Hope Uzodimma: Difference between revisions
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit |
Changed dead ref, archived one, and added award, authors, category and links. |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Nigerian politician (born 1958)}} |
{{Short description|Nigerian politician (born 1958)}} |
||
{{Use dmy dates|date= |
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} |
||
{{Use Nigerian English|date= |
{{Use Nigerian English|date=August 2024}} |
||
{{Infobox officeholder |
{{Infobox officeholder |
||
| |
|honorific_prefix = [[His Excellency]] |
||
| |
|name = Hope Uzodimma |
||
| |
|image = |
||
| |
|caption = |
||
| |
|office1 = [[Governor of Imo State]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| |
|term_start1 = 15 January 2020 |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| term_start1 = 15 January 2020 |
|||
| |
|successor1 = |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| |
|term_start2 = 6 June 2011 |
||
|term_end2 = 9 June 2019 |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| |
|predecessor2 = [[Osita Izunaso]] |
||
| |
|successor2 = [[Rochas Okorocha]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| predecessor2 = [[Osita Izunaso]] |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| successor2 = [[Rochas Okorocha]] |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
|spouse = Chioma Uzodimma |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| |
|occupation = Politician |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| children = |
|||
| relations = |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| education = |
|||
| occupation = Politician |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| profession = |
|||
| website = |
|||
| footnotes = |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
'''Hope Odidika Uzodimma''' (born 12 December 1958) is a Nigerian politician who has served as the [[governor of Imo State]] since 2020.<ref>{{ |
'''Hope Odidika Uzodimma''' (born 12 December 1958) is a Nigerian politician who has served as the [[governor of Imo State]] since 2020.<ref>{{cite news|date=15 January 2020|url=https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/15/breaking-hope-uzodinma-sworn-in-as-imo-state-governor/|title=Hope Uzodimma Sworn in As Imo State Governor|agency=[[Channels TV]]|last=Nathaniel|first=Soonest|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=20 February 2022|title=Uzodimma distributes 2,700 smartphones, cars to Imo youths|url=https://punchng.com/uzodinma-distributes-2700-smartphones-cars-to-imo-youths/|access-date=22 February 2022|work=[[The Punch]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=JUST IN: Opposition, disgruntled politicians behind insecurity - Uzodimma|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-opposition-disgruntled-politicians-behind-insecurity-uzodinma/|access-date=1 March 2022|work=[[The Nation (Nigeria)|The Nation]]}}</ref> On 14 January 2020, the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria]] declared Uzodimma of the [[All Progressives Congress]] (APC) winner of the [[2019 Imo State gubernatorial election|2019 governorship poll]] in [[Imo State]], nullifying the election of the then-incumbent governor [[Emeka Ihedioha]].<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://punchng.com/breaking-supreme-court-voids-ihediohas-election-declares-apc-uzodimma-imo-governor/|title=Supreme Court voids Ihedioha's election, declares APC Uzodimma Imo governor|work=The Punch|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> |
||
==Origin== |
==Origin== |
||
Hope Uzodimma<ref>{{cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/news/uzodimma-unveils-five-year-digital-economy-policy-document/|title= |
Hope Uzodimma<ref>{{cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/news/uzodimma-unveils-five-year-digital-economy-policy-document/|title=Uzodimma unveils five-year digital economy policy document|last=Ogugbuaja|first=Charles|date=18 October 2022|access-date=29 October 2022|work=[[The Guardian (Nigeria)|The Guardian]]}}</ref> was born on 12 December 1958 in [[Omuma town|Omuma]] to an Igbo [[Catholic Church in Nigeria|Catholic]] family; his father Chief Michael Uzodimma held the [[Nigerian Chieftaincy|chieftaincy]] title of [[Igwe]] of [[Omuma town|Ozuh Omuma]] and his mother was Ezinne Rose Uzodimma (née Nneoha). He is a kinsman of the Okoro family of Etiti-Omuma.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisdayonline.com/archive/2001/08/05/20010805cov02.html|title=Igbo Vote: Can These Men Deliver?|author1=Christian Ita|author2=Pius Anakali|date=5 August 2001|work=[[This Day]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041215062907/http://www.thisdayonline.com/archive/2001/08/05/20010805cov02.html|archive-date=15 December 2004|access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> Uzodimma is a devout Catholic, and he is married to Chioma Uzodimma with seven children. |
