Imo West Senatorial constituency otherwise called Orlu Zone is one of the three political Areas that make up Imo State. And it is the largest in population, for consisting of twelve Local Government Areas.
Orlu zone is presently represented by Chief Hope Uzodimma in the Senate. Hope Uzodimma took over from Senator Osita Izunaso in 2011. Izunaso succeeded Chief Nzeribe. Senator Arthur Nzeribe has remained the longest serving Senator Orlu has ever produced, for retaining the seat for four terms.
The Damanze of Oguta bestrode the Orlu political Arena like a colossus until a combined effort of nearly all the Orlu political war Horses battled the now aged Nzeribe to vacate the senatorial seat for a younger Osita Izunaso.
Osita Izunaso who took over from Nzeribe could not last more than one term as he was succeeded by Chief Hope Uzodimma.
Now, the 2015 election is approaching and as it seems, Chief Hope Uzodimma has not yet made any declaration that he is running for a second term. As his first tenure expires this year, and primaries are just months away, it is expected of Uzodimma to formally inform Orlu people of his intension to either go for a second term or not. Instead, mum has remained the signal from the Uzodimma camp, therefore leaving most of his followers in total darkness of his next political move, subduing them into unnecessary guess works.
Rather than Uzodimma’s name vibrate in the Orlu senatorial arena, it is but heard more in the Gubernatorial front, where he shook Imo political horizon a few months ago when some of his political foot soldiers rattled the atmosphere, calling him to join the Governorship race.
Unfortunately, it is unlike Hope Uzodimma, since his present silence on the Orlu senatorial zone seat may not be a good strategy, because delay is very dangerous, especially in Orlu where there are too many political gladiators.
Although Senator Uzodimma is popular among his Orlu political folks, but does he think that allowing too much political space for “opponents” in Orlu all these months, without definite definition of his own next political move, will work in his favour?
Orlu in Imo politics, is more sophisticated than the other two zones; Owerri and Okigwe. It is through Orlu’s political deft manoeuvers that it has for over twelve years now controlled the political artery of Imo Government, the Douglas House, Owerri.
Therefore, it is no gain saying that Orlu people are politically aware than other parts of Imo state. The proofs are there, and needs no more expatiation.
However, Uzodimma knows his people. But he should be careful so that his magic ward against the Orlu political titans does not fail him this time. He may believe he has the antidote against the Orlu “talakawas” but the highest mistake he will make is to take the people for granted.
In politics, even if you know you have advantage above others, you still pretend that you are in a fix, so that in the process of pushing further you win where you are supposed to win, and even gain encroachments into the enemy territory. Indeed, looks as if Uzodimma is relaxing or his oars, taking the absolute support he garners from Orlu people for granted. This is the reason he should make his intension for a second term open now, or live to regret the outcome.
It is not enough for Uzodimma’s followers to chant that “Orlu senatorial seat is not vacant”
Today, most Orlu people are emboldened by the record that since Arthur Nzeribe, no other person has held that position more than one term.
Before you know it, it will enter the consciousness of Orlu people that nobody goes to the senate twice, so that the slot can go round the clans that make up Imo West senatorial zone.
It is even a disturbing that not much is being heard about Hope Uzodimma in terms of “political noise” in Orlu zone, as only the voices and activities of opponents are heard every day.
Rather than the Uzodimma phenomenon eclipsing the political activities in Orlu, what is heard today is of those pushing to displace replace Hope Uzodimma.
We are all aware of Hon ThankGod Ezeani and Sir Felix Idiga (JAFAC). It is as if Hope Uzodimma is no more running following the impact Ezeani and Idiga has made into the Orlu political horizon.
Uzodimma rather than consolidate on the impact his last political outing had in Orlu, has allowed the euphoria to wither.
I am talking of his last constituency briefing which shook the foundation of Orlu zone, following the caliber of people that stormed the ceremony.
What of the numerous palliative amenities he rolled out to the masses, including the vehicles he distributed to party officials and to the high and mighty in Orlu PDP.
Since then, Uzodimma literally went into political sabbatical in Orlu, his base. Today, the likes of Nze Ignatius Umunna has rolled out their political drums and only take such political War Horses for granted at your own peril.
Umunna is the pillar behind ThankGod Ezeani Orlu Senatorial Train. Umunna is a tested political fox, who midwived Chief Achike Udenwa’s ascension to the hallowed seat of Imo Governorship in 1999 when many people thought it was not possible.
