Lagos — Uneasy, they say, lies the head that wears the crown. This was the situation the Governor of Imo State, Chief Dr. Ikedi Ohakim found himself last year.

While many people were heading home for the comfort of their houses during the celebration period, Governor Ohakim, rather than stay in his village at Okohia, Isiala Mbano LGA, took to the roads, visiting the ten federal constituencies in the state.

The journey which commenced on December 26, 2009 terminated on January 3, 2010. The vision of the mission was anchored on three Ps "Peace, Progress and Prayers."

The Governor maintained that with peace and prayers, Imo State would attain its goals, which is making Imo progressive to the envy of all.

The first port of call was the Obowo/Ihitte Uboma/Ehime Federal Constituency, where a mammoth crowd was hosted at the country home of Chief Tony Chukwu in Umueze Ehime.

The crowd, though selective, was intimidating as all strata of the society was represented.

The clarion call was that Ohakim has done well and should be given the chance to "carry go" for a second term. Those who spoke include the member representing the Federal Constituency, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, the Clergy, traditional rulers and the host, Chief Chukwu.

The train moved to Ngor Okpala/Aboh Mbaise Federal Constituency. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives hosted.

There, who-is-who from the area endorsed Ohakim's administration for another four year term.

They thanked Ohakim for fully recognizing the constituency through the number of political appointees from the constituency and the number of projects sited in the area.

Ngor Okpala/Aboh Mbaise is the base of Dr. Alex Obi, one of those who see nothing good in the Ohakim administration. But the mammoth crowd and the caliber of people who trooped out to receive the governor made Obi's camp look inconsequential. And the people made it clear that Obi is simply pursuing a personal agenda, which did not have the endorsement of the people of the constituency.

From Ihedioha's residence same day, the Peace Train headed to Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal constituency, where elder statesman, Chief I.D. Nwoga played the good host.

There, the cream of political heavy weights from the area gave Ohakim a tumultuous welcome. Hon. Independence Ogunewe, who represents the area, made an emotion-laden speech, which showed that, though he may have remained self-distanced from the Ohakim phenomenon, but latest developments have convinced him that the youthful Governor is on the right track.

Speaker after speaker eulogized the Isiala Mbano born governor, describing him as a bold politician who must be given support and the chance to complete his people-oriented projects scattered all over Imo state, without ethnic bias.

Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 was the turn of Nkwerre/Nwangele/Njaba/Isu Fed. Constituency. Foremost Industrialist, Sir. T.T.C. Mbakwe provided his palatial compound at Amaigbo for the August visitors. And it was a carnival of sorts.

Infact, the crowd made a mince meat of the propaganda that Nkwerre/Nwangele/Njaba/Isu is not intact. It was a rainbow coalition as those previously tagged "Obete men" were there live, giving their support to Ohakim's governorship. At the end of the deliberations, all the political groups in Nkwerre in particular, agreed in unison to work for peace, and the development of the area, by giving their total support to Ohakim. This development, I learnt, vexed those, who live and benefit from political crises. Ohakim, as the healing balm, cured the rumoured quarrel in Nkwerre.

After reading his speech, laced with peace and reconciliation, the Federal Constituency, whose representative, Hon. Juliet Akano was present, accepted to support Ohakim for a second term.

I think, the Train recorded the most moving speeches on the day it visited Orlu/ Orsu/Oru East Federal constituency. The venue was Chief Hope Uzodinma's country home at Omuma.

Mayor Chukwudi Eze spoke, Chief Osita Nwaneri spoke, Ambassador Obiozor did, Prince Obinna Okwuaka rendered a powerful speech, as did the Chief host, Chief Hope Uzodinma.

All agreed that Ohakim has achieved a lot for Imo state, even with twenty one litigations perpetrated by the greedy opposition, a ploy to distract him.

However, in all, it was affirmed that Ohakim must be given a second slot, when there would be no distractions, for him to put Imo on the map of respected states in the Federation.