||
Uzodimma attended Mgbidi Secondary School in Omumu, Oru West, Imo State, Nigeria, for his secondary education. |
Uzodimma attended Mgbidi Secondary School in Omumu, Oru West, Imo State, Nigeria, for his secondary education. |
||
He enrolled in college in 1978 and studied international studies there until 1982 when he received his bachelor’s degree. He had already earned an advanced diploma in transport studies before this. |
He enrolled in college in 1978 and studied international studies there until 1982 when he received his bachelor’s degree. He had already earned an advanced diploma in transport studies before this. |
||
Uzodinma graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) with a master’s degree in human relations. He also graduated from the University of London with a degree in political science. |
Uzodinma graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) with a master’s degree in human relations. He also graduated from the University of London with a degree in political science. |
||
He holds a Diploma in Maritime Management Technology, and Higher Diploma in the same field, from the [[Federal University of Technology Owerri]]. He also claimed to have a [[bachelor's degree]] in International Studies and Diplomacy from [[Washington University in St. Louis]], which has denied such claims.<ref>{{ |
He holds a Diploma in Maritime Management Technology, and Higher Diploma in the same field, from the [[Federal University of Technology Owerri]]. He also claimed to have a [[bachelor's degree]] in International Studies and Diplomacy from [[Washington University in St. Louis]], which has denied such claims.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 July 2012|title=Senator Uzodimma, Not Our Graduate, Says Washington University|url=https://pointblanknews.com/pbn/exclusive/senator-uzodinma-not-our-graduate-says-washington-university/|access-date=3 September 2024|website=Pointblank News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Gov. Hope Uzodinma Is A Fraudster Who Forged A Washington University Certificate Alleges Jackson Ude|url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/284476/gov-hope-uzodinma-is-a-fraudster-who-forged-a-washington-un.html|access-date=29 January 2023|work=The Nigerian Voice}}</ref> |
||
He has an Honorary Doctorate degree from Imo State University and a Fellow of the College of Agriculture, Umuagwo., from the [[Federal University of Technology Owerri]]. Prior to his entry into politics, Uzodimma was a businessman with vast business interests.<ref>{{ |
He has an Honorary Doctorate degree from Imo State University and a Fellow of the College of Agriculture, Umuagwo., from the [[Federal University of Technology Owerri]]. Prior to his entry into politics, Uzodimma was a businessman with vast business interests.<ref>{{cite news|last=Odeyemi|first=Joshua|date=15 January 2020|title=9 things you should know about new Imo governor-elect, Hope Uzodimma|url=https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/9-things-you-should-know-about-new-imo-governor-elect-hope-uzodimma.html|access-date=27 June 2020|work=Daily Trust}}</ref> |
||
==Early political career== |
==Early political career== |
||
Uzodimma began his political career during the [[Second Nigerian Republic]], joining the ruling [[National Party of Nigeria]] (NPN), where in 1983, he became the [[Imo State]] youth leader. In the 1990s, with the aborted transition to the [[Third Nigerian Republic]], Uzodimma featured prominently as a member of the [[United Nigeria Congress Party]]. |
Uzodimma began his political career during the [[Second Nigerian Republic]], joining the ruling [[National Party of Nigeria]] (NPN), where in 1983, he became the [[Imo State]] youth leader. In the 1990s, with the aborted transition to the [[Third Nigerian Republic]], Uzodimma featured prominently as a member of the [[United Nigeria Congress Party]]. |
||
In 1999, after the return to democracy, Uzodimma joined the [[Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria)|Peoples Democratic Party]] (PDP), where he served as a member of the party's National Caucus, National Executive Committee and on the [[PDP Board of Trustees|Board of Trustees]], at various times between 1999 and 2017. As a party boss in Imo State, Uzodimma was a close associate of the Governor [[Achike Udenwa]] until late 2002, when ahead of the [[2003 Nigerian presidential election|April 2003 elections]] he decamped to the [[Alliance for Democracy (Nigeria)|Alliance for Democracy]] (AD), becoming the party's candidate for the Imo State gubernatorial election. After losing the election to Udenwa, he returned to the PDP in February 2004.<ref>{{cite web |
