The fierce contention and rivalry among members of the same political family , the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) , in Imo State , have hit a frightening dimension which might explode soon as each warring faction presents what could be termed , irreconcilable differences , writes EMMANUEL MGBEAHURUIKE
This political squabble within the Imo State chapter of the All Progresives Congress ( APC ) presents unimaginable scenario among Imo citizens who are wondering and are astonished with the level of political maneuvering , brickmanship prevalent in the state against the background of the known cordial relationship and rappour that existed abinitio between the governor of Imo State , Rochas Okorocha and the embattled Deputy , Prince Eze Madumere .
Governor Okorocha and the Deputy, Prince Madumere have known each other for over 25 years and have engaged in what could be termed as mutually beneficial relationship and watching the countenance of the governor, nothing can tamper with the cord that binds that relationship, not even his quest to install the Chief of Staff as the next governor, come 2019 .
The same is applicable to the Deputy Governor , Prince Madumere , who despite all the challenges remained calm and hoping that destiny will surely locate him .
The governor in all his political brickmanship still in his heart of heart believes in Madumere , in whom he is well pleased .
Madumere , on his own still displays the greatest respect to the boss, Okorocha , despite the fight between the governor and the coalition of Imo stakeholders who anchors their fight on the Deputy Governor .
Till date Okorocha has not hidden his fatherly love and affection for his deputy whom he calls “ his son in whom , he is well pleased ”.
This revelation could be adduced from the fact that Okorocha has not disparaged the Deputy , Madumere at any occasion despite the seemingly
cold war between both parties . The Deputy Governor is also not in the habit of making any statement against the governor, who he calls “ my boss ”.
Political pundits are of the view that both parties cannot be separated as their attitude and body language is an indication that the governor and the deputy are leaving various windows for reconciliation at the end of the day .
To buttress the initial cordial relationship between the governor and the deputy , Prince Madumere on different foray stressed that : “ His Excellency , my leader and my governor , Owelle Okorocha , who refer to me , as my son , is speaking from the bottom of his heart, the relationship has spanned more than two decades , the governor knows me very well and I know him too well ” .
“ When the governor makes that kind of statement , it shows the trust and confidence he has in me , and I have always appreciated that from the bottom of my heart. I have always prayed to God , never to allow me let my boss down ” .
Against these background , sources close to LEADERSHIP revealed that promises were made to Madumere that at the end of Okorocha ’ s tenure , he would become the heir apparent tothe throne having diligently served the father conscientiously .
As soon the Deputy Governor discovered that the promises were beginning to turn into tales by moonlight , he decided to carry his cross, thereby resulting in the friction between father and son .
This led to the formation of the coalition and the subsequent struggle of who takes control of the soul of Imo , come 2019 .
In the ongoing quarrel between Okorocha and the people of Imo state over his ( self ) succession agenda , the big surprise is that his deputy , His Excellency , Prince Eze Madumere , chose not to be on the side of his long – time friend and associate, but on the side of the people . Given the fabled relationship between the two and which has spanned over a period of more than two decades , it was least expected that Madumere would choose to sacrifice that relationship and in effect put at great risk his current plum job as a deputy governor , if not his entire political career . Even so, the risk factor hasincreased to that of his life as recent events have clearly shown.
Yet , it happened that Madumere decided to, for once , part ways with his long standing friend and partner to be with the people of Imo state in their collective quest for equity and fairplay in their affairs . But little did he know that his decision would resonate throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria as a whole. Today , Prince Eze Madumere is the first and only serving deputy governor to assume such a radical posturing in Nigeria’ s politics , especially when viewed against the backdrop of the generally conservative nature of the people in his part of his county .
As things stand , Madumere is today a cynosure in the political landscape of Nigeria for the mere fact of deciding to sacrifice his job, his entire career and even life , to lend hand in the struggle by his people in Imo state to liberate themselves from the high handedness of his friend and boss.
Initially , there was this skepticism over his sincerity in being part of the struggle but events soon left no one in doubt that Prince Madumere was ready to give up every comfort he currently enjoys in order to ensure that Imo state is not reduced to a mere fiefdom .
On the other hand , Okorocha and his handlers came up with the convenient narrative that Madumere is ‘ambitious ’ . While reacting to some recent developments in the state , Governor Okorocha was quoted as saying that he did not know that the people he was “ making politically had political ambition ”. Even the least discerning observer knows that the governor had his deputy in mind , thus giving rise to the question : what is wrong with having an ambition?
Even so , the governor’ s attempt to douse zthe quarrel between him and his deputy to just that has failed so far . The matter is not as simple as that . Even as it is eternally legitimate for Prince Madumere to nurse personal ambition, the matter between him and Governor Okorocha transcends any such personal ambition. It has to do with the collective integrity of the people . It has to do with the future of a generation of young men and women who stand the risk of being subjected to years of retrogressive politics of the family , by the family and for the family.
In other words , the good people of Imo state and with observers outside the state , have since rejected the blackmail ; that the attempt by the governor to rationalize his indiscretion by a mere allusion to an ambitious deputy . If Prince Eze Madumere is ambitious , what of the dozens of other young men and women in the state who have united with him ( Madumere ) to resist Okorocha ’s moves to turn the state into a family estate and a stone- age arrangement where power will revolve among members of his family?
