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Opinion Updated: February 26, 2022

Uzodinma's 2,700 Smartphones, Another Trojan Horse?

By Jude Ikpechukwu
February 25, 2022
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On February 19, Governor Hope Uzodinma, of Imo State distributed 2,700 smartphones and two cars to youths in the state as part of activities marking the Valentine’s Day celebration.

Uzodinma who distributed the gifts during the 'Hope for Imo' Valentine concert organized by the state government said the gifts were 'technical empowerment' for the youths.

He seized the opportunity to remind the youths of how they would henceforth be allowed to be part of his government, and how committed his government was in addressing youth unemployment in the state.

He promised that he has come to "give the youths the opportunity to be part of government and governance, to stop unemployment by empowering the youths," 

Uzodinma further swore: "My government belongs to you, it is your government. Imo youths and Imo people in general will in 18 more months see the magic of development."

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The Governor who also promised free airtime and data subscription to the smart phone recipients also gifted two other youths with brand new cars at the event.

He promised to replicate the gesture in the three senatorial zones of the state so that the technical empowerment would get to all the youths of the state.

Without taking anything away from  Uzodinma's technical empowerment, could this gesture as well be one of those Trojan Horses given to the masses for the selfish political gains of Nigerian politicians.

What does Uzodimma hope to achieve with distributing phones to over 1000 youths?

What do the youths stand to gain from such gifts? Are there no better ways to empower the youths other than with smartphones?

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Were the gifts purchased with his personal money or did he dip his hands into government coffers?

These are some of the questions that need urgent answers. 

But Nigerians are somewhat used to similar antics by politicians, especially a few months before the election.

So, as the 2023 general elections continue to draw near, political activities are gradually kicking into gear, with politicians already perfecting their strategies to clinch their party tickets to contest for available positions.

Aside from the high level politicking that goes on at party level within the period, politicians especially in Nigeria are often caught being too nice on the masses. This has become a tradition among the Nigerian political class. 

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There have been instances where aspirants to political offices and political office holders are seen in the streets dancing with roadside traders, buying up vegetables in crowded markets, dining with beggars, all for them to appear to feel the pain of the common man. 

Some of them become nannies, bricklayers, taxi drivers, bus drivers, bus conductors, orange sellers and other menial jobs while others engage in multiple community services.

While acts of service, charity and empathy to the needy and the less privileged especially by the elites is commendable, one questions their real intention when such politicians literally invade their targets with an army of journalists and other media personalities who are tasked with publicising their acts. 

More confusing is why anyone would wait until close to an election before he would remember to relate properly with his fellow Nigerians.

One would say that political office holders should stop playing on the intelligence of the masses.

They should also stop playing to the gallery at every given opportunity.

Rather, they should feel the pulse of the masses on a daily basis and react accordingly. 



 

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Jude Ikpechukwu

Jude Ikpechukwu is a consummate freelance journalist who has worked with many reputable media organi...

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