In 1999, after the return to democracy, Uzodimma joined the [[Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria)|Peoples Democratic Party]] (PDP), where he served as a member of the party's National Caucus, National Executive Committee and on the [[PDP Board of Trustees|Board of Trustees]], at various times between 1999 and 2017. As a party boss in Imo State, Uzodimma was a close associate of the Governor [[Achike Udenwa]] until late 2002, when ahead of the [[2003 Nigerian presidential election|April 2003 elections]] he decamped to the [[Alliance for Democracy (Nigeria)|Alliance for Democracy]] (AD), becoming the party's candidate for the Imo State gubernatorial election. After losing the election to Udenwa, he returned to the PDP in February 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.biafranigeriaworld.com/archive/2004/feb/26/049.html|date=26 February 2004|agency=BNW News|access-date=7 May 2011|title=Why Udenwa, Obi, shunned Uzodimma's readmission into PDP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925174430/https://news.biafranigeriaworld.com/archive/2004/feb/26/049.html|archive-date=25 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> He later contested the PDP governorship primaries in December 2006, coming in second to Senator [[Ifeanyi Araraume]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nigerianbestforum.com/blog/?p=30809|title=Hope Uzodimma adds one more year|author=Adaobi Nneka Iffebi|date=19 December 2009|agency=NBF News|access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> In 2011, after the incumbent Governor [[Ikedi Ohakim]] joined the PDP, Uzodimma endorsed him to run for a second term as Governor of Imo State,<ref>{{cite web|date=15 November 2010|title=Imo Coalition Of Political Parties Endorses Ohakim For 2011|url=http://thenewsafrica.com/2010/11/15/imo-coalition-of-political-parties-endorses-ohakim-for-2011/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830232820/http://thenewsafrica.com/2010/11/15/imo-coalition-of-political-parties-endorses-ohakim-for-2011/|archive-date=30 August 2011|access-date=7 May 2011|work=The News Africa}}</ref> favoring him over [[Rochas Okorocha]] who he later won. |
||
|url=http://news.biafranigeriaworld.com/archive/2004/feb/26/049.html |
|||
|date=26 February 2004 |
|||
|work=BNW News |
|||
|access-date=7 May 2011 |
|||
|title=Why Udenwa, Obi, shunned Uzodimma's readmission into PDP}}</ref> He later contested the PDP governorship primaries in December 2006, coming in second to Senator [[Ifeanyi Araraume]].<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.nigerianbestforum.com/blog/?p=30809 |
|||
|title=Hope Uzodimma adds one more year |
|||
|author=ADAOBI NNEKA IFEBI |
|||
|date=19 December 2009 |
|||
|work=NBF News |
|||
|access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> In 2011, after the incumbent Governor [[Ikedi Ohakim]] joined the PDP, Uzodimma endorsed him to run for a second term as Governor of Imo State,<ref>{{cite web|date=15 November 2010|title=Imo Coalition Of Political Parties Endorses Ohakim For 2011|url=http://thenewsafrica.com/2010/11/15/imo-coalition-of-political-parties-endorses-ohakim-for-2011/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830232820/http://thenewsafrica.com/2010/11/15/imo-coalition-of-political-parties-endorses-ohakim-for-2011/|archive-date=30 August 2011|access-date=7 May 2011|work=The News Africa}}</ref> favoring him over [[Rochas Okorocha]] who he later won. |
|||
In January 2011, Uzodimma won the PDP senatorial primary for the Imo West, gaining 2,147 votes, while the incumbent Senator [[Osita Izunaso]] came second with 891 votes. Uzodimma was later disqualified by a federal high court judgment as he had not been cleared by the PDP electoral panel led by Nwafor-Orizu. In March 2011, a court of appeal issued a stay of execution while the case was being decided, leaving Uzodimma free to campaign. On 5 April 2011 the Court of Appeal upheld the federal high court judgement, Uzodimma later appealed this decision at the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]]. In the [[2011 Nigerian parliamentary election|April 2011 elections]], Uzodimma received 85,042 votes, ahead of former Governor [[Achike Adenwa|Achike Udenwa]] of the [[Action Congress of Nigeria]] (ACN) with 64,228 votes and Rajis Okpalan Benedicta of the [[All Progressives Grand Alliance]] with 57,110 votes. In May 2011, the Supreme Court overturned the earlier decisions and declared that Uzodimma was the valid candidate and therefore had been elected. |
