Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha stirred the hornest’s nest last weekend when he revealed about allegation of oath-taking scandal rocking the political class, especially those seeking electoral position.
In a statement issued by Sam Onwuemedo, his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, states that Okorocha “has warned certain politicians in the state, especially those with governorship ambition against administering oath in Imo people who are either members or officials of their political parties”.
The statement further “advised members and officials of the political parties not to subscribe or allow themselves to be subjected to oath taking for any reason by any politician or aspirant because it is ungodly to do so”
Trumpeta learnt that the outburst of Okorocha cannot be divorced from the threat he is receiving from all quarters and political groups in APC political family.
It was learnt that apparently worried that his able lieutenants and followers in APC are gradually dumping his political structure; the Rescue Mission for other platforms, the governor, suspicious of the more, believe there is something behind the decision which necessitated the Juju claim.
According to Okorocha in the statement, the warning became prominent following unfortunate reports from “certain party officers that a governorship aspirants from one of the political zones in the state had subjected them to oath taking.
But further investigations have it that the alarm was a suspected underhand practice employed by the state governor and his media team to not only checkmate emerging opposition within its rank and file, but also rock the image of other contenders wanting to hijack the party structure from him.
A top government source who does not want his name published, revealed that the emergence of another force in Imo State chapter of APC, alleged to be warming up for the 2019 governorship, against the wish of Okorocha is sending cold shivers down the spines of governor’s followers in Rescue Mission government.
In a similar vein, a major backbone of APC in Owerri zone and one of the stronger forces of the party since inception, Hon Uche Onyeagocha, has dumped the party for APGA.
Similarly, the fear that hordes of political titans from Owerri zone are rejecting him to join forces with Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, the source further added may have been responsible for the outbreak of the oath-taking story.
The camp of Araraume has witnessed tremendous improvement in terms of followership as his campaign team is bubbling with new political signings thereby posing a threat to the desire of Okorocha producing his successor come 2019.
Trumpeta has it on good authority that top politicians from the zone led by a former Mayor of Owerri, Gibson Achonwa Njemanze, (Oyiga) are backing the aspiration of Araraume.
Also in the Owerri zone group is a former Governorship hopeful, Bethel Nzimako, former JAMB Board member, Amugo Ugoji, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako, former Owerri West Transition Chairman, Prince Arnold Ogaram and a host of other political heavyweights.
Trumpeta was informed that the reasoning behind the key leaders of the party is that at the moment Owerri zone has not put its house in order and should therefore back Araraume from Okigwe zone on the grounds that he appears formidable in ejecting Okorocha out of office in 2019.
Convener of the meeting and leader in Araraume’s Destiny Organization in Owerri Federal Constituency, Chief Gibson Achonwa Njemanze (Oyiga) said Senator Araraume possess what it takes to take the battle to Okorocha, urging them to work for the success and progress of the senator in realizing his ambition by being steadfast in carrying out responsibilities assigned to them.
He urged them not to be despaired, adding that a journey of thousand miles begins with a step. Oyiga stated that those who believe in the cause of Araraume should join hands to work together and make sacrifices to join ensure in the long run victory is assured.
In his remarks, former JAMB Board member and Chairman, Destiny Organization in Owerri zone, Amugo Ugoji said Araraume is the only one that posses the ability to dislodge Okorocha and liberate Imo State from the bad governance in the State.
Former Deputy Governorship candidate under the defunct ACN, Bethel Nzimako also called for commitment from all members of the group to support the cause of the senator. He said Owerri zone has merely relied on complains and lamentations about its marginalization in the scheme of things of the state, stating that such approach cannot fetch them the governorship.
Former Executive Chairman of Owerri West, Hon. Evans Anaele expressed regret over the Okorocha administration lamenting how Owerri people gave him all the support when he mounted the saddle of governance. He recalled how Owerri people gave three special gifts to the governor to demonstrate their support for him, but in the end, he has chosen to play god. He urged Owerri people to support Araraume as he has the resources and political influence to match Rochas in 2019.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako said the time has come for the senator to succeed in his latest political mission, describing him as one capable of taking over the mantle of leadership of the state. He urged Araraume followers to remain steadfast and do all they were assigned to them.
