By ibezim samuel
With next general election in six months time, politicians and office seekers are employing several tactics and strategies not only shore up their image but win masses support.
It is on this premise that two prominent politicians from Imo State are embarking on verbal claims to electoral might. First to showcase his verbal prowess was the incumbent governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha who at the weekend opened a fresh vista on his winning magic and demystification of the office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Speaking at Ihitte Uboma during the inauguration of the Okigwe Peoples Political Movement, OPPM, in the LGA, Okorocha while describing marginalization of Ndigbo in the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party. PDP described the Deputy Speaker as a spare tyre even as he boasted that he will defeat President Goodluck Jonathan if given APC ticket to run for president in 2015 election.
The Governor, who may have been overwhelmed by rather sycophantic praises from APC faithful at the venue, claimed he has liberated Imolites as they were in bandage for good 12 years of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule in the state. He exploded that he is in political enmity with Senator Araraume and distinguished senator Arthur Nzeribe because of his refusal to share Imo money amongst them. The governor thanked OPPM for belonging to APC and said that the party came to be as a result of PDP’s failure to rescue Nigeria.
Okorocha confirmed Speaker Benjamin Uwajumogu as APC leader in Okigwe zone and used the medium to campaign for the trio of Hon Matthew Omegara, Deacon Chike Okafor and Hon Chinedu Offor. The governor described Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as a spare tyre by adding that every deputy in any position is a spare tyre.
He challenged the Federal Government to dare him in 2015 election with armed forces as he has intimidating loyalists that would fight for him.
Anxiously, he claimed that Ndi Imo won’t let him go to Abuja but promised to make Ndi Imo proud by making the likes of Hon Omegara to occupy the position of Speaker in the Federal House of Representative, and that Igbo people under APC would become Senate-President or even Vice-President. He finally announced that Okigwe zone is out of bondage courtesy of his administration.
Earlier on, High Chief Tony Black Nduka said that OPPM is a formidable group that supports Gov Okorocha and that Speaker Uwajumogu is their leader. The APC state chairman, Hon Hillary Eke on receiving the OPPM members, said that Isinweke is the first place he is doing his political work as APC chairman. He promised to promote progress, unity and fairness in achieving APC goals.
The Chief host of the occasion, and the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu, said that PDP is dead and gone in Imo state adding that the achievements of PDP in 12 years in office are-kidnapping, stealing, assassination and sharing Imolites money. He said that Okigwe zone ought to blame themselves as they got every juicy position during PDP reign but did not use it to help the zone. He said that Gov Okorocha visited Okigwe for eighteen (18) times within his first three (3) months in office even when they didn’t vote him into office. He utilized the opportunity to campaign for his rumoured senatorial ambition.
Hon Greg Okemili and APC lawmakers in Imo State House of Assembly were present including ISOPADEC Boss, Henry Okafor. Also, the education commissioner in the state, Dr Mrs. Ejiogu was confirmed as APC woman of the year.
Meanwhile Ihedioha had said that he will give Governor Okorcha a technical knockout if given the mandate of the Peoples Democratic Party. Once again he explodes: saying: I am Rochas headache, APC, APGA, UPP members are supporting me. The deputy speaker of House of Representatives Abuja, boasted that he will become the next Governor of Imo state. Chief Ihedioha asserted that Governor Rochas Okorocha is afraid of him and usually has headache when he remembers him. Chief Ihedioha, Omenke Ahuruanya, said that he is an expert who has distinguished himself in the service to mankind. He enthused that his ambition has received endorsement from all the nooks and crannies of the state. The Deputy Speaker promised to render good service to Imo people when he becomes governor in 2015. Chief Ihedioha spoke when the people of Oke Uvuru community paid a courtesy call to him at his Mbutu country home weekend. Highlights of the occasion were special prayer to Chief Ihedioha and his campaign organization, presentation of gifts of fish, vegetables, food, palm wine, etc, to him, symbolic gifts in Mbaise culture which signify victory and support.
