and keep the peace and leave the rest.

Can we have your views on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration?

The ongoing registration is a constitutional provision and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is carrying out one of its functions. Let me say that one of the best ways of make positive changes in any electoral process is by participating in elections irrespective of which political party you belong. Therefore the process leading to the 2027 general election has commenced with the ongoing voter registration. Let me use this medium to appeal to everyone in Imo State in general and my constituents in particular most especially those who turned 18 years. I urge them to go and register in their various Local Government Areas. This is the only way we can secure our future. This is the process that will enable the electorates to elect the persons of their choice and ensure that democracy dividends get to them after the election.

But INEC’s initial data reveals that the Southeast are lagging in the registration process?

Just as you and I know, these are only preliminary records. I have confidence in our people because they are politically conscious. They will register enmasse before the programme comes to an end. It is impossible for us to fail in mobilizing our people for the elections. So I don’t think there is any need to worry because our people understand the politics involved in the next election and will play it accordingly. Don’t forget that we have a governor Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma who is politically savvy. So Imo and the people of the South East will rise to the occasion, we will not be caught napping in 2027. I want to appeal to Ndigbo in other parts of Nigeria to ensure that they also register to vote in their areas of residence. They should not allow themselves to be cowed. They have always shown resilience and they should continue in that path.

The Fresh Air Movement, which is your baby, has gradually become a household name in Imo State. How did you do it?

Yes, the Fresh Air is my brain child but it is a movement of the people, by the people and for the people. I’m only a figurehead. The strength and funding come from the peoples’ goodwill and support. Fresh Air Movement is a social and political movement that is principally designed to reach out to the vulnerable through education, health, sports, and empowerment. Today, it has coordinators in all 27 LGAs, ward executives, and a strong grassroots presence. There is no doubt that the movement has expanded dramatically. This expansion stem out of the love the people have for its principles and ideologies which is centered on the people. I am very proud that it has become a source of refuge and comfort for many that have been touched so far and it will continue to expand because more people are keying into it.

Your are the House Committee Chairman on Culture, Tourism, and Creative Arts, can you tell us what your committee has seen so far and how the 10th House has impacted on the people?

Let me start the answer this way. No government solves all problems in a single term. Government is a continuum. But without the fear of contradiction, the 10th Imo State House of Assembly has shown its uniqueness in the way it has approached its duties.. We have maintained mutual respect among ourselves, enjoyed cordial relations with the executive, and passed rich bills and motions across key sectors—health, education, roads, agriculture, sports, power, and technology. As for my committee, I can tell you authoritatively that a lot is happening in that sector. The executive has achieved a lot for instance my committee visited the Imo Concord Hotel and what we saw there is massive. The renovation that has taken place in that iconic hotel is unprecedented. By the time that hotel is completed, I can assure you that you will be proud to identify with it and the same thing is happening in every sector.

How would you describe Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration?

His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is an excellent and pragmatic governor. You can only compare him to the late Dr. Sam Mbakwe in the development history of Imo State. The Assumpta Cathedral Flyover, which past administrations failed to deliver, is now a reality. His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has lived up to his 3R mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation. Hate him or like him, Imo people can see his achievements because they stand eloquently in his honour. You cannot wish them away and these are signature projects that will stand the test of time.

What about the Imo Charter of Equity and the 2027 succession?

The governor is a man of divine wisdom. Imo people trust him to lead them and not to let them down. The confidence level of Imo people on their governor is increasing by the day because what he has promised to do is what he is doing. 2027 is still far; this is not the time for succession politics. Every leader should focus on governance and must work in tandem with the desires of the people. Once the people have confidence in their leader, things are made easier because the leader will not deceive them. Governor Hope Uzodimma will do everything to protect the interest of Imo State come 2027.

Should the emergence of coalition frighten anybody?

All I can say is that Nigerians know that the APC government with President Bola Ahmed Tinumbu and Governor Hope Uzodimma in Imo State is performing. Nigerians will vote for APC to continue the good work. In fact, APC will have more states in 2027 than it had in the last general election. Nobody is going to fool Nigerians again or take the people for a ride. Is it not the same people running from one political party to the other? Nigerians are wiser now and are beginning to verify every action and statement by politicians

What your advice to the people of Onuimo and Imo State?

First, I appreciate my constituents, the good people of Onuimo for their continued support to me and the government of Imo State led by Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. I want to urge them and the people of Imo State not to let their support the 10th Assembly and our God-sent governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in his transformational governance to wane. They should deepen grassroots mobilization for voter registration. Together, we will build a stronger Imo State.”

One of your trending empowerment programme is the ongoing Heavy Duty Driving training for your constituents. How did you come up with it?

I want to make it categorically clear that I am only here to serve the people. Whatever I can do that will benefit the people is what I will continue to do. To God be the glory who gave us the strength and wisdom to serve and to think outside the box. I am deeply grateful for the support of my people and the commitment of the beneficiaries. This is a skill that is not only trending in our state economy but also highly marketable even outside Nigeria. My joy is to see Onuimo people benefit directly from democracy.