Okorocha’s and Obama handshake.

A picture they say speaks a thousand word, because of its ability to quickly convey so much meaning with so little, if any, explanation.

The powerful ability of a single image to convey so much information, feelings and complexity with much dexterity was aptly captured on social media, Monday, 20th July.

It was a picture of the governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, in symbolic hand shake with president Obama of the United states in white house, Washington DC while president Buhari stood behind and watched in excitement as both leaders exchanged pleasantries as if both had known each other for years and were in a reunion of sort.

The picture which had already gone viral on social media, kept mouth wagging. It did not only cause traffic on social media platforms that uploaded it but also generated comments, many including the governor’s critics, also applauded the governor’s symbolic hand shake with Obama.

One other interesting fact about that picture is that the peoples governor was not the only governor among the entourage that accompanied President Buhari to the White House. The question now is why was he the only one the media focused on? Could it be because of the rapt attention President Obama gave him in their tete-a-tete? If that’s the reason, then, “why always Rochas”?

Though many may ask; of what benefit is such picture to Imolites? That picture has revealed some facts some of us have blindly refused to see about Gov. Rochas Okorocha. The peoples governor, through his inclusiveness has moved beyond Nigeria, he has begun to conquer nations of these world.

The peoples governor’s inclusive approach to governance is gradually sowing seed of unity among the ethnic groups that make up this nation.

A time will come when such would result in explosion of persons with root every where. A new generation of citizens who would have no cause to separate themselves along petty and tribal sentiments.

The peoples governor has so far joined the league of true elders that plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

That explains the reason why president Buhari would always insist that Gov. Rochas Okorocha would be among his entourage on such foreign trips.

Gov. Okorocha’s symbolic handshake with president Obama has also revealed similar characteristics between both leaders. President Obama was born on August 4, 1961 he will be 54 years next month while Gov. Okorocha was born a year after Obama on September 22, 1962. He will be celebrating his 53rd birthday on September, a month after Obama’s.

Both have also distinguished themselves in their chosen careers, while Okorocha is a detribalized Nigerian, Obama is a black-American with his roots from Kenya. Both of them are from the African continent, both of them were and remains philanthropists, orators, teachers, educationists, peace makers, the voice of the poor, activists, accomplished administrators, seasoned politicians etc.

Could such distinguished features be the reason behind the symbolic hand shake between both leaders?

Obama’s journey to the white house began as a junior senator representing Illinois. As governor of Imo state could this as well be Okorocha’s journey to Aso rock in future?
Time will be the deciding factor.

Joseph Chimezie, writes from Owerri, Imo state