In January 2011, Uzodimma won the PDP senatorial primary for the Imo West, gaining 2,147 votes, while the incumbent Senator [[Osita Izunaso]] came second with 891 votes. Uzodimma was later disqualified by a federal high court judgment as he had not been cleared by the PDP electoral panel led by Nwafor-Orizu. In March 2011, a court of appeal issued a stay of execution while the case was being decided, leaving Uzodimma free to campaign. On 5 April 2011 the Court of Appeal upheld the federal high court judgement, Uzodimma later appealed this decision at the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]]. In the [[2011 Nigerian parliamentary election|April 2011 elections]], Uzodimma received 85,042 votes, ahead of former Governor [[Achike Adenwa|Achike Udenwa]] of the [[Action Congress of Nigeria]] (ACN) with 64,228 votes and Rajis Okpalan Benedicta of the [[All Progressives Grand Alliance]] with 57,110 votes. In May 2011, the Supreme Court overturned the earlier decisions and declared that Uzodimma was the valid candidate and therefore had been elected. |
||
== |
==Senate (2011–2019)== |
||
On 6 June 2011, Uzodimma was sworn in as a [[Senate of Nigeria|Senator]] of the [[Federal Republic of Nigeria]], representing Imo West Senatorial District of [[Imo State]]. He was re-elected for a second term in the Senate during the [[2015 Nigerian Senate elections in Imo State|2015 election]]. In 2018, he left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the ruling [[All Progressives Congress]] (APC) in order to contest for [[governor of Imo State]] in the [[2019 Imo State gubernatorial election|2019 gubernatorial elections]]. |
On 6 June 2011, Uzodimma was sworn in as a [[Senate of Nigeria|Senator]] of the [[Federal Republic of Nigeria]], representing Imo West Senatorial District of [[Imo State]]. He was re-elected for a second term in the Senate during the [[2015 Nigerian Senate elections in Imo State|2015 election]]. In 2018, he left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the ruling [[All Progressives Congress]] (APC) in order to contest for [[governor of Imo State]] in the [[2019 Imo State gubernatorial election|2019 gubernatorial elections]]. |
||
== |
==Governor of Imo State== |
||
In March 2019, the [[Independent National Electoral Commission]] sitting in Imo announced the governorship election results of Imo State: [[Emeka Ihedioha]] of the PDP who won with 273,404 votes, [[Uche Nwosu]] of Action Alliance with 190,364 votes, [[Ifeanyi Ararume]] of the [[All Progressives Grand Alliance]] with 114,676 votes; and Uzodimma in fourth place with 96,458 votes. Uzodimma later challenged the victory of Ihedioha up to the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]].<ref>{{ |
In March 2019, the [[Independent National Electoral Commission]] sitting in Imo announced the governorship election results of Imo State: [[Emeka Ihedioha]] of the PDP who won with 273,404 votes, [[Uche Nwosu]] of Action Alliance with 190,364 votes, [[Ifeanyi Ararume]] of the [[All Progressives Grand Alliance]] with 114,676 votes; and Uzodimma in fourth place with 96,458 votes. Uzodimma later challenged the victory of Ihedioha up to the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]].<ref>{{cite web|date=19 April 2024|title=Hope Uzodinma Biography, Nigeria Politician, Wife(First and Second), Children, Net Worth, Age|url=https://hitmusiz.com/hope-uzodinma-biography/|access-date=19 April 2024|website=HitMusiz}}</ref> On 14 January 2020, the Supreme Court declared Uzodimma the duly elected Governor of Imo State.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 January 2020|title=Breaking: Supreme Court Sacks Ihedioha As Imo Governor, Declares Hope Uzodimma Winner|url=https://saharareporters.com/2020/01/14/breaking-supreme-court-sacks-ihedioha-imo-governor-declares-hope-uzodinma-winner|access-date=17 February 2020|agency=[[Sahara Reporters]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Yahaya|first=Halimah|date=14 January 2020|title=Why Supreme Court sacked Ihedioha, declared APC's Uzodimma winner|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/372652-why-supreme-court-sacked-ihedioha-declared-apcs-uzodinma-winner-in-imo.html|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref> The court held that results from 388 polling units were wrongly excluded from votes ascribed to Uzodimma and the APC in Imo adding that the first appellant Uzodimma holds the majority of lawful votes cast.<ref>{{cite news|date=23 January 2020|title=(Download) Supreme Court judgement that gave APC's Uzodimma victory in Imo|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/374161-download-supreme-court-judgement-that-gave-apcs-uzodinma-victory-in-imo.html|access-date=3 September 2024|last=Yahaya|first=Halimah|work=[[Premium Times]]}}</ref> |
||
On 15 January 2020, he and [[Placid Njoku]] were sworn in as the [[Governor of Imo State]] and [[Deputy Governor of Imo State]] respectively. In his inaugural address, he ordered the states accountant general to provide a comprehensive financial status for the state from May 2010 to January 2020, he also ordered the permanent secretaries of all ministries in the state to forward the status of all contracts awarded, whilst halting the paying for all ongoing contracts.<ref>{{ |
