The prediction by Pundits that the search for another permanent site for theImoStateUniversity, IMSU would tear Owerri zone apart, is gradually coming to fruition.
Reaction? Imo Trumpeta was informed that three prominent sons of Owerri Zone in the current administration in the state are literally at war over which Local Government attracts the permanent site of the Institution.
They are the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, Prince Eze Madumere, Chief of staff to the Governor, and His Royal Highness, Eze Ohiri, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.
It was learnt that the three gentlemen are fighting tooth and nail, through their various political powers to make sure that the contentious IMSU permanent site was located in their LGAs.
While Sir Agbaso hails from Ezedibia Emekuku in Owerri North LGA, Prince Madumere and Eze Ohiri hail from Mbieri and Orodo respectively in Mbaitoli LGA.
A source told this Newspaper that chairman of the Relocation Committee, Sir Jude Agbaso is plotting to site the Institution in Emekuku. Precisely, on the land between Emekuku and Uzoagba, in Ikeduru LGA.
However, the slight against that portion of land is that it is too small to accommodate the University, and also the topography of the area in question is erosion prone.
But these, the source said, have not deterred Agbaso who is bent on making sure that the Institution is sited on that portion of land, even if it means the only thing he attracted to his LGA, while in office.
In the order hand, Eze Madumere and Eze Ohiri are said to be rooting for the site at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA which Imo Trumpeta was told was designated as a “Satellite Campus” of the Institution.
Despite the alleged battle raging on now, Owerri zone people in particular andImoStatecitizens in general seem to have in principle and spiritually agreed in unison on the earlier site at Ngor Okpala / Aboh Mbaise, that was chosen by the founder of the Institution, Dr Sam Mbakwe.
Their argument is that it is morally and spiritually wrong to relocate the site now, especially when Mbakwe is dead, as that would amount to mocking the respected leader in death. “It is like dancing on Mbakwe’s grave” A source said.
It would be recalled that after Governor Rochas Okorocha “relocated” IMSU to Owerri zone, having “relocated” the Institution to his village Ogboko in Ideato South earlier, he set up a Committee headed by his Deputy to look for a “suitable site in Owerri zone” for IMSU.
However, three of the prominent members of the purported committee, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Chief Martin Agbaso have since washed their hands off the Committee, leaving Jude Agbaso and a sprinkle of other people who want to complete the said assignment.
Meanwhile, when Imo Trumpeta contacted Mr Everest Ezihe, the Spokesman of Eze Ohiri, he said though speaking without confirmation from his Boss, he however made it clear that Eze Ohiri was not a member of the committee and therefore has no hand on where or how IMSU relocation is being done.
“Please it is a rumour. My Boss has nothing to do with permanent site of IMSU” Mr Ezeihe said.
Several calls made to the Chief of Staff, Prince Madumere were not answered, while the phone number of the Press Secretary to the D Gov, said “Not available”.
