Strong indications that the rumoured second term ambition of Governor Rochas Okorocha may be a farce emerged during the week when he muted the idea of moving ahead from the state to federal level his ambition of becoming major player for the office of president or vice-president of the country come 2015.
At a meeting of APC facilitators/coordinators including political appointees of Okorocha administration, held at the Government House, Owerri. The governor while reviewing activities of the new party declared intention to leave affairs of the state and go to the national level in 2015.
In the same vein, Okorocha noted that with 2015 fast approaching, the political climate has changed for increased political activities, hence the need for people to make public their next political destinations.
The governor was reported to have told his APC faithful that he is not going to hold or bear animosity against any person for making his intention and desire to run for any office now, adding that those willing to run for any office should declare before the gathering.
The highlight of the gathering was like mentioning of names for possible successors for the office of the governor. After the governor had raised the issue, a former commissioner in Okorocha’s cabinet and serving Chairman of Imo Housing Corporation, Dr Charles Onuoha stood up and declared intention to contest. He was cheered and applauded by the people. When no other comment arose, Okorocha opened up to state that there were rumours that his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere and Chief of Staff, Jude Ejiogu are interested in taking over from him. When the governor persisted with his question and inquiries, the duo differently raised their hands to acknowledge and were also applauded.
Earlier, several persons willing to run for several offices either indicated interest or were endorsed to run. For Owerri Zone Senate, were former House of Representatives Member and Adviser to Governor on Politics, Hon Uche Onyeagocha, Commissioner for Industry and Non-Formal Sector, Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, Commissioner for IGR and Pension Matters, Nick Opara Ndudu and including, Nze Ben Osuji who indicated interest.
The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ben Uwajumogu who was absent, however got endorsement from Okigwe Zone people at the meeting to run for Senate.
Okorocha’s new posture may be in line with his 2011 pre-election promise to govern for one tenure only.
At the end, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo was asked to take note of names of those willing to vie for elective positions in 2015.
In a related development, a group of politicians from Amatta ward in Ikeduru Local Government “AGENDA/APC Chapter Amatta Ward” has called on Governor Okorocha to resist the temptation of appointing Engr Obinna Nshirim as the Transition Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government.
In a statement made available to Trumpeta and signed by Hon Vitalis Njoku (Chairman Agenda/APC, Amatta Ward) and Mrs Charity Elenwa (Woman Leader) the people said that the warning is based on verifiable negative reasons against Engr Obinna Nshirim and his master Dr Obi Njoku.
“We only attended Xmas party courtesy of Hon Commissioner of Health, Dr Ihejirika at his country home, Inyishi Ikeduru. We advised Dr Ihejirika to be very very careful with these two birds of same feather before it is too late and Re-affirm that the rejection of Engr Obinna Nshirim as T C Chairman by Ikeduru people is total based on cogent and verifiable reasons among which are as follows”.
Continuing, the people alleged that, “Engr Obinna Nshirim was disqualified from contesting for ordinary ward councillorship position about 1987 by the National Electoral Commission. Hence he will constitute a serious security risk/threat if sworn-in and empowered as TC Chairman a Higher position to Councilor he was disqualified to contest for in Ikeduru due to his questionable track records. Ref: Letter dated 22nd March 2000”.
“That Engr Obinna Nshirim and Dr Obi Njoku have been using the office of the Deputy Governor to suppress us in all the appointments and lists submitted to you. This should stop”.
