Even as the impeachment process initiated by the Imo state House of Assembly over allegations of bribery scandal is jet to be completed, the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is reported to have begun a search for a new second in command in the government leadership organogram. Following altercation that erupted between the Okorocha and Agbaso family over the raging JPROS’ Gate controversy, the state Governor has concluded arrangements to get another suitable and loyal deputy. To avoid the pressure of interested persons, groups and concerned loyalists who may be pulling strings to attract Okorocha’s attention, the Governor at the wake of the Agbaso saga relocated oversea to avoid unwarranted distractions. Moments after members of the House declared intention to employ necessary constitutional provisions to oust Agbaso from office and declare his position vacant through impeachment; the governor was under pressure to get a replacement. The pressure was much and Okorocha when reports filtered in that the Governor’s “boys” not only rumoured about the resignation of the Deputy Governor, but also induced him to throw in the towel to avoid disgrace. Apparently aware of the pressure to pencil down possible candidates for the Deputy Governorship position, Okorocha relocated abroad to concentrate on the selection exercise. Imo Trumpeta learnt that among those who may be Jude Agbaso’s successor are Prince Eze Madumere, the Chief of staff to the Governor, mercurial woman mobilizer and Commissioner for Community Government, Lady Barr Ugochi Nnanna Okoro, Dr Kachi Nwogu of the Owerri Mayoral Affairs, Chairman of Local Government Civil Service Commission, Chief Jude Ejiogu and Speaker Ben Uwajumogu. Since the embattled Agbaso is from Owerri zone, it is believed that his successor will also be from Imo East Senatorial Zone. Leading the pack is Okorocha’s buddy and long time dude, Madumere. The Mbieri born politician who was recently decorated by President Goodluck Jonathan as Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) has a reasonable percent chance among the packs to emerge the new Deputy Governor of the zone if loyalty and absolute confidence would be the criteria for Okorocha to select his Deputy. Madumere has no rival as the number of years he has been enjoying robust relationship with the Governor is a big plus. At a time many Okorocha followers deserted the present Governor for failing in the bid to get any elective position in the past, Madumere was strongly behind him, no wonder he became Chief of Staff to him years before he entered Government House, Owerri. Another factor that will throw Madumere up is the fact that the understands Okorocha’s body language and can conveniently pair with him in governance. It was even rumoured that after taking charge of Imo affairs, Okorocha would hand over to Madumere for Owerri zone ticket. The manner the Chief of Staff has been standing in for Okorocha in his absence indicates that he would clinch the position and leave the COS seat for favoured governor’s in-law who is in charge of lands. For Ugochi Nnanna Okoro, her consideration is based on the fact that she represents the women in politics. Imo Trumpeta was informed that since she is from Owerri zone and one of the foremost women mobiliser, her deputy governorship position will endear Okorocha to the hearts of women in the state after she decamped to APGA after several years in PDP. A joker in the pack is medical doctor cum politician Dr Kachi Nwoga. Nwoga who is from the famous Nwoga family of Ahiazu Mbaise is reported to be another associate of Okorocha whose relationship predates the Governorship era. Nwoga who has manned being in power and took charge of three different positions since Okorocha came into power is another trusted ally of the governor. His choice as Deputy Governor may be a tactical step to cage Mbaise clan and their intelligentsia against opposing the present administration. A seasoned politician and smooth operator, Chief Jude Ejiogu could be used to assuage the minds of Owerri North people who are lamenting the inglorious exit of Sir Agbaso. Ejiogu hails from Emekuku, Owerri North, like Agbaso. His choice will respond to the yearnings Group, a nongovernmental organization requesting that Agbaso’s replacement should be from Owerri North to ensure equity and fairness in allocation of position. Ejiogu may be considered for the number two job taking into consideration his rich political pedigree and sagacity which could be a strategic back up to Okorocha. The last but not the least among top notchers for the position is the Speaker who will migrate from number three to two position in government hierarchy. The plot it was gathered was part of the grand design to rail roll members of the House into executing Agbaso’s sack. Uwajumogu’s cross-carpeting from PDP to APGA after he emerged Speaker landed him into trouble with PDP seeking court judgement to declare his seat vacant. In order to escape the hammer, he may grab the Deputy Governorship position. Despite his Okigwe zone origin, Okorocha is at liberty to pick a deputy from any zone since his coming into power was against zonal or rotational policy.
