Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has declared that the era of paying Nigerians N1,000 or N2,000 to attend political rallies is over, calling for a new political order centred on empowerment and economic prosperity.

Uzodimma made the statement at the General Assembly of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Imo State, where he expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s vision of empowering Nigerians to take ownership of their destinies and the country.

The governor said political mobilisation should move beyond gathering large crowds and handing out token payments, stressing the need for initiatives that enable citizens to become economically self-reliant.

“You have seen that the days are gone when you call people to talk about politics, you summon big rallies where people go from morning till night and you give them N1,000 or N2,000. That is an old order, it’s gone, and we want the new order,” he said.

Speaking on an empowerment initiative involving 1,000 households, Uzodimma urged beneficiaries to embrace farming as a practical means of improving their livelihoods.

He encouraged them to start planting crops around their homes, noting that they could begin harvesting within a few months.

“Today we have here seated 1,000 households, so we start with this 1,000 and we will do more. What I want to hear is that by tomorrow you have started planting. It does not take time, just very close to your house, plant it and in a few months, you have started harvesting,” the governor said.

He also congratulated Tinubu on what he described as a new vision for Nigeria, urging beneficiaries to appreciate the President’s efforts towards promoting self-reliance and national development.

Uzodimma further reaffirmed Imo State’s support for the President, expressing confidence in his leadership while calling for greater prosperity across the country.

“For we in Imo State, we are happy and comfortable with the leadership vision and style of President Tinubu, and he can take our words to the bank. At the same time, we want prosperity. In fact, we want the prosperity of Nigeria to start in Imo State,” he added.

The governor’s remarks come as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with renewed calls for economic empowerment and improved living conditions for Nigerians.