In the same vein, Okorocha has employed the word , “ingratitude ”, to explain his vexatious ambition to remain in office beyond the statutorily permitted period of eight years albeit by proxy. Governor Okorocha has been telling anybody who cares to listen that Madumere is paying him ( Okorocha ) back with ingratitude after he ( Okorocha ) had taken him from the gutters to the exalted position of a deputy governor . But again, the reaction to that , both within and outside the state , has been that of disdain for the governor and his spin doctors . Governor Okorocha has received nothing but mockery for going to town with his story of picking Madumere from nowhere .
It will be recalled that the governor in his Foreword to Madumere ’ s biography , entitled , “ Eze Madumere : A True Manifestation Of A Royal Prince…” and which was published in 2016 , wrote : “The book … . . made important entry into Madumere ’ s cradle , family, education , his sojourn in the United States for further studies and his effort at realizing his American dream , which form part of his make – up and idiosyncrasies … The book also captures Prince’ s demonstration of unfathomable character of heroism even in the face of frustration , intimidation and molestation ”.
Clearly , a fellow who, by Governor Okorocha ’ s own admission , nursed a dream that took him to the number one country of the world and who , again in the governor ’ s own words , has an “ unfathomable character to heroism…” can certainly not be described as coming from nowhere .
Out there are stories on how and where the two first met. Again , it is
not the concern here to go into details but at least one account has it that their first meeting was right there is the US while Prince Madumere was still there. This means that if Madumere was sleeping on the streets in the US , Okorocha would not have met him. Let us even have a snippet of Madumeres “ sojourn ” in the US as revealed by the author of the book in question : “… . Not satisfied , Eze Madumere travelled to the United States of America for further studies . In the United States, Ezeakonobi exhibited an uncommon brilliance as he bagged degrees in Management and Business Management from San – Jacinto College , University of Houston and Texas Southern University all in Texas. While still in the United States of America , he worked as Area Manager of Channel Development in KFC and in PepsiCo . Incorporated for thirteen years. ”As is well known , both companies are multi – national organisations .
Contrary to the picture Governor Okorocha tries to paint of his
relationship with Madumere , there is a near consensus of opinion that Okorocha , himself , is the fellow that betrayed his bosom friend . As a matter of fact , there is the belief in severed quarters that Okorocha was deliberately plotting for the down fall of Madumere and has probably just seen an opportunity through the ongoing succession imbroglio .
The argument goes like this : His Excellency , Governor Okorocha , a native of Ogboko in the Ideato – South local government area in the Orlu senatorial zone ( Imo west ) will , by May 2019 , be completing his eight – year tenure as governor of Imo state . His last but one predecessor in office , Achike Udenwa, who similarly did eight -year tenure ( between 1999 and 2007 ) is also from the same Orlu zone . Taken together , both got for that zone ( Orlu) a cumulative period of a sixteen – year long tenure in the seat of government of the state ; out of a total period of twenty ( 20 ) years in the current democratic dispensation . In between the two Orlu governors was Okorocha ’ s immediate part predecessor , Ikedi Ohakim , from Okigwe ( Imo North ) zone . In effect, therefore , the one zone left out in the power sharing equation since 1999 is Owerri zone – Imo east – where His Excellency , Prince Eze Madumere , comes from . In the circumstances , the people of Owerri zone are asking that for equity and fair play , one of their own should be the next occupant of Douglas House , the state ’ s seat of government. It is a desire or aspiration that has received wide commendation and approval from far and wide Nigeria and by all lovers of democracy .
But what is the response of Governor Okorocha to that ? Not only is he not impressed by the clamor by Madumere ’ s people in Owerri zone , he wants him , Madumere , to join him in telling his own people ( of Owerri zone ) to go to hell ; by throwing up his own son – in – law, who hails from the same ( Orlu) zone , as his successor – in -waiting . Was or is Okorocha being fair to his bosom friend , Madumere ? Beyond their joint governorship ticket , what did he expect of Madumere ’ s career and future as an educated member of the political elite if he connives at such a sordid plan? In asking Madumdere to be part of the conspiracy against his own people , did Governor Okorocha sincerely believe that Madumere , a young man of his own age bracket , will ever be forgiven by his people in Owerri zone ?
As noted earlier in this article , it is now history that Madumere rejected his supposed friend ’ s ’ idea and chose , instead , to be on the side of the people . Today , he is the symbol of the struggle by the entire people of the state to stop Chief Okorocha from using their collective patrimony to inflict further injury on the collective psyche . As we saw earlier in this article , Madumere ’ s involvement in the resistance of the people against Okorocha ’ s plan to impose his son – in – law on them is what drew the attention of the entire country to the Imo matter . The reason is simple : One , he is a sitting deputy governor and two, his perceived cordial relationship with his boss was well known across the country.
