In no distant time, political office holders in the enlarged state executive council would begin to voluntarily dump their respective offices for future ambitions ahead 2015 election.
The state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha at a meeting on Monday indirectly kick-started the quest for floodgate of aspirants willing to contest for various elective positions come 2015. At the meeting attended by APC coordinators and facilitators in the state held at the Government House, Owerri, Okorocha intimated his party men and lieutenants in APC family that the political climate is gradually changing, and as 2015 is drawing nearer, those willing to go for any elective seat should declare interest so that his/her ambition would be considered in the scheme of things.
Apart from requesting prospective office seekers to declare their interest, the governor revealed that such persons especially the appointed office holders would be freed and eased to handle executive functions to carry on and excel in their individual desires.
Following this declaration by the governor, a Tsunami is expected to hit Okorocha government with notable members of the cabinet signaling interest to run for various positions ahead 2015 election.
Reasons why the governor offered to offload the prospective election seekers are not farfetched. While it would afford the appointees opportunity to concentrate with their ambitions, the governor does not want a clash of interest in loyalty and service since his Rescue Mission administration is still on course and poised to deliver dividends of democracy to Imo people.
Relatively, the office holders are expected to comply with the regulation which may likely witness tremendous changes in the executive council of the state.
In the last count, about 70% of those holding offices in the present government are interested in certain elective offices. Aside from Chief Jude Ejiogu and Dr Charles Onuoha, Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman, Imo Housing Corporation respectively, who are said to be interested in the 2015 governorship election under APC, some commissioners are in the race for National Assembly election for various cadres.
Leading the pack is Hon Nick Opara Ndudu. Opara Ndudu who is the Commissioner for Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) and Pension Matters is getting set to run for the Senate Seat of Owerri Zone.
Opera Ndudu is likely going to square it out with fellow Commissioner, incharge of Non-Formal Sector and Industry, Barr Lady Ugochi Nnanna- Okoro as well as consistent election seeker, a former lawmaker and a Special Adviser in Okorocha’s government, Hon Uche Onyeagocha. Another person interested in the Owerri zone Senate is Nze Ben Osuji.
For Owerri Federal Constituency, Chief Gibson Achonwa Njemanze, popularly called “Oyiga” will renew his ambition to represent people of Owerri North, Owerri Municipal and Owerri West, in Abuja after his failed attempt in 2011 under ACN platform. Oyiga is the Mayor of Owerri Zone.
Another Mayor that is angling for an elective position is Chief Dr Goddy Esom Obodo, Mayor of Orlu Zone. Dr Obodo, the Prince of the Oil Kingdom is reported to be warming up to run for Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Oru West Federal Constituency after 2011 trial failed.
Other notable expanded Executive Council Members have began to submit their names to Chief Marcon Nlemigbo who was nominated to take list of interested office seekers.
Trumpeta reliably learnt that based on the number of several persons on the line for some positions, then mass resignation is likely going to the state exco any moment, as they would dump their jobs for the fast approaching election.