On 15 January 2020, he and [[Placid Njoku]] were sworn in as the [[Governor of Imo State]] and [[Deputy Governor of Imo State]] respectively. In his inaugural address, he ordered the states accountant general to provide a comprehensive financial status for the state from May 2010 to January 2020, he also ordered the permanent secretaries of all ministries in the state to forward the status of all contracts awarded, whilst halting the paying for all ongoing contracts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://punchng.com/uzodinma-orders-probe-of-ohakim-okorocha-ihedioha/|last=Okeoma|first=Chidiebube|title=Uzodinma orders probe of Ohakim, Okorocha, Ihedioha|work=The Punch|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref> |
||
On 31 May 2023, Uzodimma emerged as chairman of the [[Progressive Governors Forum]], the umbrella body of governors of the ruling [[All Progressives Congress]] (APC), replacing [[Abubakar Atiku Bagudu]], the former [[governor of Kebbi State]] with the [[governor of Kaduna State]], [[Uba Sani]] as the vice chairman. |
On 31 May 2023, Uzodimma emerged as chairman of the [[Progressive Governors Forum]], the umbrella body of governors of the ruling [[All Progressives Congress]] (APC), replacing [[Abubakar Atiku Bagudu]], the former [[governor of Kebbi State]] with the [[governor of Kaduna State]], [[Uba Sani]] as the vice chairman.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/601765-exclusive-imo-gov-hope-uzodimma-emerges-apc-governors-forum-chairman.html|title=Exclusive: Imo Gov, Hope Uzodimma, emerges APC Governors' Forum chairman|last=Majeed|first=Bakare|work=Premium Times|date=31 May 2023|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref> |
||
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/601765-exclusive-imo-gov-hope-uzodimma-emerges-apc-governors-forum-chairman.html |title=EXCLUSIVE: Imo Gov, Hope Uzodimma, emerges APC Governors’ Forum chairman |website=[[Premium Times]] |date=31 May 2023 |access-date=17 July 2023}}</ref> |
|||
In the buildup to his re-election, Gov Uzodinma on August |
In the buildup to his re-election, Gov Uzodinma on 13 August 2023, dropped his deputy and picked a female, Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru as his running mate for the 11 November 2023 governorship election in the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/615845-imo-governorship-uzodinma-drops-deputy-picks-another-running-mate.html|title=Exclusive: Imo Governorship: Uzodimma drops deputy, picks another running mate|work=Premium Times|date=13 August 2023|access-date=18 October 2023}}</ref> |
||
In September 2023, Uzodinma made claims to assist no fewer than 4,000 interested indigenes of Imo State relocation to Europe and Canada before the end of December this year. Uzodinma gave this pledge at a campaign rally on Thursday during one of his vote mobilizations tour ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the South Eastern State of Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite |
In September 2023, Uzodinma made claims to assist no fewer than 4,000 interested indigenes of Imo State relocation to Europe and Canada before the end of December this year. Uzodinma gave this pledge at a campaign rally on Thursday during one of his vote mobilizations tour ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the South Eastern State of Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://businessday.ng/news/article/imo-guber-uzodinma-promises-relocation-for-4000-imo-youths-to-europe-canada/|title=Exclusive: Imo Guber: Uzodinma promises relocation for 4,000 Imo youths to Europe, Canada|work=[[Business Day (Nigeria)|Business Day]]|date=29 September 2023|access-date=18 October 2023}}</ref> |
||
In July 2023, a progress report came out on how Hope Uzodinma has been doing as governor of Imo State. Imo State has become worse in terms of economy, job-creation, GDP, and security during Uzodinma's term as governor. |
In July 2023, a progress report came out on how Hope Uzodinma has been doing as governor of Imo State. Imo State has become worse in terms of economy, job-creation, GDP, and security during Uzodinma's term as governor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dataphyte.com/latest-reports/elections/how-well-did-hope-uzodinma-of-imo-state-perform-in-his-first-term/|last=Amata|first=Dennis|title=Exclusive: How well did Hope Uzodinma of Imo State perform in his first term?|website=DataPhyte|date=14 July 2023|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref> |
||
