Governor Rochas is wondering why the people of Imo State do not appreciate what he thinks as his good work. Deep down in him, he think that people hate him. The word “hate” could be two-folded: one for the wrong reasons of one’s actions, inactions and behaviour, and two due to pure hatred by detractors. However, how can one hate what he groomed? Rochas falls into the category one above. No one is saying Rochas did nothing in Imo State. In fact, in management, some decisions and action need boldness, taking the bull by the horn. Yes, Rochas has changed tthe face of Imo State. A lot he did by stepping on the toes of others. At the beginning of his tenure, some people tricked him, some betrayed him and others tried to do business as usual, hence there were awards of contracts that were inflated with lots of kick-backs. This may have angered him to an extent he refused to pay contractors. This was the beginning of his enemity with political followers. How Rochas allowed his suspicion and anger to spill over to the religious leaders, community leaders and the institutions are matters Rochas alone can explain.
However, Rochas woke up to realise that power does not belong to the people hence they have voted. That it (power) belongs to him to wield. Rochas tasted power and was carried away. The taste of “Power” caused him to lose his way, I don’t care attitude crept in. The actions, inactions and behaviour of Rochas became dictatorial. There is no different between actions of Rochas and that of General Sani Abacha. Both of them tasted power but did not realise that “Power” intoxicates, though they had the intention of doing good. They indulged themselves in power exercise. They tasted power and could not let go due to the trappings of it, hence those around them seize the opportunity to manipulate them and tell them what they want to hear as they distanced themselves from the people. His commissioners and heads of government became figure heads, holding portfolios without power. Civil servants in Imo State do not know exactly how much is their salary anymore as they receive fluctuating figures each month. Someone like Rochas cannot understand the reason why the people of Imo State do not appreciate all the good things he thinks he is doing. He then armed himself with cheap praise singers to counter the opinions of the people. Those he put forward to promote him lack merit, hence no one is taking them serious. It is like asking students to teach their teachers. None can make a complete sentence without mistakes. It is like asking the half-blind to lead the people with clear vision. Rochas as he is now in Imo State is like someone in opposition with the spirit that leads him. He may think that he is moving forward but in reality he is standing still. I hope he realises the dangers of the trappings of the power he holds. Rochas has one year to turn things round if those around him will allow him to see clearly. He who has ear let him hear.
By: Oguchi Martins Egbujor