The prediction by pundits that the political romance between the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his new-found friend, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume will not last, is coming too early than expected as both political heavyweights try each other for size, as the race for Imo State House of Assembly Speakership position narrows down to two persons.
According to impeccable sources, Okorocha and Araraume may be heading their separate ways soon as both men are said to be squaring up against each other over who produces Rt. Hon Benji Uwajumogu’s successor as Imo Speaker.
Trumpeta learnt that while the Governor backs a greenhorn, Hon Chinedu Offor to be the next Speaker of Imo House of Assembly, the Senator stands behind Acho Ihim, a two-time member and former Council Chairman.
This Newspaper was informed that in a meeting held on Tuesday at Imo Government House, Owerri, between the Governor and members-elect, he did not hide it that he was backing Offor, who is from Onuimo State Constituency.
Trumpeta learnt that part of the agreement that led Araraume to support Okorocha during the just-concluded Governorship election was to allow him produce the next Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly.
Sources said that Araraume was shocked when Okorocha made a u-turn in showing interest in producing the Speaker to the extent of fronting Chinedu Offor to challenge Araraume’s preferred candidate, Hon Achonu Ihim, from Okigwe State Constituency.
Okorocha’s fears, Trumpeta learnt, are that if Araraume is allowed to produce the Speaker, it means the Senator is in control of the State Legislature, and can instigate the Lawmakers to impeach him, hence Okorocha wants to plant a stooge, who he can control from the Government House.
However, old and new members of the House, which will be inaugurated on June 9, are said to be supporting the candidature of Hon Acho Ihim, who is a two-time member of the House, with Executive experience, as a former elected Chairman of Okigwe LGA.
Trumpeta learnt that Araraume was not in support of Ihim from the beginning, but recently endorsed Ihim’s ambition, which has triggered a revolt from Okorocha against Araraume.
This Newspaper learnt that because Acho Ihim has a head-chance following the rule of the House which guarantees ranking status, while choosing the Speaker, Okorocha has directed the departing House led by Benji Uwajumogu to repeal the Ranking Status clause from the House Rule, which will now enable Chinedu Offor to challenge Acho Ihim on equal terms.
All entreaties from various quarters telling the Governor that the present House needs an experienced hand, fell on deaf ears as the Governor is said to be bent on foisting Chinedu Offor on the 8th Imo House of Assembly.
But sources said Araraume is not leaving any stone unturned in producing the Speaker, even if it means abandoning Ach Ihim for a fresh candidate that will be acceptable to Okorocha.
Unfortunately, sources told this Newspaper that the bone of contention is not the candidates, but only that Araraume must not be allowed to have a hand in who becomes the next Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly.
However, genuine agitators are saying that apart from the personal interests of Okorocha and Araraume, Offor is a political neophyte who is yet to acquire enough political experience to steer the ship of Imo legislature, like the outing Speaker, Benji Uwajumogu who grew up from a political family and therefore learnt the game from the feet of his legendary father.
Acho Ihim, though may not be the best choice in normal circumstances, but due to the scenario on ground, he fits the grade for now, sources said.
However, whatever be the case, Imo citizens are waiting to see who between Okorocha and Araraume will have the day, as both men flex muscles for the first time after consummating their political friendship during the heyday of the Governorship election.