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dataphyte.com/latest-reports/elections/how-well-did-hope-uzodinma-of-imo-state-perform-in-his-first-term/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: How well did Hope Uzodinma of Imo State perform in his first term? |website=[[DataPhyte]] |date=14 July 2023 |access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref> |
|||
== |
==Awards and nominations== |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
He was nominated for the award by the United Towns Agency (UTA) for North-South Cooperation of the United Nations. |
He was nominated for the award by the United Towns Agency (UTA) for North-South Cooperation of the United Nations. |
||
He also bagged The Sun 2021 Governor of the year Award |
He also bagged The Sun 2021 Governor of the year Award. |
||
Due to his sterling performance since his assumption of office as the governor of Imo State, South East Nigeria, Hope Uzodimma, bagged the prestigious honour of Most Prolific Governor of the Year 2023 by Face of Democracy Nigeria, FDN. |
Due to his sterling performance since his assumption of office as the governor of Imo State, South East Nigeria, Hope Uzodimma, bagged the prestigious honour of Most Prolific Governor of the Year 2023 by Face of Democracy Nigeria, FDN. |
||
In May, 2023, Gov. Uzodimma was conferred with the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) award in recognition for his contribution and commitment to national unity and eqiuty. |
In May, 2023, Gov. Uzodimma was conferred with the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) award in recognition for his contribution and commitment to national unity and eqiuty. |
||
Governor Uzodimma also got honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for his outstanding performance in promoting fiscal transparency in governance. |
Governor Uzodimma also got honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for his outstanding performance in promoting fiscal transparency in governance. |
||
Governor Hope Uzodimma bagged UN peace awards.<ref>{{ |
Governor Hope Uzodimma bagged UN peace awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailytrust.com/uzodinma-bags-un-peace-award/|title=Uzodinma Bags UN Peace Award|date=12 June 2022|work=Pulse|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> |
||
Uzodinma Bags UN Peace Award|date=2022-06-12|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref> |
|||
In May 2023, he conferred the National honour of Commander of the [[Order of the Niger]] by President [[Muhammadu Buhari]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/full-list-of-2023-national-honours-recipients/|title=Full list of 2023 National Honours recipients|work=The Nation|date=28 May 2023|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref> |
|||
== |
==Titles== |
||
Uzodimma had the ceremonial title of Onwa-Netiri Oha of [[Omuma town|Omuma]] in [[Oru East]] local government of Imo State. |
Uzodimma had the ceremonial title of Onwa-Netiri Oha of [[Omuma town|Omuma]] in [[Oru East]] local government of Imo State. |
||
| Line 126: | Line 109: | ||
[[Category:Peoples Democratic Party members of the Senate (Nigeria)]] |
[[Category:Peoples Democratic Party members of the Senate (Nigeria)]] |
||
[[Category:People who fabricated academic degrees]] |
[[Category:People who fabricated academic degrees]] |
||
[[Category:Commander of the Order of the Niger]] |
|||
Revision as of 19:47, 3 September 2024
Hope Uzodimma | |
|---|---|
| Governor of Imo State | |
| Assumed office 15 January 2020 | |
| Deputy |
|
| Preceded by | Emeka Ihedioha |
| Senator for Imo West | |
| In office 6 June 2011 – 9 June 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Osita Izunaso |
| Succeeded by | Rochas Okorocha |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hope Odidika Uzodimma 12 December 1958 Omuma, Eastern Region, British Nigeria (now in Imo State, Nigeria) |
| Political party | All Progressives Congress (2018–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
|
| Spouse | Chioma Uzodimma |
| Residence | Owerri, Imo |
| Alma mater | Federal University of Technology Owerri |
| Occupation | Politician |
Hope Odidika Uzodimma (born 12 December 1958) is a Nigerian politician who has served as the governor of Imo State since 2020.[1][2][3] On 14 January 2020, the Supreme Court of Nigeria declared Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the 2019 governorship poll in Imo State, nullifying the election of the then-incumbent governor Emeka Ihedioha.[4]
Origin
Hope Uzodimma[5] was born on 12 December 1958 in Omuma to an Igbo Catholic family; his father Chief Michael Uzodimma held the chieftaincy title of Igwe of Ozuh Omuma and his mother was Ezinne Rose Uzodimma (née Nneoha). He is a kinsman of the Okoro family of Etiti-Omuma.[6] Uzodimma is a devout Catholic, and he is married to Chioma Uzodimma with seven children.
Uzodimma attended Mgbidi Secondary School in Omumu, Oru West, Imo State, Nigeria, for his secondary education.
