By Anthony Anyanwu
Accusing the People Democratic Party of Nigeria under the Leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, as a party that lacks internal democracy, Imo state Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has vowed not to return to the Party.
In an interview with newsmen in Owerri recently, Governor Okorocha strongly accused the party of failing him at critical points in his political quest.
He recalled with regrets that the party had severally stopped him from realising his gubernatorial ambition, Senatorial ambition and even the presidency.
“Again I wanted to be the National Chairman of the party, it was not possible. I wouldn’t have achieved my political ambition under PDP”.
Continuing, Okorocha maintained that, “If I had gone for the governorship under PDP in 2011, Ohakim would have stopped me at the primary, that’s to tell you my odyssey in PDP”.
“I have paid my dues in PDP, thinking that the PDP has internal democracy. The party has a problem of internal democracy” he insisted.
Okorocha used the opportunity to re – echo his ambition to run for the Presidency of the country, saying that his shot at the Government house Owerri is rather a launch pad towards his realisation of the presidential ambition.
“…The truth is that my ambition to run for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not cancelled”.
On the crises in his party APGA, Governor Okorocha acknowledged that he is new in the party but gave assurance that he will use his position as the Governor and leader of the party in the State to reposition and strengthen its base.
He said that his intention is to make APGA a national party that could win elections in any party of the country.
“If it is just an addendum to the PDP, then it is not growing. Our vision for it is to make it strong national platform, completely independent with its roots in Igbo land; we can quickly reach out and be strong in other parts of the country”.
Ahamaba Advocates for people oriented Governance
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a pragmatic politician Chief Mike Ahamba has advocated for a more people oriented governance in Imo in order to build a productive base economy in the State. This was advocated in a television discussion programme.
Chief Ahamba reveal that a productive base economic is very obtainable in Imo state if the government should embark on a systematic planning, differentiate needs from wants and also do the right thing with the right and qualified people which will result to people oriented policies for governance.
The Loji, Aboh Mbaise born legal luminary stated categorically that Chief Mike Okpara of the blessed memory did it and that is why all the Eastern states are still enjoying his people oriented project till date.
In his word “M.I Okpara” considered the future, he did not take chances that was why he laid a productive economic foundation in agriculture for the Easterners in order to checkmate the over dependant of the Eastern on the North for agricultural produce. But is a pity that, that foundation was ignored and that is why we (easterners) solely depend on the North for food”.
He advised the government to always embark on policies and project that is people – oriented and productive for the economy of the State, decrying the dangers of consumer base economy. He also advice that governments should not delve into policies and projects that does not impact positively on the economy of the State and her citizens just to receive applauds and praises from fans and followers.
Chief Ahamba wondered why as at present no government is talking of independent power plant (IPP) refineries and other production companies and yet they keep telling the people that foreign and private investors are coming in. “The truth is that no investor will invest where there is no enabling environment especially power, the Government should act like catalyst by making available things like power, I know how much I spend in powering my residential home let alone a company” he lamented. He also advocates on continuity in government especially as it concerns people oriented policies and projects like Mbakwe did during his time. “Mbakwe succeeded, that is why we cannot forget him, he continued from where M.I Okpara and Ndubuisi Kanu stopped, accepted and continued with their people oriented policies and projects” Chief Ahamba revealed.
