Wednesday, 27 March, 2019 will definitely be a memorable day for two fellows; Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha and Hon Gerald Ironna. Not just that they are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that won the governorship race of Imo State as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively, but they jointly received certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as winners.
The event was a significant one especially the joint receipt of the INEC confirmation as Chief Executive officers of the state. The certification from the electoral body could be the climax of political friendship that have seen both function as soulmates.
While Ihedioha hails from Aboh Mbaise LGA in Owerri zone, Irona is of Oguta Ameshi in Oguta LGA of the state.
Records may be correct to state that the National Assembly brought them together. While Ihedioha got his baptism of fire as a federal legislator, Irona after functioning as a councillor, moved to the state legislator as member who represented Oguta state constituency.
However, the Ihedioha/Irona partnership was consummated in 2011 when incoming governor and third time member of the House of Reps representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala knew his Deputy then, member who represented Ohaji/Egbema. Oguta, Oru West Federal Constituency.
Close watchers of politics of Imo State can affirm that both started a political romance that today, gave birth to a Governor and Deputy Governor Status. Observers were of the view that when Ihedioha functioned as the Deputy Speaker, House of Reps, Irona was one of the greatest allies found around him. it was not surprising that when offered the chance for a running mate he looked the way of the Oguta born engineer turned politician.
It was also learnt that in the 2015 election, Ihedioha was strongly behind Irona’s ambition for a second term bid as House of Reps member. When 2019 election drew nearer and Ihedioha had PDP ticket in his kitty, the choice of running mate became an issue. Recall that in 2015, it was Ihedioha/Rt Hon Chuma Nnaji joint ticket. While Ihedioha managed to successfully deliver his area, Nnaji was unable. Therefore, in 2019, the governor-elect may have considered several factor which includes affinity and past relationship. In confirmation of part of the reasons why he was considered as running mate, Irona delivered his Oguta LGA to PDP and succeeded in having a PDP member elect for Oguta State Constituency and also a PDP member for nearly Oru West.
As Imo people await May 29 swearing in date, one of the things to watch out is the relationship the Governor and his Deputy will showcase in office having related well as political soulmates, friends and allies.