He enrolled in college in 1978 and studied international studies there until 1982 when he received his bachelor’s degree. He had already earned an advanced diploma in transport studies before this.
Uzodinma graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) with a master’s degree in human relations. He also graduated from the University of London with a degree in political science.
He holds a Diploma in Maritime Management Technology, and Higher Diploma in the same field, from the Federal University of Technology Owerri. He also claimed to have a bachelor's degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from Washington University in St. Louis, which has denied such claims.[7][8]
He has an Honorary Doctorate degree from Imo State University and a Fellow of the College of Agriculture, Umuagwo., from the Federal University of Technology Owerri. Prior to his entry into politics, Uzodimma was a businessman with vast business interests.[9]
Early political career
Uzodimma began his political career during the Second Nigerian Republic, joining the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where in 1983, he became the Imo State youth leader. In the 1990s, with the aborted transition to the Third Nigerian Republic, Uzodimma featured prominently as a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party.
In 1999, after the return to democracy, Uzodimma joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as a member of the party's National Caucus, National Executive Committee and on the Board of Trustees, at various times between 1999 and 2017. As a party boss in Imo State, Uzodimma was a close associate of the Governor Achike Udenwa until late 2002, when ahead of the April 2003 elections he decamped to the Alliance for Democracy (AD), becoming the party's candidate for the Imo State gubernatorial election. After losing the election to Udenwa, he returned to the PDP in February 2004.[10] He later contested the PDP governorship primaries in December 2006, coming in second to Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.[11] In 2011, after the incumbent Governor Ikedi Ohakim joined the PDP, Uzodimma endorsed him to run for a second term as Governor of Imo State,[12] favoring him over Rochas Okorocha who he later won.
In January 2011, Uzodimma won the PDP senatorial primary for the Imo West, gaining 2,147 votes, while the incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso came second with 891 votes. Uzodimma was later disqualified by a federal high court judgment as he had not been cleared by the PDP electoral panel led by Nwafor-Orizu. In March 2011, a court of appeal issued a stay of execution while the case was being decided, leaving Uzodimma free to campaign. On 5 April 2011 the Court of Appeal upheld the federal high court judgement, Uzodimma later appealed this decision at the Supreme Court. In the April 2011 elections, Uzodimma received 85,042 votes, ahead of former Governor Achike Udenwa of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with 64,228 votes and Rajis Okpalan Benedicta of the All Progressives Grand Alliance with 57,110 votes. In May 2011, the Supreme Court overturned the earlier decisions and declared that Uzodimma was the valid candidate and therefore had been elected.
Senate (2011–2019)
On 6 June 2011, Uzodimma was sworn in as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Imo West Senatorial District of Imo State. He was re-elected for a second term in the Senate during the 2015 election. In 2018, he left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in order to contest for governor of Imo State in the 2019 gubernatorial elections.
Governor of Imo State
In March 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission sitting in Imo announced the governorship election results of Imo State: Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP who won with 273,404 votes, Uche Nwosu of Action Alliance with 190,364 votes, Ifeanyi Ararume of the All Progressives Grand Alliance with 114,676 votes; and Uzodimma in fourth place with 96,458 votes. Uzodimma later challenged the victory of Ihedioha up to the Supreme Court.[13] On 14 January 2020, the Supreme Court declared Uzodimma the duly elected Governor of Imo State.[14][15] The court held that results from 388 polling units were wrongly excluded from votes ascribed to Uzodimma and the APC in Imo adding that the first appellant Uzodimma holds the majority of lawful votes cast.[16]
On 15 January 2020, he and Placid Njoku were sworn in as the Governor of Imo State and Deputy Governor of Imo State respectively. In his inaugural address, he ordered the states accountant general to provide a comprehensive financial status for the state from May 2010 to January 2020, he also ordered the permanent secretaries of all ministries in the state to forward the status of all contracts awarded, whilst halting the paying for all ongoing contracts.[17]
On 31 May 2023, Uzodimma emerged as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, the umbrella body of governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), replacing Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the former governor of Kebbi State with the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani as the vice chairman.[18]
In the buildup to his re-election, Gov Uzodinma on 13 August 2023, dropped his deputy and picked a female, Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru as his running mate for the 11 November 2023 governorship election in the state.[19]
In September 2023, Uzodinma made claims to assist no fewer than 4,000 interested indigenes of Imo State relocation to Europe and Canada before the end of December this year. Uzodinma gave this pledge at a campaign rally on Thursday during one of his vote mobilizations tour ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the South Eastern State of Nigeria.[20]
In July 2023, a progress report came out on how Hope Uzodinma has been doing as governor of Imo State. Imo State has become worse in terms of economy, job-creation, GDP, and security during Uzodinma's term as governor.[21]
Awards and nominations
He was given the 2017 Personal Life of the Most Outstanding Parliamentarian of the Year by the Nigerian News. In 2022, Governor Hope Uzodimma bagged a peace award from the United Nations for his efforts at promoting inter-ethnic harmony in Nigeria and good governance in the state.
