…As light Beams on Macdonald Ebere, Jude Ejiogu, Jerry Chukwueke, Harritex, PAM, TOE
With the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election concluded last weekend, attention concerning who becomes the next number one citizen of the state after re-elected Governor Hope Uzodimma’s tenure has started.
It would be recalled that Uzodimma had during the build up to the election highlighted about restoration of the Imo Charter of Equity which he promised to respect with Owerri Zone producing the governor after him.
In a meeting he had with Imo Elders Council who came to congratulate him for the victory, Uzodimma reiterated his earlier stance of handing over to an Owerri Zone person at the expiration of his tenure.
The stance of Uzodimma has sparked off early discussion and interest in who occupies Douglas House; the seat of power as Government House, Owerri is called in the next four years.
The discussion focuses on would be aspirants even as the governor has not in any public forum giving indications of who would be his successor.
But Trumpeta observed that there are possible political playmakers in Owerri Zone who may not be left out in the bracket of those that wouldn’t be left out in the race.
Prominent in the pack of those being looked upon for possible involvement in the race is the party chairman in the state, Dr Macdonald Kelechi Ebere. The Amawom Owerri Nchi Ise born politician is said to be one of the strong allies of Uzodimma that can’t be left out for consideration.
He is said to have close ties with Uzodimma hence he has been able to gain appointments through the magnanimity of the governor.
During the Ohakim’s era, it was learnt that Ebere’s ascendancy to the position of Chairman of Owerri Municipal Council, cannot be divorced from Uzodimma’s goodwill. In the present 3R administration in Imo, he can be said to be a critical stakeholder having been first appointed ENTRACO boss and latter Chairman of Imo State chapter of APC.
Four top politicians from Owerri North; Sir Jude Ejiogu, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Chief Harritex Njoku and Prince Alex Mbata, believed to have the capacity to run for the position are also being touted to show interest.
While Ngor Okpala has the likes of Dr TOE Ekechi, Mbaitoli can boast of former Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere.
This newspaper can reveal that in the couple of months ahead, those wanting to succeed Uzodimma within the APC family would either start seeking the face of the governor for endorsement or start raising structures for the task ahead.
