The quest by Owerri geo political zone to produce Imo State Governor come 2015 has intensified following strong indications that some notable politicians in the zone have begun to put in place structures to aid the success of their respective governorship aspirations.
Imo Trumpeta exclusively learnt that the likes of the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha may be leading the pack of other governorship hopefuls from the zone such as the President of the Pan African Parliament and member representing Ikeduru/Mbaitoli Federal Constituency, Hon. Bethel Amadi and Senator representing Owerri zone, Senator Chris Anyanwu, to vie the governorship seat presently occupied by Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
The zeal or desire by the trio to stake a claim to the seat is anchored on the political imbalance in the State, which has seen Owerri Zone occupying the governorship seat for a meagre 22 months. Okigwe zone had a fair share of the seat with Ikedi Ohakim occupying Government House, Owerri for 4 years, while Orlu zone, by the time Governor Okorocha completes his first tenure in 2015, would have been 12 years on the saddle.
This newspaper was reliably informed that though the likes of Ihedioha, Anyanwu and Amadi are yet to declare their intentions publicly, sources to the trio revealed that they have at all times lamented on the seeming political imbalance that has made Owerri zone to look like onlookers in the scheme of things of the State.
A close source to Ihedioha revealed that, he is building bridges of political friendship across the State, which is expected to metamorphose into a full blown political structure by the time the whistle for the governorship seat begins. This is in addition to his body language which has at all times shown that he is desirous for a higher political office after 2015, when he must have completed his two tenures of 8 years at the House of Representatives.
Senator Anyanwu has not made any categorical statement on her desire to contest for imo guber, but a source said she is been prevailed upon by some top notchers in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to contest for the seat. This line of argument is said to be orchestrated by those who have lost out in the present political configuration in the party where Owelle Rochas Okorocha now calls the shots. They claim that since she was largely instrumental to the emergence of the present Administration, it will be a wise political move if she contests since she not will return to the senate after 2015.
The aspiration of Hon Bethel Amadi is shrouded in secrecy, but it is believed that having completed his tenure by 2015, he will join the queue of those who want to wrestle power from Governor Okorocha.
However, Amadi’s Media Aide, Chief Olu Ibekwe, in his response to these speculations told Imo Trumpeta that for now, Hon Amadi is presently occupied with the task of effectively representing his constituents in the House of Reps.
Part of his Statement reads ‘ His Excellency, Hon Bethel Amadi is presently focused on his primary assignment as member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency and is working hard to address the issues and challenges confronting his constituency such as youth empowerment and provision of infrastructure/amenities. And as you know, he was recently elected President of the Pan African Parliament, one of the organs of the African Union and his primary focus is on how to leverage on the international opportunity to address the challenges facing his people. Any suggestion by anybody from any corner is pure speculation and conjecture’
Senator Chris Anyanwu’s media consultant, Evarest Ezihe, towed the same line, as he told this newspaper that senator Anyanwu’s body language does not in anyway indicate the she is vying for the Imo governorship seat come 2015.
‘It is speculation. The distinguished senator is concerned with the task of guaranteeing effective representation for the people of Owerri zone which elected her to the senate’ Ezihe declared.
Efforts to reach Ihedioha’s media aides to dispel or confirm the speculations were futile as at press time.