But in their appraisal of the Imo matter , well -meaning Nigerians have since returned the verdict that the governor has not been fair to his friend and deputy as far as the issue of his succession plan is concerned . But as the Americans say , they ain ’ t seen ‘ nothing ’ yet . It is not a hidden matter in the state that Madumere ’ s travails in the hands of his boss and friend go beyond the matter of succession . On the streets of Owerri, the story is told of a deputy governor who is stripped of most appurtenances of office but who had to endure all that because he wanted to continue to give loyalty to a friend with whom he has come a long way in life .
It does not end there. Unknown to many, Madumere ’ s discomfiture also had or has to do with the style of administration and personal conduct of his boss . Details are outside the scope of the essay but one issue that could be any body ’ s guess is the governor’ s disdain for due process and the rule of law. It is said that Eze , as he is more popularly addressed , has had to endure all that in the hope that his friend and boss will turn new leaf . His case is not helped by the fact that due to his glaring cool headedness and approachability, he is inundated with complaints by Imoliteswho believe he had his bosses ’ ears . But it appeared that was an aberration .
Today , an impeachment sword is dangling over the head of the deputy governor . There is the obvious querying as to whether he has committed any of the offences the laws of the land stipulate could lead to the removal of an elected governor or deputy governor . But not many are enamored by that . The system in operation is such that any governor can cook up anything against his deputy as Governor Okorocha is currently doing . Still , the good people of Imo state , together with their fellow compatriots across the nation , are watching .
The APC in the state seems to be at a cross road for now as the two factions namely the governor ’ s men and the coalition have fought each other to standstill with the Governor Okorocha being at the receiving end. If a prophet had gone to Okorocha to prophesy that today the party structure will be taken away from him by coalition a forces he would have doubted the prophesy going by his contacts and the financial muscle purported to be in his possession .
For now the reality is that the governor is now the complaint running from one end to the other looking for who to Rescue him from these ravaging lions known as Imo coalition group .
According to the co – convener of the coalition , Dr . Theo Ekechi they have succeeded in diminishing Okorocha has proved to the whole world that the governor is not a spirit and has succeeding in making him look very ordinary just like any other person by arm – twisting him and collected all the party structures .
The party was at verge losing out entirely , if not for the intervention of the coalition which it ’ s leadership was strengthened by the experience and strategic input of the Deputy Governor , Prince Madumere who was said to have fallen out with his boss over his discomfort with Okorocha ’s anti people ’s polices . It was said also that some APC Stakeholders who helped the governor win election were left out any compensation , coupled with the insensitivity to the charter of equity which should naturally seed the governorship position to Owerri Zone .
Speaking , the co – convener of the coalition , Barr. Kingsley Onunuju stressed that the only way for APC to emerge Victorious in 2019 governorship election in the state is to give the ticket of APC to Owerri Zone as a mark of respect to the charter of equity . According to him , Orlu Zone would have spent sixteen years after the tenure of Governor Okorocha while stressing that Okigwe Zone had ruled the state for over eight years . He explained that thing short of this might spell doom for the Party in the state .
The earlier the Party close ranks and speak with one voice , the betterfor the various factions as any house divided among itself , may not stand .
The Deputy Governor , Prince Eze Madumere having known the strength and weakness of his boss , Chief Rochas Okorocha having associated with him over time, was the one who provided the key that unlocked Okorocha ’s game plan .
Meanwhile , as a master strategist it was revealed that Madumere designed the strategy which was deployed to dislodge the governor.
According to source close to LEADERSHP , having known the potential danger in alliance attributable to individual interest, the Deputy Governor appealed to all contestants to drop their ambitions with a view to have a collective focus of retrieving the party structure from Okorocha .
Consequently , the coalition of APC stakeholders upheld Madumere ’s suggestion , this led to limiting every stakeholder to either their Local Government Area or Federal Constituency . This resulted in effective management of the congress without clash of interest.
Again , the Deputy Governor realizing that Okorocha may have nursed the intention hijacking the electoral materials suggested that frantic effort be made to ensure that such sensitive materials do not get into the hand of the governor , who had intended to buy same . It was base on this that the Imo APC Stakeholders met with the National Chairman ,
Chief John Oyegun to alert him on the both the activities of the Governor against the Party and
intention to hijack the materials .
The Party structure having been retrieved from the governor , seems to be giving him sleepless nights as he is not in the mood to accept theresult of the congresses. While the coalition is saying that the congresses are over in the state , the governor insist that the exercised did not take place in the state , to the extent that he has gone to court to challenge same .
To keen observers of the Imo State politics, the 2019 governorship election would be a tough battle between the Imo East ( Owerri) and the Imo North senatorial zones of the state .
Although he has consistently refused to disclose his anointed candidate to succeed him , Governor Rochas Okorocha , who currently calls the shot from the Douglas House Owerri, has severally dismissed the zoning governorship arrangement between the three zones of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe as grossly undemocratic .
The businessman turned politician is of the view that the state only needs a governor with relevant administrative acumen, vision and pragmatic instincts to attain greater heights in growth irrespective of the geopolitical background .
But to the major stakeholders of Owerri and Okigwe zones, this is a bitter pill to swallow with respect to their claim to being the rightful occupants of the prestigious Douglas House Owerri in 2019 , in keeping with the zoning arrangement in the state .
To be sure , analysts opine that each of the zones has a case . Owerri zone has only ruled the state for a period of 18 months through the late Chief Evan Enwerem who held sway from January 1992 to November 17 , 1993 .
