Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said his determination to free the state from the clutches of mischievous politicians has attracted enmity to him.
Okorocha, who spoke at a special service to mark Imo at 42, at the Victory Chapel in the Government House, said his coming as governor was to rescue the state and the people, including their mindset.
He said: โToday, Iโm happy as I stand before you as governor. This is an honour I can never take for granted. Before my advent, I had nursed it in my mind to one day become the governor.
โAfter my first attempt in 1999, I decided the place was not for me. But on the other hand, I discovered that Imo State was in bondage and in the hands of a very few. That was the reason I decided to condescend from my presidential ambition to rescue this state.
โBut my coming to rescue Imo was not just the people alone and the state of affairs, but the most important rescue was the mindset of the people. Hence, the team, Rescue Mission. It has been a battle not between me and the citizens, but a battle between me and those who kept the state in bondage.
โThe beginning of changing the mindset of the people was the composition of the state anthem. For the first time, a people owned their state. A sense of direction was established and I most cherish this anthem when pupils recite itโฆโ
