Even as the winner of the Imo State Governorship Election has not been officially announced, newly-elected members of the State Assembly have started warming up and lobbying for principal officers’ positions.
With victory tilting towards the side of Owelle Rochas Okorocha who is leading with over 80,000 votes ahead close rival, Emeka Ihedioha, lawmakers from Okigwe zone are reported to have started political horse-trading and necessary gimmicks to become the speaker while a ranking lawmaker, Ugonna Ozuruigbo (OZB) is on the track for Deputy Speaker position.
The expectation is that with Okorocha and his Deputy, Eze Madumere from Orlu and Owerri zones respectively, Okigwe zone would retain the Speaker as was witnessed in 2011, when Ben Uwajumogu of Ihitte Uboma decamped from PDP to APGA to become the Speaker.
With APC forming the majority and having five of the six House of Assembly positions in Okigwe zone, Acho Ihim, a second time lawmaker of APC is leading the pack of those seeking the number one plum job in the state legislature. Ihim is relying on ranking status even though the ranking opportunity has been quashed as well as his loyalty to Okorocha since defecting to APGA and later APC with the governor from PDP.
Ihim is also reported to be relying on affinity with the outgoing Speaker, Uwajumogu who he gave a chance to emerge in 2011.
Following closely is Chinedu Offor. The former commissioner for Information and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, is also tipped to emerge the new Speaker if his alliance and loyalty to Okorocha is considered. As the governor’s first spokes-man while in office as commissioner and later Deputy Chief of Staff, Offor is believed to be the right choice for Okorocha to again have control and remote proceedings of the state lawmakers.
Gender sensitive factor can also play a role in making Uche Ejiogu (Mrs) the member-elect for Ihitte-Uboma make history as the first female speaker of Imo state. Trumpeta was informed that ahead of the April 11, election, Ejiogu’s ambition was not only to win but also make history and repeat the feat his predecessor, Uwajumogu did in 2011.
Also said to have also lined up are Lawrence Duruji, of Ehime Mbano.