This is in contrast to that of Imo West ( Orlu zone ) which bestrode the state like a colossus between 1999 to 2007 through Chief Achike Udenwa – a chartered acccountant . Similarly, while the Late Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe who ruled the old Imo State from 1979 to December 1983 was from the Imo North ( Okigwe ) , Chief Godson Ikedi Ohakim , who lost to incumbent governor Rochas Okorocha in 2011 is from Okohia , in Isiala Mbano local government area of the same Imo North Senatorial district.
Thus , the people of Imo East ( Owerri zone ) , hold firm to their demand that what is sauce for the geese should equally be sauce for the gander . Curiously , Imo West , where Okorocha hails from , is said to be covertly scheming to retain power beyond 2019 , much to the chagrin of both Owerri and Okigwe zones.
Thus not prepared to take chances , various interest groups and associations from both sides of the divide have since commenced intensive and extensive consultations with some prominent major stakeholders to realise the aspirations of their people .
For instance , in Owerri zone , such groups as Mezie Owerri , Owerri Peoples Assembly and Owerri Stakeholders Forum and Imo Equity Movement have not relented in their agitation for a governor of Owerri zonal extraction in 2019 .
The picture is the same in the Imo North ( Okigwe ) senatorial enclave here such groups as Olu Okigwe and Okigwe Peoples Assembly are
insistent that the zone must complete its truncated tenure in 2019 .
Owerri zone , which has only ruled the state for 18 months through the late Chief Evan Enwerem who hailed from Atta , in the Ikeduru council area of the state appears to enjoy the sympathy of Orlu zone .
Consequently , a number of politicians from the zone angling to succeed Okorocha have since commenced overt and covert consultations , negotiation and dialogue with the political godfathers , prominent traditional rulers and even some religious leaders to realise their gubernatorial dream. Some of the politicians include : current deputy governor Prince Eze Madumere ; ex – Interior minister and 2015 APGA governorship candidate – Captain Emmanuel
Iheanacho ; Chief Humphrey Anumudu; Chief Charles Onyeagbako ; former deputy speaker of the House of representatives and 2015 PDP guber candidate , Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Chief Okey Eze ; and Hon Uche Onyeagocha .
In Okigwe zone , there are Senator Ifeanyi Araraume , ex – governor Ikedi Ohakim , Chief Jude Nzeako . Political analysts believe that if Okorocha does not manage the selection of his successor maturely , it might spell doom for the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in the state . For a state whose guber elections have always been unpredictable , pundits predict that the 2019 experience may turn out to be the most intense since the return to the present political dispensation in the country.
If early reports are anything to go by , the governor , it was gathered , is tinkering with supporting his son – in – law, Hon Uche Nwosu , for the top job, a situation which is beginning to unsettle the political landscape in the state .
Of the lot eyeing the seat is the deputy governor , Prince Eze Madumere , who had served as chief of staff to Okorocha . Besides being
a political disciple of the governor for several years , Madumere – widely admired as meek , humble and unassuming , enjoys grassroots support for his philanthropy over the years.
As a trusted reliable and dependable deputy governor , who has been with the rescue mission government right from inception devoid of any medium of sabotage or controversy , not a few Imo indigenes believe that Madumere if given the mandate would keep the flag flying especially the Free Education Programme of his master .
The consensus opinion is that the time has come for the entire Mbieri ancient enclave to be compensated for the injustice meted to the people by anointing Madumere to succeed Okorocha .
In their quest to lay claim to the governorship seat of Imo State , come 2019 , Imo Equity
Movement through the former House of Representatives member , Hon Uche Onyeagocha explained that by 2019 , Imo State will be 42 years old and “Since its creation , the military will have ruled for 16 years, Orlu Zone for 16years , Okigwe Zone for eight years and 3 months , while Owerri Zone for one year and 10 months .
The next turn should be Owerri zone . ”
While responding to the comments by the governor , the group highlighted that “Therefore Owerri Zone cannot encourage violence now that it is their turn to govern. Anyone alleging violence by Owerri people is only trying to overheat the polity .
Owerri people should and have remained calm and peaceful, more so in the face of such provocation . ” According to Hon Onyeagocha , Imo Equity Movement admits ownership of educational materials popularising the fact of 2019 being Owerri zone ’ s turn .
“ We make bold to accuse the Imo State Government of destroying our billboards and harassing our people distributing such educational materials .
The motive of government for doing so must be to incite our people to violence and then turn around to blame the attendant breach of the public peace on Imo Equity Movement . Our agitation is premised on equity and justice , while the means to achieving it is through peaceful and resolute mass mobilisation”.
With regards to the issue of zoning , he said it was absurd that the governor argues that there is no more zoning in the state .
He added that the governor ’ s claim smacks of double standard since he is practising zoning in his administration . “ If not , then how come
Oshimiri who has the same legislative pedigree as Chief Acho Ihim is not the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly today ? Why did he choose Chief Eze Madumere as his deputy , George Eche as the SGI, whereas his Orlu zone has sons and daughters of superior political and administrative experience ? In fact, Chief Hilary Eke should not be the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) party chairman and Barr Ibediro, the party secretary .
