THE NEED FOR CITIZENS’ REORIENTATION TOWARDS A GREATER IMO STATE

Linda Nneji, Dallas Texas, USA

A prosperous society is one in which the Leaders and the Lead work harmoniously together towards achieving a set of developmental goals. While the onus lies on the Government to come-up with ideas that would help ensure the development of the State as well as effectively manage any resources there is to this effect, it also behooves the Citizens to consciously key into these ideas towards a seamless transformation. This may not be far from the reason behind the magnificent progress of the developed Countries; consciously working together for the good of all.

Come May 29th, 2019, a new Government under the watch of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha would take over in our dear State, Imo. This Government coming from a background of verifiable and commendable public service rooted in the Rule of Law and Due Process, have been described as a “New Dawn” for our dear State. Truly, well-meaning Imo people are not only excited but hopeful of conscientious leadership where the Government pays honest attention to the various challenges facing the State and her people rather than unforgivable white-washing and lip servicing as witnessed in the outgoing Government. Simply put, Imo people are looking forward to a responsible leadership.

However, the issue of responsibility towards the affairs of our State is not for the incoming Administration alone rather for all of us as Imo people who wish for things to done positively different and that our State takes back her pride place in the comity of States. There must be a re-awakening of the patriotic consciousness in each and everyone of us and this is the vital preparation we all need to embark on ahead of May 29th. A change of attitude towards work, our environment, health and life in general, is needed for we cannot do things the same old ways and expect any change.

Be that as it may, while the incoming Administration prepares for the onerous task of leadership ahead, that preparation should include the re-awakening of the spirit of patriotism among the Citizens as well as a conscious reorientation of the people towards working concordantly with the Government for the prosperity of the State. Truth remains that most of the decays witnessed in our societies are not really the direct makings of the Government but the lackadaisical attitude of the Citizens towards their affairs and environment. However, the failure in this regard could as well be attributed to the Government if such a Government failed in her Citizens’ orientation or reorientation as needed.

Let this, therefore, serve as a call for a redefinition of the currently moribund Imo Orientation Agency towards serving the crucial need of Citizens’ enlightenment and redirection. From engaging men and women of impeccable character and patriotic zeal to serve as Ambassadors of this Agency, engaging qualified Counsellors, Psychologists, Philosophers, Tech Experts to involving opinion moulders, etc; there should be a total overhauling of this Agency towards living up to the essential responsibility of re-awakening the responsiveness of the people towards the activities of the Government and the demands of their immediate environments using the various modern methods of effective communication. This would, no doubt, help in the revitalization of this very important Agency towards achieving the desired goals for not just the Government but the people.

May God bless our dear State!!