Ohakim told the gathering that he was on a peace mission, as he has forgiven his offenders, while urging those he offended to tow the same line.

Mbaitoli/Ikeduru hosted Ohakim and his entourage of peacemakers on December 29, 2009. The political leader of the area, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was the host.

At Mbaitoli/Ikeduru, a new dimension was added to the tour. There, the chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe moved a motion, which was seconded by the mammoth crowd that the Federal Constituency is no go area for any candidate campaigning for the 2011 Imo governorship race.

Hon. Bethel Amadi, Federal House of Representatives member, Chief Iwuanyanwu, Hon. Sam Daddy Anyanwu of the Imo House of Assembly and the Traditional Rulers from the Area gave Ohakim a blank cheque for the 2011 Imo Guber race.

Ohakim's moving Train headed to Owerri North/Owerri West/ Owerri Municipal Federal Constituency same day and Prince Lemmy Akakem's home at Orji was the anchor point.

Hon. Ibejiako, representing the zone was there. So also were personalities like Chief Ambrose Ejiogu, Hon. Chief Henry Njoku, Chief Cyril Amako, Hon. Ray Emeana, and a host of others.

The climax of the day was when the Federal Constituency handed Gov. Ohakim a gold plated large key, which they said he should use for the opening of his second term bid. The constituency said the key signified the source of his success come 2011.

New Year day was for Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency. It was Chief Tony Ezenna who hosted the intimidating crowd.

All the speakers, including Hon. Omeire who is the representative of the Constituency and the Traditional Rulers doffed their hats for Ohakim, particularly for remembering the area in the construction of roads which defied previous administrations in the state. Because of this fit, the people of the area had no choice than to ask the performing governor to ride on.

"We are behind you. The crowd here today has shown you that the people of this area are happy with your achievements and therefore supporting your second term bid," Ezenna (Orange Drugs) told Ohakim.

The next day was Oguta/Ohaji/Egbema/Oru West constituency. Here, the Ohakim entourage received the most lavish entertainment and gifts. The whole affair was arranged like a "wedding" with class decorations. Senator Arthur Nzeribe was the host.

The crowd was something else. Nze Ignatus Umunna (former Imo SSG) spoke, Hon. Ama Nwauwa of the House of Representatives spoke, Hon. Tony Okere delivered a wonderful speech, while the youths of the area asked Ohakim not to bother spending a kobo in the area for the 2011 Imo guber as money has already been put aside by ten young millionaires from the constituency.

Chief Nzeribe in his usual brief speech asked Ohakim not to rush Local Government elections in the state now, until after the Anambra guber election, to know if INEC has learnt the trick of free and fair election yet.

"After all, states like Anambra has not conducted council elections now for over three years" the maverick politician told Ohakim.

The Grand finale was Onuimo/Isiala Mbano/Okigwe Federal constituency. Infact, Ohakim's constituency. Hon. Maxwell Duru, a former Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly was the host. Conspicuously absent was the member representing the constituency at Abuja, Hon. Matthew Omegara. The only place visited that the Honourable member was not present! Till today, am yet to know why Omegara capitulated. Jealousy, envy or both? He may have been wondering why Ikedi, the son of late Chief Maxwell would be his governor, the governor of Imo State? Unfortunately for Omegara, Ohakim is not only the sitting governor in Imo, but destined for another four year term.

While Senator Osita Izunaso escorted the governor to all the ten Federal Constituencies, his colleagues, Senators Chris Anyanwu and Sylvester Anyanwu could not even show up in their constituencies.

However, there was one thing glaringly clear with the visit. Imo people have resolved to hand Ohakim their future because he is doing well. No matter the opposition, this fact remains sacrosanct. The absence of any politician on the peace voyage to the 10 Federal Constituencies in Imo did not stop the people trooping out to receive their governor, even though the invitations were restricted.

The word of the people is the word of God. The people have spoken and their choice is Ohakim come 2011. And so shall it be.

Ekpe is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Imo State.