Orlu zone should have filled those positions as well and all the rest .
“ The governor in his statement posited that at no time in the history of the state has any party left its governorship ticket for any zone without a contest from other zones .
This cannot be further from the truth, because in 2015 , APC left her governorship ticket to Orlu Zone , and better still, to Rochas with nobody from Okigwe or Owerri Zone contesting . In fact, the ticket was preserved precisely for the Okorocha family.
When he went out to contest for president , his son – in – law held the governorship ticket in waiting for him; not because there was no credible person from other zones , but it was done in good faith . ”
The Imo Equity Movement through Hon
Onyeagocha accused Okorocha of bid for self succession and third term. He stressed that by the current plan of the governor, he is sure that he wants to go for a third term in office through the back door . “ We state without equivocation that our governor is now on a self succession project .
He wants to run for a third term in office against the spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by hiding behind the back of his son – in – law, Chief Uche Nwosu . It is for this reason that he set up the Ugwumba Movement and appointed his son – in – law to run it .
This movement has since taken over the role of the Ministry of Information whose statutory responsibility it is to promote the programmes and activities of the state government.
Today , we see billboards of the Ugwumba Movement showcasing achievements of government and usurping the role of the emasculated Ministry of Information .
“ The people of Imo State – Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri – are united and irrevocably resolved that Uche Nwosu will not succeed his
father – in – law. ” He revealed that the reason is not farfetched as Uche Nwosu ’ s candidature is merely Rochas Okorocha ’ s third term bid for the office of the Governor of Imo State .
According to him , “The Uche Nwosu we know is still incapable of conceiving the idea and taking the decision to run for that exalted office .
We therefore respectfully urge His Excellency Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha ( OON ) to discountenance any advice in this direction as nothing but the hand work of undertakers , enemies and mischief makers who have set out to rubbish his political career . We also urge him to focus on his presidential ambition in the interest of Ndi Igbo .
“ Imo Equity Movement which consists of Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zone indigenes , insists that Governor Okorocha in the interest of Equity and Justice should support the people of Owerri Zone in their bid to produce the next governor , come 2019 . ”
Responding to the claim of Owerri zone for 2019 governorship seat, the governor of Imo State , Rochas Okorocha berated the Imo Equity Movement for their agitation.
According to the governor , there is no zoning in Imo , only the best candidate will emerge at the end of the day .
He called on the people of Owerri zone to forget about any zoning formula in the state . Okorocha described their threat as uncivilised and undemocratic .
According to a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Sam Onwuemeodo , this threat is uncalled for and most condemnable . His words :
“ The attention of the Governor and Chief Security Officer of the state , Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been drawn to the recent threat by a group of politicians from a particular political zone in the state to kill and burn the properties of people from their zone who would support candidates from the other zones of the state for the governorship of the state in 2019 .
“ This uncivilised and undemocratic threat bothers on the lives and properties of Imo citizens , and no responsible government would fold its hands and watch few overzealous politicians threatening the lives and properties of the citizens for political reasons .
The governor is worried that such threat could also elicit similar threats from the other zones of the state and a situation like that could lead to undue bickering , especially when it is recalled that there is no zone that has not governed the state and those concerned were elected by the people on merit and not on zonal sentiment . ”
Seeing that Prince Madumere might pose a threat to the realization of installing a governor of their choice, the Imo State House of Assembly initiated a failed impeachment procedure against the Deputy Governor .
Drama played out in Imo State Government House as Imo Judges refused to participate in the swearing – in ceremony of Governor Okorocha ’s newly nominated candidate , Mr . Clasitus Ekenze, for Office of the Deputy Governor following restraining order of the court served on the Chief Judge and other parties involved in the Deputy Governor ’ s impeachment debacle .
This was announced at the floor of Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Chamber by the Attorney General of Imo State , Chief Miletus Nlemadim after a long wait of the government officials and family members of Mr . Ekenze.
It will be recalled that the Presiding Judge of High Court 8 , Imo High Court , Owerri, Hon. Justice Benjamin Iheaka , yesterday , in his ruling on the request of Prince Madumere’ s lead Counsel , Chief Ken Njemanze ( SAN ) for interlocutory injunction restraining the parties involved in the process of removing the Deputy Governor from the office , had submitted that for the sake of justice , the request was well placed . Justice Iheaka thereby granted an Order restraining the Chief Judge , Speaker and members of Imo State House of Assembly including the 7 Man panel from further action until all matters that bothered on the constitutionality of the processes were determined .
In defiance to court order , Speaker Acho Ihim faction of the lawmakers loyal to Governor Okorocha who could not even make up a quorum in Nicodemus manner purportedly impeached the Deputy Governor even as newsmen were refused entry into the chambers .
The Attorney General of the State , Hon. Nlemadim , who was present in the court when Justice Iheaka made a restraining order , knowing the dire consequences if the exercise of swearing – in of the purported nominated candidate of the Governor , which is tantamount the illegality, was said to have prevailed on the Governor to rescind his decision .
