In line with an earlier report of this newspaper, it has become obvious that the former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Imo State Chief Jude Ejiogu, touted to be a possible aspirant for the post of 2019 governorship may have been in dagger draw with the Governor. Information is rife that Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has vowed not to handover the ticket of APC to Sir Ejiogu as he described him as a man with unforgiving spirit.
Trumpeta had a week ago highlighted ominous signs why Ejiogu and the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere may not be in the dragnet of those Governor Okorocha listed for his would be successor.
A recent development during a meeting of Okorocha’s cabinet members in Owerri where the Governor reportedly gave a hint of his disposition to Ejiogu’s ambition to be his successor gives credence to the earlier story carried by this tabloid.
Trumpeta reliably learnt that Ejiogu’s former boss in the said meeting allegedly accused him of “unrepentant spirit” and therefore may not get his endorsement to run for 2019 governorship.
Ejiogu has been named to be among the favourities to be the next Governor of Imo State considering his political pedigree, ranking and reach out in the social structure, especially now people and groups in Owerri zone are clamouring for a next Governor of Imo State to come from the zone.
Apparently aware of his immense status to turn the tables around, and gain support in Imo APC Ejiogu was unceremoniously removed as SSG a year after 2015 election and no reason has been given by Okorocha till date.
It was learnt at the recent meeting that the Governor bared his mind by indicating that Ejiogu will not get his backing should the Emekuku-born banker-turned politician insist to run for 2019 Guber.
Ejiogu had planned to run for House of Reps position in 2011 before joining forces with Okorocha in APGA to deliver the Governor against PDP. He was first appointed as SA to the Governor on IGR and later Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission before his last position as the Secretary to the Government of Imo State.
When Sir Jude Agbaso was impeached and Madumere moved to become Okorocha’s Deputy, Ejiogu was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor; a position he exploited to show political dexterity and maturity in controlling Government House programs.
Ejiogu reached the enviable position of SSG after 2015 election. However, Trumpeta is yet to ascertain reasons why he was removed as SSG but recent unfolding drama from the Governor’s camp is indicative of a boss bearing some animosity with his former strong man and loyalist.
