By AHAMS Adom
When speaking about Chief Charles Orie’s qualities, an important quote about leadership comes to mind: “You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t save the people if you don’t serve the people” – Cornel West.
Chief Charles Orie is a man whose legacy, influence, and humility have earned him a special place in the hearts of many in Imo State and beyond. Known as Akuatuegwu, Chief Orie is clearly the right man to take on the mantle of leadership in Imo State—not only because of his illustrious career in public service but also due to his unwavering commitment to community development and his faith in divine providence.
Chief Orie’s journey from Umuokanne in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area to the corridors of power in Imo State epitomizes dedication and resilience. As the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), he left an indelible mark on the commission by addressing critical workforce issues, promoting youth empowerment, and initiating developmental projects in the state’s oil-producing communities.
His tenure at ISOPADEC was a beacon of hope for underserved communities, earning him widespread admiration. His resignation from the commission in 2024 was a step in the right direction, as it provided him with a golden opportunity to embark on a sabbatical—a fact-finding mission to advanced societies to explore ideas that could enhance social constructs in Imo State and Nigeria at large.
Throughout history, when God seeks to rescue a people, a nation, or a kingdom, He sends a man to do the job. Chief Orie is an uncommon man sent by God to rescue the good people of Imo. He has asserted that power comes from God and has emphasized his readiness to contest in the 2027 governorship election, as he is destined to elevate Imo State to greater heights.
Chief Orie is a man who constantly seeks growth, renewal, and advancement in all aspects of his life. His post-ISOPADEC phase has been a time of introspection and exploration, aimed at acquiring practical knowledge to enhance socio-economic leadership and positively impact the youth.
What sets Chief Orie apart is the mystique surrounding his persona. He is a man of action, yet he avoids the limelight unless it serves a greater purpose. This enigmatic quality has made him both an admired and a mysterious figure in Imo State politics. While his contributions are tangible, his motives are often guided by principles that transcend personal ambition.
Given his numerous accomplishments, Chief Orie stands out as the most qualified governorship candidate, capable of transforming Imo from a consumption-driven state to a production-based economy. He is a man who has dedicated his life to service, self-improvement, and community upliftment. His legacy at ISOPADEC and his continued efforts to explore innovative solutions for societal advancement are a testament to his commitment to the greater good of Imo State.
Chief Orie’s story is a reminder that true leadership is not about seeking power for its own sake but about serving with humility and vision. His life inspires people to believe in the power of service, faith, and renewal. It is evident that Chief Charles Orie is the perfect man to reposition Imo, given his wealth of experience, excellent pedigree, and the wherewithal needed to foster impactful diaspora engagement, security, foreign investment, youth employment, education, healthcare, economic growth, and more.
Imo citizens will surely reap the dividends of democracy and good governance under Chief Charles Orie, whose innovative agenda is a harbinger of socio-economic development. Recognizing Chief Orie’s effective leadership traits, we earnestly make a clarion call to all Imolites—both at home and abroad—to rally behind this Messiah, Chief Charles Orie, whom God has sent to fix our beloved state.
Likewise, all Imo stakeholders are strongly encouraged to throw their full weight behind the distinguished Chief Charles Orie in order to achieve a state worthy of emulation.
Dr Ahams Adom
Former President
Imo State Diaspora Association Norway
