By Onyekachi Eze
The triumphant entry of the Imo State governorship flagbearer of the All Progressive Congress, APC, for the 2019 general election, Senator Hope Uzodinma, alongside the members of the Allied Forces, otherwise known as the Coalition to Owerri city, on Wednesday, has resurrected another level of panic in the Rescue Mission camp of the party controlled by the governor of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
It would be recalled that the battle for who takes control of the soul of Imo APC chapter centers on two major factions, the Rescue Mission camp (Agburu) led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Coalition now under Senator Hope Uzodinma.
Trumpeta correspondent who monitored the recent reception organized for Senator Uzodinma after the INEC declaration of his name as the authentic Imo APC governorship candidate, observed that palpable fear has enveloped the ‘agburu camp’ over the multitude that graced the Senator’s first home-coming.
The numerical strength of Rescue Mission loyalists spotted at the Imo airport on Tuesday, a day before Uzodinma’s arrival for a reception arranged for governor’s anointed successor, Uche Nwosu on his return from Abuja after several attempts to upturn the INEC list failed, compared to the quantum of human beings who thronged the airport and state capital for Uzodinma on Wednesday signals requiem for Okorocha’s dream of making his son in-law successor.
It was a big difference during the return of the Oru East born Senator representing Orlu zone, as the entire Sam Mbakwe airport was filled to its brim with a mammoth crowd who converged to identify with the APC candidate.
In the Senator’s convoy were; the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, Honorables; Nana Opiah, Amaechi Nwoha, Nkenna Nzeruo, Emma Orie, Ifeanyi Nnataraonye, Sir TOE Ekechi, Chief Hillary Eke, Sir Jude Ejiogu, Chief Peter Gbujie, Barr Chima Anozie, and other political stalwarts across the 27 LGAs of the State.
The crowd that greeted the guber hopeful was intimidating that both artisans, passersby, Hausa community in Imo, Motorcyclists shut down their respective engagements to welcome the Orlu zone dogged fighter, for wrestling power from Okorocha.
Trumpeta was informed that the massive turnout of people to herald Uzodinma shock the foundation of the Okorocha political camp who some lieutenants loyal to the governor expressed surprise.
Since his name has been ringing bell in the political circle as one with the APC governorship ticket before the INEC published it last week, the Senator was yet to
appear in the State. Rumors were rife that he is either in police custody or will not be able to step into the state. But his arrival and the crowd pulled has instituted fear in the governor’s camp.
Trumpeta also gathered that before end of this week, there may be mass exodus from the Rescue Mission camp, whose actions and words indicate that they are ‘fade up’ with the ‘many non manifesting words’ of their boss, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
Already, reports have it that some candidates of APC on the side of Okorocha are making “coded” moves to align forces with Uzodinma, the governorship candidate while those who lost out have lost hope in the ability of the governor assisting them get tickets for 2019 election.
A source close to the Government House, Owerri, told Trumpeta that the return of Uzodinma has increased the fear that Owelle Okorocha and his group has lost out.
Said her, “all is not well here. I can tell you that there is renewed fear since yesterday Uzodinma returned. We thought the Senator wont land based on reports and words of assurances from our people in Abuja. But his arrival dumbfounded many of us. Didn’t you notice that we withdrew from the roads and streets to avoid being mocked. Many of us supporting Okorocha and son in-law are downcast”
Uzodinma came into limelight against Okorocha’s son in-law, Nwosu when the party’s NWC led by Comrade Adams Oshiomole considered him for the governorship position based on the October 1st, 2018 primaries as against that of October 6.
According to Oshiomole, who accused Okorocha of trying to build a “political dynasty” to favour his interest in Imo APC ahead 2019, Uzodinma is APC governorship candidate.