He was nominated for the award by the United Towns Agency (UTA) for North-South Cooperation of the United Nations.
He also bagged The Sun 2021 Governor of the year Award.
Due to his sterling performance since his assumption of office as the governor of Imo State, South East Nigeria, Hope Uzodimma, bagged the prestigious honour of Most Prolific Governor of the Year 2023 by Face of Democracy Nigeria, FDN.
In May, 2023, Gov. Uzodimma was conferred with the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) award in recognition for his contribution and commitment to national unity and eqiuty.
Governor Uzodimma also got honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for his outstanding performance in promoting fiscal transparency in governance.
Governor Hope Uzodimma bagged UN peace awards.[22]
In May 2023, he conferred the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger by President Muhammadu Buhari.[23]
Titles
Uzodimma had the ceremonial title of Onwa-Netiri Oha of Omuma in Oru East local government of Imo State.
See also
References
- ^ Nathaniel, Soonest (15 January 2020). "Hope Uzodimma Sworn in As Imo State Governor". Channels TV. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Uzodimma distributes 2,700 smartphones, cars to Imo youths". The Punch. 20 February 2022. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
- ^ "JUST IN: Opposition, disgruntled politicians behind insecurity - Uzodimma". The Nation. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
- ^ "Supreme Court voids Ihedioha's election, declares APC Uzodimma Imo governor". The Punch. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ Ogugbuaja, Charles (18 October 2022). "Uzodimma unveils five-year digital economy policy document". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ Christian Ita; Pius Anakali (5 August 2001). "Igbo Vote: Can These Men Deliver?". This Day. Archived from the original on 15 December 2004. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Senator Uzodimma, Not Our Graduate, Says Washington University". Pointblank News. 18 July 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Gov. Hope Uzodinma Is A Fraudster Who Forged A Washington University Certificate Alleges Jackson Ude". The Nigerian Voice. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Odeyemi, Joshua (15 January 2020). "9 things you should know about new Imo governor-elect, Hope Uzodimma". Daily Trust. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
- ^ "Why Udenwa, Obi, shunned Uzodimma's readmission into PDP". BNW News. 26 February 2004. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ Adaobi Nneka Iffebi (19 December 2009). "Hope Uzodimma adds one more year". NBF News. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Imo Coalition Of Political Parties Endorses Ohakim For 2011". The News Africa. 15 November 2010. Archived from the original on 30 August 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Hope Uzodinma Biography, Nigeria Politician, Wife(First and Second), Children, Net Worth, Age". HitMusiz. 19 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
- ^ "Breaking: Supreme Court Sacks Ihedioha As Imo Governor, Declares Hope Uzodimma Winner". Sahara Reporters. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
- ^ Yahaya, Halimah (14 January 2020). "Why Supreme Court sacked Ihedioha, declared APC's Uzodimma winner". Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ Yahaya, Halimah (23 January 2020). "(Download) Supreme Court judgement that gave APC's Uzodimma victory in Imo". Premium Times. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ Okeoma, Chidiebube. "Uzodinma orders probe of Ohakim, Okorocha, Ihedioha". The Punch. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ Majeed, Bakare (31 May 2023). "Exclusive: Imo Gov, Hope Uzodimma, emerges APC Governors' Forum chairman". Premium Times. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Exclusive: Imo Governorship: Uzodimma drops deputy, picks another running mate". Premium Times. 13 August 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ "Exclusive: Imo Guber: Uzodinma promises relocation for 4,000 Imo youths to Europe, Canada". Business Day. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ Amata, Dennis (14 July 2023). "Exclusive: How well did Hope Uzodinma of Imo State perform in his first term?". DataPhyte. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Uzodinma Bags UN Peace Award". Pulse. 12 June 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
- ^ "Full list of 2023 National Honours recipients". The Nation. 28 May 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2024.