Who Is Afraid of Hope Uzodimma? How Paid Propagandists Are Trying to Rewrite Imo’s Success Story

Who Is Afraid of Hope Uzodimma? How Paid Propagandists Are Trying to Rewrite Imo’s Success Story

A Full Rebuttal of Dr. Jonas Agbo’s Propaganda

The so-called “Imo’s Dubious Wage Increase” article, penned by Dr. Jonas Agbo, is not just a smear campaign — it is a cocktail of half-truths, unverified allegations, and political bitterness, carefully packaged to deceive Ndi-Imo. Here is why every right-thinking Imolite should see it for what it is: a desperate attempt to malign a performing governor ahead of 2027.

1️⃣ On Workers’ Salaries and Minimum Wage

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s recent announcement of a new ₦104,000 minimum wage for Imo workers is not mere political theatre — it is already captured in the August 2025 salary schedule. While civil servants are just beginning to see the adjustments reflected in their payslips, organised labour, including NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, has publicly commended the governor for leading the way with one of the highest sub-national minimum wages in Nigeria.

The government has also confirmed that other cadres will be adjusted in phases. Skeptics calling it a scam are simply ignoring the process that is underway.

2️⃣ Youth Empowerment and Job Creation

The claim that Uzodimma “lied” to youths about jobs is malicious. Thousands of Imo youths have benefitted from skill-acquisition programs, ICT hubs, and entrepreneurship funding under the Skill-up Imo Project, which is currently one of the largest tech-driven youth initiatives in the South-East. Employment is being released in batches, as contained in the state’s budgetary provision.

No administration has engaged young people in technology, agriculture, security, and sports like Uzodimma’s government.

3️⃣ Appointees’ Salaries and Welfare

The article attempts to paint Uzodimma as a sadist who “impoverishes” his own appointees. In reality, the governor restructured government spending to prioritize projects that touch millions of lives — roads, education, security, health — rather than maintain bloated allowances for political elites.

The retrieval of official vehicles after tenure is standard practice in every state of the federation. The claim that they were “taken at gunpoint” is not just exaggerated, it is libelous and paints the security agencies as thugs — a dangerous narrative that should be condemned.

4️⃣ On Federal Allocations and LGA Funds

The accusation that “funds are ferried to Abuja to bribe federal agencies” is not backed by any shred of evidence. Federal allocations are transparently disbursed through the JAAC system with local government representatives present. In fact, Uzodimma’s administration has completed more rural roads, schools, and health centres in LGAs than several administrations before him combined.

5️⃣ “Omuma-Only” Empowerment Narrative

The claim that Uzodimma spends state money exclusively on his Omuma kinsmen is cheap blackmail. The N10 million empowerment programme mentioned is part of a wider rollout that is being replicated across Imo, one zone at a time, to ensure equitable distribution and impact. Development is not an overnight event — it is a process, and the governor is methodically implementing it across the state.

6️⃣ On “Playing God” and 2027 Politics

The most dangerous part of Dr. Agbo’s article is where he invokes “the blood of the people” and calls for divine retribution. This is inflammatory and irresponsible rhetoric, capable of inciting unrest. Democracy allows for disagreement, but no one should demonize a sitting governor simply because he is politically strategic.

Hope Uzodimma is not playing God — he is playing his part as governor, ensuring Imo remains a strong APC state with a seat at the national table. It is precisely because of his networking in Abuja that Imo has secured multiple federal projects and appointments.

The Truth

What Dr. Jonas Agbo wrote is not journalism — it is political theatre. It ignores Uzodimma’s road revolution, civil service automation, free education policy for primary school children, health insurance scheme, and security collaborations that have reduced crime in hot zones.

Governor Uzodimma is delivering governance, not gimmicks. The more opponents throw mud, the more Ndi-Imo will see the results on ground.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.