The development, which has brought some relief in the polity as people were seen discussing in groups . It will be recalled that Governor
Okorocha ’s grouse against his Deputy was alleged to have been hinged on his blantant refusal to support his son – in – law, Mr . Uche Nwosu for governor , and other sundry issues that bother on policies and their negative effect on the people .
Again , Prince Madumere was said to have insisted on power shift to Owerri zone against having a son – in – law who is also from Orlu zone that has ruled the State for about 16 years .Okorocha , Madumere And Battle For The Soul Of Imo FEATURED
Published 14 hours ago on August 27, 2018
By EMMANUEL MGBEAHURUIKE
RELATED TOPICS : The fierce contention and rivalry among members of thesame political family , the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) , in Imo State , have hit a frightening dimension which might explode soon as each warring faction presents what could be termed , irreconcilable differences , writes EMMANUEL MGBEAHURUIKE
This political squabble within the Imo State chapter of the All Progresives Congress ( APC ) presents unimaginable scenario among Imo citizens who are wondering and are astonished with the level of political maneuvering , brickmanship prevalent in the state against the background of the known cordial relationship and rappour that existed abinitio between the governor of Imo State , Rochas Okorocha and the embattled Deputy , Prince Eze Madumere .
Governor Okorocha and the Deputy, Prince Madumere have known each other for over 25 years and have engaged in what could be termed as mutually beneficial relationship and watching the countenance of the governor, nothing can tamper with the cord that binds that relationship, not even his quest to install the Chief of Staff as the next governor, come 2019 .
The same is applicable to the Deputy Governor , Prince Madumere , who despite all the challenges remained calm and hoping that destiny will surely locate him .
The governor in all his political brickmanship still in his heart of heart believes in Madumere , in whom he is well pleased .
Madumere , on his own still displays the greatest respect to the boss, Okorocha , despite the fight between the governor and the coalition of Imo stakeholders who anchors their fight on the Deputy Governor .
Till date Okorocha has not hidden his fatherly love and affection for his deputy whom he calls “ his son in whom , he is well pleased ”.
This revelation could be adduced from the fact that Okorocha has not disparaged the Deputy , Madumere at any occasion despite the seemingly
cold war between both parties . The Deputy Governor is also not in the habit of making any statement against the governor, who he calls “ my boss ”.
Political pundits are of the view that both parties cannot be separated as their attitude and body language is an indication that the governor and the deputy are leaving various windows for reconciliation at the end of the day .
To buttress the initial cordial relationship between the governor and the deputy , Prince Madumere on different foray stressed that : “ His Excellency , my leader and my governor , Owelle Okorocha , who refer to me , as my son , is speaking from the bottom of his heart, the relationship has spanned more than two decades , the governor knows me very well and I know him too well ” .
“ When the governor makes that kind of statement , it shows the trust and confidence he has in me , and I have always appreciated that from the bottom of my heart. I have always prayed to God , never to allow me let my boss down ” .
Against these background , sources close to LEADERSHIP revealed that promises were made to Madumere that at the end of Okorocha ’ s tenure , he would become the heir apparent tothe throne having diligently served the father conscientiously .
As soon the Deputy Governor discovered that the promises were beginning to turn into tales by moonlight , he decided to carry his cross, thereby resulting in the friction between father and son .
This led to the formation of the coalition and the subsequent struggle of who takes control of the soul of Imo , come 2019 .
In the ongoing quarrel between Okorocha and the people of Imo state over his ( self ) succession agenda , the big surprise is that his deputy , His Excellency , Prince Eze Madumere , chose not to be on the side of his long – time friend and associate, but on the side of the people . Given the fabled relationship between the two and which has spanned over a period of more than two decades , it was least expected that Madumere would choose to sacrifice that relationship and in effect put at great risk his current plum job as a deputy governor , if not his entire political career . Even so, the risk factor hasincreased to that of his life as recent events have clearly shown.
Yet , it happened that Madumere decided to, for once , part ways with his long standing friend and partner to be with the people of Imo state in their collective quest for equity and fairplay in their affairs . But little did he know that his decision would resonate throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria as a whole. Today , Prince Eze Madumere is the first and only serving deputy governor to assume such a radical posturing in Nigeria’ s politics , especially when viewed against the backdrop of the generally conservative nature of the people in his part of his county .
As things stand , Madumere is today a cynosure in the political landscape of Nigeria for the mere fact of deciding to sacrifice his job, his entire career and even life , to lend hand in the struggle by his people in Imo state to liberate themselves from the high handedness of his friend and boss.
Initially , there was this skepticism over his sincerity in being part of the struggle but events soon left no one in doubt that Prince Madumere was ready to give up every comfort he currently enjoys in order to ensure that Imo state is not reduced to a mere fiefdom .
On the other hand , Okorocha and his handlers came up with the convenient narrative that Madumere is ‘ambitious ’ . While reacting to some recent developments in the state , Governor Okorocha was quoted as saying that he did not know that the people he was “ making politically had political ambition ”. Even the least discerning observer knows that the governor had his deputy in mind , thus giving rise to the question : what is wrong with having an ambition?
