The cold war raging between the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere seems unending with the conspicuous absence of the second in command in the state at the airport reception accorded the first citizen on return from a short break abroad.
There has been a sharp difference between the two former political soul mates since the governor declared interest to back his son in law as successor in the 2019 election.
Though Madumere is yet to publicly make a statement in that direction, but the Deputy Governor’s tactical silence on the offer of Senate position of Owerri Zone granted to him by the governor for the next election is an indication that he may not be pleased with the current situation.
To show that he may be on his own and no longer at the same page with the governor on his desire to present his son in law for 2019 governorship under Imo APC, the Deputy somehow no longer wears round his neck, the traditional muffler; a symbol worn by many to identify with Okorocha.
However, more revelations that things have fallen apart manifested on Tuesday when the governor touched at the tarmac of the Sam Mbakwe airport without the Deputy around to welcome him. In the past, Madumere has always been around to receive Okorocha, but that of Tuesday was different as several appointees and APC chieftains came without the Deputy.
Trumpeta investigation indicate the conspicuous absence of the Deputy may not be unconnected with the present situation in the Rescue Mission political family where t Madumere is said not to be comfortable with the arrangements being put in place by Okorocha for allocation of political offices for 2019 election.
Further revelations have that the traditional system of handover of power where the Deputy takes over reins of office in the absence of the governor was not observed as Madumere was not allowed to take charge when Okorocha left the shores of the country for a brief break.
While there was no information concerning Okorocha’s trip outside the state for days, nothing was heard from the media units of government including the Information ministry who was in charge of governance.
Sources within Government House who do not want to be mentioned disclosed that in such cased when the governor moves out, a powerful appointee said to be “shadow’ governor takes charge instead of the Deputy entitled by the constitution to act. Trumpeta was also informed that such practices may have also irked the Deputy to stay away for the airport reception.
