Absurdity of Rochanomics

Introduction

The arrival of Mr. Rochas Okorocha to the State House of Imo State on the back of his 2011 election victory has brought new air into the life of the state. Whether the air is refreshing or pungent will be determined by time. Opinions differ and will continue to diverge on the merits of his leadership and its evidence one year on. Nevertheless there is no doubt of the hunger of citizens and residents in their anticipation for civility, true governance, due process, strategic initiatives, investment in public service, security, economic development and economic growth with knock-on effect on employment.

Ancestors
The political landscape is not necessarily smooth and problems of the state are not trivial hence any anticipation of easy solutions is childish. One cannot accuse Ndi Imo of being a difficult bunch to rule as they have gallantly withstood repeated assaults unleashed on them by various governors except Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu and Chief Sam Mbakwe. One would have expected that Mr. Okorocha drank from the wells of history in his decisions, judgments and strategies. While he expressed his desire to be on the fast lane of governance, so am I in a hurry to conclude his legacy from his 1 year in office by drawing from a single example.

Economy Stupid

It was reported on Imo State Blog few days ago that Mr. Okorocha in his capacity as Executive Governor authorized importation of 15 containers consisting of school uniforms, books, sandals, learning materials and desks etc. Cost is not disclosed. Critical assessment of this authorization brings a number of issues to the fore especially clarity in understanding the space of governance, appreciation of potential of the electorate/population and understanding of basic economics.

None of the materials mentioned on the import list deserves to be imported. There is no evidence that the local skill, resources, expertise, processes and structures were lacking to address the need if the governor deemed them relevant. Organised private sector including but not limited to various Chambers of Commerce, Manufacturers Association, firms, businesses and etc have the capacity, knowledge and disposition to deliver those products. The first observation is that the governor is isolated and doesn’t communicate effectively with relevant areas. Secondly it is obvious that the governor is not supplied information or ignores local information in making informed decisions.

If the governor is committed to economic development and economic growth of the state, such commitment would have manifested in direction huge proportion of allocated resources to local economy. Is Imo State devoid of experts in designing and production of school uniforms? There are many fashion designers across the land whose firms and employment would have benefited from such investment. The chain reaction would have led to expansion of the industry and associate industries. Rather what obtained was celebration of myopicism.

The same applies to desks and shoes. There is abundance of resources, skill and capacity in the state to develop, produce and expand investment to local needs and unique tastes. Scarce resources are wasted abroad to prop up foreign market, another economy and to our collective loss. It is difficult to convince an open minded citizen that such decision and initiative is for the greater good of the state or indicates excellence in governance. It point to gross poverty of leadership, gross poverty of knowledge of legacy information and vivid abuse distrust of the electorate, population and local industries.

There may be the odd argument that local products and local capacity are sub-standard. The currency of abuse in both the economic and political spaces cannot be isolated nevertheless it was an opportunity for the state to strategically encourage and target resources towards gradual rebuilding of the economy. Sadly the opportunity was mangled and murdered. It would have mattered less if contracts for those products and needs were given to any firm/firms in part of the state.

By ignoring the talents, professionals and productive potential of the state; he has signaled clear deviation from expected economic leadership. He has manifested his underlying commitment to unreconstructed panache for spending without accountability. On this score he has denied many firms and businesses the opportunity to advance their capacity; he has denied young people and potential entrepreneurs the scope to start useful jobs in their own state. He has failed to jump at the opportunity to deny crime an oxygen source.

Conclusion

Sadly he talks the talk and refuse to walk the walk. There is no desire to waste a second expecting a change in the course of retrogressive leadership. While hope for greater things abound, one is rather motivated to wait for the next election. Imo State has potential to grow, develop and excel. Rochanomics is an absurdity whose hazy contours and opaque agenda cannot rescue Imo State.