Even so , the governor’ s attempt to douse zthe quarrel between him and his deputy to just that has failed so far . The matter is not as simple as that . Even as it is eternally legitimate for Prince Madumere to nurse personal ambition, the matter between him and Governor Okorocha transcends any such personal ambition. It has to do with the collective integrity of the people . It has to do with the future of a generation of young men and women who stand the risk of being subjected to years of retrogressive politics of the family , by the family and for the family.
In other words , the good people of Imo state and with observers outside the state , have since rejected the blackmail ; that the attempt by the governor to rationalize his indiscretion by a mere allusion to an ambitious deputy . If Prince Eze Madumere is ambitious , what of the dozens of other young men and women in the state who have united with him ( Madumere ) to resist Okorocha ’s moves to turn the state into a family estate and a stone- age arrangement where power will revolve among members of his family?
In the same vein, Okorocha has employed the word , “ingratitude ”, to explain his vexatious ambition to remain in office beyond the statutorily permitted period of eight years albeit by proxy. Governor Okorocha has been telling anybody who cares to listen that Madumere is paying him ( Okorocha ) back with ingratitude after he ( Okorocha ) had taken him from the gutters to the exalted position of a deputy governor . But again, the reaction to that , both within and outside the state , has been that of disdain for the governor and his spin doctors . Governor Okorocha has received nothing but mockery for going to town with his story of picking Madumere from nowhere .
It will be recalled that the governor in his Foreword to Madumere ’ s biography , entitled , “ Eze Madumere : A True Manifestation Of A Royal Prince…” and which was published in 2016 , wrote : “The book … . . made important entry into Madumere ’ s cradle , family, education , his sojourn in the United States for further studies and his effort at realizing his American dream , which form part of his make – up and idiosyncrasies … The book also captures Prince’ s demonstration of unfathomable character of heroism even in the face of frustration , intimidation and molestation ”.
Clearly , a fellow who, by Governor Okorocha ’ s own admission , nursed a dream that took him to the number one country of the world and who , again in the governor ’ s own words , has an “ unfathomable character to heroism…” can certainly not be described as coming from nowhere .
Out there are stories on how and where the two first met. Again , it is
not the concern here to go into details but at least one account has it that their first meeting was right there is the US while Prince Madumere was still there. This means that if Madumere was sleeping on the streets in the US , Okorocha would not have met him. Let us even have a snippet of Madumeres “ sojourn ” in the US as revealed by the author of the book in question : “… . Not satisfied , Eze Madumere travelled to the United States of America for further studies . In the United States, Ezeakonobi exhibited an uncommon brilliance as he bagged degrees in Management and Business Management from San – Jacinto College , University of Houston and Texas Southern University all in Texas. While still in the United States of America , he worked as Area Manager of Channel Development in KFC and in PepsiCo . Incorporated for thirteen years. ”As is well known , both companies are multi – national organisations .
Contrary to the picture Governor Okorocha tries to paint of his
relationship with Madumere , there is a near consensus of opinion that Okorocha , himself , is the fellow that betrayed his bosom friend . As a matter of fact , there is the belief in severed quarters that Okorocha was deliberately plotting for the down fall of Madumere and has probably just seen an opportunity through the ongoing succession imbroglio .
The argument goes like this : His Excellency , Governor Okorocha , a native of Ogboko in the Ideato – South local government area in the Orlu senatorial zone ( Imo west ) will , by May 2019 , be completing his eight – year tenure as governor of Imo state . His last but one predecessor in office , Achike Udenwa, who similarly did eight -year tenure ( between 1999 and 2007 ) is also from the same Orlu zone . Taken together , both got for that zone ( Orlu) a cumulative period of a sixteen – year long tenure in the seat of government of the state ; out of a total period of twenty ( 20 ) years in the current democratic dispensation . In between the two Orlu governors was Okorocha ’ s immediate part predecessor , Ikedi Ohakim , from Okigwe ( Imo North ) zone . In effect, therefore , the one zone left out in the power sharing equation since 1999 is Owerri zone – Imo east – where His Excellency , Prince Eze Madumere , comes from . In the circumstances , the people of Owerri zone are asking that for equity and fair play , one of their own should be the next occupant of Douglas House , the state ’ s seat of government. It is a desire or aspiration that has received wide commendation and approval from far and wide Nigeria and by all lovers of democracy .
But what is the response of Governor Okorocha to that ? Not only is he not impressed by the clamor by Madumere ’ s people in Owerri zone , he wants him , Madumere , to join him in telling his own people ( of Owerri zone ) to go to hell ; by throwing up his own son – in – law, who hails from the same ( Orlu) zone , as his successor – in -waiting . Was or is Okorocha being fair to his bosom friend , Madumere ? Beyond their joint governorship ticket , what did he expect of Madumere ’ s career and future as an educated member of the political elite if he connives at such a sordid plan? In asking Madumdere to be part of the conspiracy against his own people , did Governor Okorocha sincerely believe that Madumere , a young man of his own age bracket , will ever be forgiven by his people in Owerri zone ?
As noted earlier in this article , it is now history that Madumere rejected his supposed friend ’ s ’ idea and chose , instead , to be on the side of the people . Today , he is the symbol of the struggle by the entire people of the state to stop Chief Okorocha from using their collective patrimony to inflict further injury on the collective psyche . As we saw earlier in this article , Madumere ’ s involvement in the resistance of the people against Okorocha ’ s plan to impose his son – in – law on them is what drew the attention of the entire country to the Imo matter . The reason is simple : One , he is a sitting deputy governor and two, his perceived cordial relationship with his boss was well known across the country.
