Chief Uwandu is embarking on a gubernatorial journey that commences with a people tour of the entire 27 local government areas of Imo State dubbed “RESPOND” - reach out, listen and share with the people democracy. RESPOND will also be extended to public officials, members of the private sector, trade unions, professional organizations, women organizations, traditional rulers, Non-governmental organizations and representatives of international organizations.

Through a grassroot assessment of the needs of our people, an alliance between government and the governed based on the idealism of “People First” will form the bedrock of our promised good governance. A transparent process that enables citizens participate in state affairs produces a listening government, affirms hope, inspires integrity, builds trust and creates an atmosphere that allows citizens actualize their potentials as stakeholders. Therefore the state will witness a revolution of equitable participation of all indigenes of Imo State as basis for the creation of a democratic society.

Our interest in the development, stability, and advancement of Nigeria is paramount and we shall continue to uphold the principle of its unity. It is our civic responsibility to respect the constitutional provisions of our federalism the source of which the states and local governments derive their powers as the other two tiers of government.

Beyond our national frontiers too, Imo needs exposure to trade opportunities available in an intra-African commerce under the African Union Renaissance that seeks to integrate people through a competitive market and regional geopolitics. Furthermore, in this age of advanced communication technology and globalization, geographical locations are no longer barriers for business enterprises.

As a result we hope to embark upon the liberalization of Imo trade laws, create a conducive investment environment and take advantage of the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) a world market power that seeks to improve the lives of US and African citizens wherever they are.

We are endowed with manpower resources that will be effectively utilized to attract foreign investments under AGOA. This will help develop our ailing manufacturing sector, boost the state economy, provide growth opportunities for our young entrepreneurs and create jobs for our numerous unemployed indigenes.

The sourcing of investment opportunities will also be stretched to the borders of Europe and Asia in search of agricultural and industrial ventures that will transfer technological skills to our people. Modern agriculture is the basis for independence in food production and poverty reduction. Our target is to turn our fields into food producing grounds using modern farming methods that will yield surplus food to feed for our people.

Going back to our roots as the foundation for true democracy
“ To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” – Confucian quote.

A functional society flows from the basis of a healthy family orientation founded on strong moral values that are truly the cornerstone of development. These ideals we were taught to embrace and they have seen me through as a good husband, caring father and a productive citizen.

Unfortunately, our society today is threatened by an unprecedented moral decadence capable of destabilizing our known cherished values and morality if not checked. Upholding and nurturing the essential fabrics of the family foundation rooted in respect, care, trust, honesty and compassion will be instituted to reenact vital signs of societal wellness.

Personal ethics and moral values transcend family borders and must reflect in public office holding in order to have meaning. A crucial element of good leadership is winning public trust which must begin with show of personal attributes of respect, humility, integrity, knowledge and personal commitment to service. We shall never waver in our advocacy that a public servant holds office as a trustee of the people and must at all times maintain his fiduciary duties of trust, honesty and accountability to the people.

“Nothing at last is sacred but the integrity of your own mind." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.


Empowering the Civil Society

Our mission is to run a government that will change the current status quo of “Almighty Image Master” to that of being servant of the people. This is the secret behind the success story of good democracies around the world. We shall be responsive to the needs of citizens by knowing where they live and understanding the conditions under which they live much better than we want to know and visit other places around the world-charity begins at home.

Under my mandate, decision making will be brought closer to the people. The era of dealing with deaf governments will be over. We shall form partnership with civil society and embark on projects that will be people participatory oriented. It will be our duty to provide social safety nets that will give the poor a sense of belonging and fulfillment. The most vulnerable amongst us like our women and children will be given voices.

Empowering citizens with the tools to engage in community governance, civic ownerships, self-reliant initiatives, belief in a free press and access to freely disseminated government information diminishes distrust. People partnership decentralizes power, improves allocation of public resources, promotes justice and rule of law and brings governance right to the door steps of the people. We shall run an open administration that demystifies government known trademark of secrecy, erases bureaucratic bottlenecks, is accessible to beneficiaries, made more accountable to the public and in return gain the support of citizens in performing their civic responsibilities.

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