Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere is a former deputy governor of Imo State to the former Governor Rochas Okorocha. In this interview by JOHNKENNEDY UZOMA, he airs his views on some political issues in Imo and Nigeria in general.
HOW would you analyse the State of the nation given the prevalent socioeconomic challenges in the land and how do you mean?
I think it is too early to judge the present administration of President Bola Tinubu. I am aware he has put a number of policies in place which would take time to yield the necessary benefits. I appeal to Nigerians to give the administration some time.
What do you think needs to be done in order to bring succour to Nigerians in the face of the general cost of living and how?
The Federal Government should find a way to reduce the cost of petroleum products. I believe the economic realities worsened when the product’s price tag was raised. I appeal to the authorities to find away around same and reduce the price of petroleum product.
Opposition parties claim APC administration’s policies are not working hence the general hardship in the country. To what extent is it true and why?
The present administration of APC should apply human face in the application of it’s policies. The policies should be fine-tuned so as to meet the needs and aspirations of the citizenry.
The opposition parties also accuse the APC of instigating crises, especially PDP, NNPP, LP. Don’t you agree with them and why?
This is politics and it’s permutations and in every political settings, each party finds a way to remain afloat. I advise the opposition to find a way to reorganize and re-engineer and stop the blame game.
How are the chances of APC in the South-East in subsequent elections as the zone remains the fortress of the opposition, going by past election results in Nigeria?
APC has made very strong and strategic impact in roads in the South-East zone. This is as a result of the dwindling fortune of other political parties. APC has brighter future in the South-East and will continue to gain ground in the zone.
Insecurity in the South-East remains frightening. Why has it been difficult to tame the seeming scourge that has almost ruined the economy of the zone?
The South-East governors must come together and form a formidable force like Amotekun in the South-West. They must be prepared to make sacrifices and speak with one voice.
What is the way out of the quagmire?
The Governors must strengthen the security apparatus of their various states through adequate funding and logistics.
To what extent the cry of marginalisation of the South-East in the scheme of things been tackled by the Nigerian State?
The South-East has always been the hen that lays the golden eggs. The Nigerian authorities must inculcate a system to place the zone in it’s rightful position. The distribution of positions must be done equitably as what is good for the geese is also good for the ganders. The South-East is a strategic shareholder in the country and must be treated with respect and dignity.
Zoning of governorship to Owerri zone has continued to re-echo in the political landmark of Imo State?
Governor Uzodimma has expressed readiness to hand over power to Owerri zone as enshrined in the charter of equity. We must approach same tenaciously. Owerri zone must work assiduously, so as to achieve this laudable dream.
The 2027 governorship election is close by. Do you have any ambition to contest election?
Every eligible citizen is a political gladiator, we must all have interest in repositioning the state to greater height. Imo must surely occupy an enviable position in the comity of states. However, when we get to the bridge, we cross it.
How would you access the current administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma? There is high level of insecurity in the state.
I am of the view that Governor Uzodimma is trying his best to arrest the situation. The security challenges appear to have been arrested to a greater extent. However, I appeal to the governor to put mechanism in place so as to arrest the situation completely.
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