But Umunna and his band of political magicians made it possible. This former secretary to Imo State Government hails from the Oru axis of Orlu zone like Hope Uzodimma. Has the Uzodimma’s home base not been decimated with Umunna packaging Ezeani? Would it not have been a more easy sail if Uzodimma had his entire Oru intact? Will you now say that Umunna will not try to make impact in his own area for the Aspirant he is parading? In the case, for both Umunna and Hope Uzodimma , charity must begin at home; Oru Clan. But remember, Umunna used to be Uzodimma’s pally? When did things go awry between these Big Guns?
ThankGod Ezeani if from Uzi, in Ideato North LGA. He was a former member of the House of Representatives and served for one term, before Mrs Udogu took over. He is of the Arondizuogu bloc. Do you think that Ideato North and South would not like to have a senator of their own extraction?
ThankGod Ezeani is now too much loaded and ready financially to prosecute
his project to its conclusive end, in addition experienced politicians surrounding him.
Step in Felix Idiga (JAFAC). This man is from the Core Orlu. Nzeribe relinquished the Senatorial seat, his neighbour, Izunaso from the same Ohaji/Egbema Oguta axis replaced him.
When Izunaso vacated the position, it moved just a distance, and anchored at Omuma, in Oru clan.
Therefore, Felix Idiga who is from the Amaifeke, in Orlu/Orsu clan is another worry. He was in APC and was persuaded by former Imo state Governor Chief Achike Udenwa to join PDP.
It therefore means that Udenwa is behind his younger brother, with most core Orlu politicians staking their lots behind this young Billionaire that is ready to march Uzodimma money for money.
Rooting for Idiga include Dr Okey Dike, a veteran politician who has astute experience in political party management and field “roforofo” movement.
Okey Dike heads Idiga’s campaign organization. It follows to say that Orlu senatorial fight in 2015, starting with the primaries, will be fierce.
For sure, collectively, Orlu zone is richer than the other two political zones of Imo state. Not only that they mostly believe in Business, having a common boundary with Anambra state, but because their brothers have ruled Imo state for twelve years, and therefore made it easy to empower most Orlu citizens.
Therefore, Orlu politics is nearly akin to Anambra politics where money climbs money. But having three money bags stake their acceptance for the 2015 Orlu senatorial ticket will be the climax of Imo political bulldozing and manoeuvering. It is also going to be a grudge fight, owing to the calibre supports paraded by reach of them.
Now, let me asking this important question; is Senator Hope Uzodimma running for Orlu Senate seat come 2015? If yes, what is he waiting for?
Is he aware that his “Empire” is shrinking? Is he aware that a great chunk of Orlu leaders have passed a resolution that he is no more the leader of Orlu zone, but Chief Achike Udenwa?
Is he aware that he is beginning to lose many of his top followers, w ho are today pitching tents with other political cells? Has his political Advisers sincerely told him that things are not what they used to be? Or are they still telling him that “Oru is intact” when Omuma market is on fire?
It is very pertinent to let Chief Uzodimma know that he has lost too much political ground because he decided to stand aloof during these crucial months leading to his second term bid. In politics, an hour can change many permutations. But in the case of Orlu senatorial seat, a lot of waters have passed under the bridge.
Uzodimma can still rally round his political forces to reclaim the lost grounds, but it could have been cheaper and easier if he had watched his political flanks.. But with the situation of things, Uzodimma needs to gear up, before “Hausa enters Awka. That is, if they had not entered already. But, bend down and you will see Aba.
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Success Obioma Joins Imo Guber Race
An Abuja based business man turned politician Mr Success Obioma Akabogu has challenged all political office seekers in Imo to present their certificate of clearance on corruption from EFCC and other agencies before coming for office.
He made the charge while declaring for governorship under PDP in 2015. He assured he will deliver on his promises for dividends of democracy if given the mandate, urging electorates to x-ray the antecedents of other aspirants before voting for them.
Mr Success said he is venturing into politics for the first time to give governance devoid of self centeredness and to realize the dreams of the founding fathers of Imo.
The declaration was at Ogbor Uvuru in Aboh Mbaise amidst PDP leaders and supporters. Meanwhile there are insinuations that he is being sponsored by some political businessmen to create confusion.
