By Onyinyechi Amakaulo
There are strong indications that the three returning members of the Imo State House of Assembly from Okigwe zone are likely going to dump their respective parties and join PDP to enable them emerge the new Speaker for the next House.
The three lawmakers are Honourables Chiji Collins of APGA, Lawman Duruji and Kennedy Ibe both of AA. The trio are part of the House members from Imo East Senatorial district who succeeded to have a return ticket after Saturday March 9, 2019 election.
While Chiji is of Isiala Mbano State Constituency, Duruji and Ibe represent Ehime Mbano and Obowo respectively.
Trumpeta observed that based on the political calculation which favour zoning arrangements for sharing of political offices in Imo, the next Speaker of the House shall come from Okigwe zone following the emergence of the new governor Emeka Ihedioha (Owerri zone) and Deputy, Gerald Irona (Orlu zone).
Sources revealed that in view of the ranking caveat which gives opportunity to ranking members entitled to the position as enshrined in House Rules of the Imo Assembly, the returning members are chanced to be the number one lawmaker in the next dispensation, if the rule applies.
Trumpeta learnt that considering PDP’s majority status it wouldn’t give room to members from other parties gaining top principal offices positions. PDP for now has 12 elected members drawn from Owerri and Orlu zone while AA has eight in Okigwe and Orlu zones. APGA has in Okigwe and Orlu zone.
It is only PDP that does not have in Okigwe zone where the Speaker is expected to emerge from.
Sources disclosed that the three ranking lawmakers are making moves to get the favour of the powers that be in PDP and cross over to the party to emerge the new Speaker.
It was further gathered that Ehime Mbano lawmaker and a strong ally of Okorocha’s Rescue Mission, Lawman Duruji may dump the AA for a romance with the governor-elect and PDP leadership in the state. Same goes for Kennedy Ibeh of Obowo said to be willing to cease relationship with AA/APC and forge fresh political alliance with Ihedioha and PDP. Isiala Mbano APGA candidate, Chiji Collins is not left out in the plot as he is reported to be making subtle frays into the new governor and PDP since he is favoured.
It would be recalled that in 2011, Senator Ben Uwajumogu, elected under PDP decamped to APGA alongside others to become the Speaker moments after inauguration.
