in continuation of my political permutations preceding the 2015 election, I will reinforce the series on “Imo Lawmakers and their Next Political Destinations”. In the commentary that began last week, the intentions of Speaker Ben Uwajumogu and Chief Sam Daddy Anyanwu stepping higher to senatorial positions and Honourables Simeon Iwunze and Ikenna Emeh, House of Representatives ambitions were highlighted. In the same vein, two first-time lawmakers Honourables, Ugonna Ozuruigbo (OZB) and Ikechukwu Amuka representing Nwangele and Ideato South respectively are reported to be making a come back bid come 2015.
The aforementioned persons are not the only present members of the state legislature gingering their political structures for another electoral battle. There is no gain saying the fact that but for few state lawmakers, majority of them making laws for the state on the floor of the hallowed chambers especially those elected under All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, platform, were lucky to gain electoral victory. I also stand to be corrected that some who could not have won a councillorship election in their respective wards were rail rolled into the Assembly Complex courtesy of the 2011 voters revolution in Imo State in favour of Igbo-Oriented APGA and characterized by the desire of the people to have the incumbent Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. That APGA desire drowned PDP and most of their House of Assembly members. The lucky ones who managed to scale the hurdle in Owerri and Orlu zones saw hell before emerging victorious at the polls.
The coming 2015 will however pose a fresh challenge to Honourable Members willing to join the fray again for political bout. Unlike in the last general election where they enjoyed voting sympathy because of APGA lineage, a repeat case may not be realizable if the torrents of aspirants warming up to also enjoy a piece of the show and the fever of the yet-to-be registered, All Progressive Congress, APC, are anything to go by.
Having secured a desirable level of exposure, some members want to capitalize on their present vintage positions to strike and seek for greener political pastures. One of the lawmakers scheming for higher grounds is the Deputy Speaker, Pharmacist Donatus Ozoemena. The member representing Oru West is said to be upbeat about a House of Representative action in 2015. Since the tenure of Hon Gerald Irona of the PDP, who is currently on the seat, would terminate in two years time, Hon Ozoemena is reportedly eyeing the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency Rep ticket. In this regard, the number two man in Imo Assembly has engaged in subtle political games to make his 2015 dream a reality. Apart from relying on the support of a key political figure in the federal constituency and former member who represented the area in the past, Senator Osita Izunaso, Ozoemena is raising a political structure, Oru West Political Assembly, for that purpose. In alignment with other political bigwigs in the area especially those of APGA/APC descent, Ozoemena has raised the structure that is attracting registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission. Back home, the Deputy Speaker has made a u-turn on his approach to welfare of the people. He now makes a reach-out and engages in effective constituency representation. Even the reported backlash he was having with his ad-hoc staff over poor welfare package has become a thing of the past.
Ozoemena may be hinging his desire on the fact that since Ohaji/Egbema started the race in 1999-2003, when Chief Tony Eze Okere went under APP, now ANPP, Izunaso of Oru West followed in 2003 2007, before the lot fell on Izombe, Oguta-born Kamma Nwauwa (2007 2007) and another Oguta politician, Hon Engr Gerald Ironna 2011-2015, Oru West should be the next beneficiary. Therefore, Ozoemena is positioning himself to be forwarded for the Reps ticket.
Following the Deputy Speaker in the 2015 dream is Hon (Barr) Obinna Okwarra. The Nkwerre-born Prince is also reported to be seeking a comeback ticket to the State Assembly.
Since his predecessor, also another Prince of Nkwerre, Ugochukwu Nzekwe had a second Missionary journey and even attempted a third effort under ACN after enjoying PDP support in the past, Okwara is gearing to equal Nzekwe’s feat in Nkwerre politics. Okwara’s ambition may have also drawn him closer to PDP again after unconfirmed rumours had it that he is romancing APGA/APC.
The presence of Okwara at PDP stakeholders meeting at Arthur Nzeribe’s country home, Oguta, is another testimony that the Nkwere House of Assembly representative may still seek PDP face if he does not get soft-landing in the party. He is reported to be getting too close for comfort. Okwara’s plan to re-integrate himself into PDP structure is seen by Nkwerre people as another subtle means to pick the party’s ticket for another round in the state legislature.
A clearer picture of where fast emerging maverick politician of Orsu-extraction, Bro Stan Dara will be heading to in 2015 has not emerged. But one fact remains that the member Knight of St Mulumba would not be making a return to the hallowed chambers of Imo Assembly. After two tenures, it would be suicidal for Bro Dara to ask Orsu people for their votes in 2015 for the State House of Assembly seat. The present member representing Orsu have had an outstanding performance in the House and used his legislative sagacity to be part of the leadership caucus of the House. During Opiah’s reign as Speaker, Dara was “well heard” and maintained his frontline posture. In the Hon Ben Uwajumogu era, despite being a member of the opposition party following his PDP identity, Dara wangled his way to institute a “cult figure” among his colleagues.
With 2015 fast approaching, tongues are wagging that Dara has ambition to go higher as his body language tends to suggest. The man from Ebenetor clan in Orsu LGA may challenge his kinsman and member representing Orsu, Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency, Chief Jerry Alagbaoso or join the fray for Senate. Later events may further determine where the two-time lawmaker will be in 2015.
The epistle continues next week as lack of space cannot allow me continue with the future of remaining lawmakers and reactions trailing earlier write-ups.
