Unperturbed by Governor Rochas Okorocha’s recent outburst that he would by 2019 retiree Senator Ifeanyi Araraume after forcing others to quit politics, the two time senator who represented Okigwe zone has declared that the number one citizen of the state can’t play God.
Okorocha had in a statement authored by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Sam Onwuemeudo boasted that he would force Araraume to quit adding that the likes of Senator Arthur Nzeribe and others have falling off from the terrain no thanks to his coming into office as governor of the state.
But in a mild response, the media office unit of Araraume, according to the adviser on press and media relations, Ik Ogbonna while not trying to join issues with the governor or any other person notes that Okorocha is not God.
The statement from Araraume reads “We are not used to joining issues with anyone, Gov Okorocha inclusive, but it is instructive to say that Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has clearly said that Gov Ethelbert Anayo Okorocha is not God and that all powers belong to God. Senator Araraume’s ambition, business, life and future rests squarely on God. As a Christian and Knight of the Catholic Church, he is mindful of the role of God Almighty in the affairs of men and therefore in all his dealings, public and private, he acknowledges preeminence and ultimate authority of God.
“Let me further that Senator Araraume started politics long before Chief Ethelbert Anayo Okorocha. As at 1988/89 when Okorocha was still struggling to make ends meet, Senator Araraume was the State treasurer of Liberal Convention Party in the old Imo state comprising Imo, Abia and parts of Ebonyi State. From 1990-1993 he was a member of NRC National Finance Committee and State chairman of APP in 1998. This shows a well grounded politician and party man. In 1999 he alongside Chief Enwerem, Okorocha were given senatorial tickets by the PDP, they all won except Chief Okorocha.
“He went on to get a second term and has been actively in involved in state and national politics. He is currently a Federal Commissioner representing the South East in the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC. Senator Araraume has won all elections he has participated in but was denied the fruits of his victory in some. As they say, God’s time is the best and like President Buhari who won on his 4th attempt, 2019 will be his 4th attempt.
“While Senator Araraume is busy ensuring APC is on sound footing, assisting the party and it structures at all levels, the state Governor is on the other hand allegedly hobnobbing with SDP and dishing out portfolio to himself as Senator for Orlu, his in-law as governor, himself again as president in 2023, his Deputy as Senator for Owerri etc. These recklessness has been condemned widely by Bishops, ex governors and virtually everyone with good conscience.
“Gov Okorocha was “declared” winner of his two elections after a supplementary or rerun election was conducted for him. That of his second term was with the active support of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.
“The political career of Senator Araraume will end at God’s appointed time and that will be after he has accomplished all that God has in stock for him”