But in their appraisal of the Imo matter , well -meaning Nigerians have since returned the verdict that the governor has not been fair to his friend and deputy as far as the issue of his succession plan is concerned . But as the Americans say , they ain ’ t seen ‘ nothing ’ yet . It is not a hidden matter in the state that Madumere ’ s travails in the hands of his boss and friend go beyond the matter of succession . On the streets of Owerri, the story is told of a deputy governor who is stripped of most appurtenances of office but who had to endure all that because he wanted to continue to give loyalty to a friend with whom he has come a long way in life .
It does not end there. Unknown to many, Madumere ’ s discomfiture also had or has to do with the style of administration and personal conduct of his boss . Details are outside the scope of the essay but one issue that could be any body ’ s guess is the governor’ s disdain for due process and the rule of law. It is said that Eze , as he is more popularly addressed , has had to endure all that in the hope that his friend and boss will turn new leaf . His case is not helped by the fact that due to his glaring cool headedness and approachability, he is inundated with complaints by Imoliteswho believe he had his bosses ’ ears . But it appeared that was an aberration .
Today , an impeachment sword is dangling over the head of the deputy governor . There is the obvious querying as to whether he has committed any of the offences the laws of the land stipulate could lead to the removal of an elected governor or deputy governor . But not many are enamored by that . The system in operation is such that any governor can cook up anything against his deputy as Governor Okorocha is currently doing . Still , the good people of Imo state , together with their fellow compatriots across the nation , are watching .
The APC in the state seems to be at a cross road for now as the two factions namely the governor ’ s men and the coalition have fought each other to standstill with the Governor Okorocha being at the receiving end. If a prophet had gone to Okorocha to prophesy that today the party structure will be taken away from him by coalition a forces he would have doubted the prophesy going by his contacts and the financial muscle purported to be in his possession .
For now the reality is that the governor is now the complaint running from one end to the other looking for who to Rescue him from these ravaging lions known as Imo coalition group .
According to the co – convener of the coalition , Dr . Theo Ekechi they have succeeded in diminishing Okorocha has proved to the whole world that the governor is not a spirit and has succeeding in making him look very ordinary just like any other person by arm – twisting him and collected all the party structures .
The party was at verge losing out entirely , if not for the intervention of the coalition which it ’ s leadership was strengthened by the experience and strategic input of the Deputy Governor , Prince Madumere who was said to have fallen out with his boss over his discomfort with Okorocha ’s anti people ’s polices . It was said also that some APC Stakeholders who helped the governor win election were left out any compensation , coupled with the insensitivity to the charter of equity which should naturally seed the governorship position to Owerri Zone .
Speaking , the co – convener of the coalition , Barr. Kingsley Onunuju stressed that the only way for APC to emerge Victorious in 2019 governorship election in the state is to give the ticket of APC to Owerri Zone as a mark of respect to the charter of equity . According to him , Orlu Zone would have spent sixteen years after the tenure of Governor Okorocha while stressing that Okigwe Zone had ruled the state for over eight years . He explained that thing short of this might spell doom for the Party in the state .
The earlier the Party close ranks and speak with one voice , the betterfor the various factions as any house divided among itself , may not stand .
The Deputy Governor , Prince Eze Madumere having known the strength and weakness of his boss , Chief Rochas Okorocha having associated with him over time, was the one who provided the key that unlocked Okorocha ’s game plan .
Meanwhile , as a master strategist it was revealed that Madumere designed the strategy which was deployed to dislodge the governor.
According to source close to LEADERSHP , having known the potential danger in alliance attributable to individual interest, the Deputy Governor appealed to all contestants to drop their ambitions with a view to have a collective focus of retrieving the party structure from Okorocha .
Consequently , the coalition of APC stakeholders upheld Madumere ’s suggestion , this led to limiting every stakeholder to either their Local Government Area or Federal Constituency . This resulted in effective management of the congress without clash of interest.
Again , the Deputy Governor realizing that Okorocha may have nursed the intention hijacking the electoral materials suggested that frantic effort be made to ensure that such sensitive materials do not get into the hand of the governor , who had intended to buy same . It was base on this that the Imo APC Stakeholders met with the National Chairman ,
Chief John Oyegun to alert him on the both the activities of the Governor against the Party and
intention to hijack the materials .
The Party structure having been retrieved from the governor , seems to be giving him sleepless nights as he is not in the mood to accept theresult of the congresses. While the coalition is saying that the congresses are over in the state , the governor insist that the exercised did not take place in the state , to the extent that he has gone to court to challenge same .
To keen observers of the Imo State politics, the 2019 governorship election would be a tough battle between the Imo East ( Owerri) and the Imo North senatorial zones of the state .
Although he has consistently refused to disclose his anointed candidate to succeed him , Governor Rochas Okorocha , who currently calls the shot from the Douglas House Owerri, has severally dismissed the zoning governorship arrangement between the three zones of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe as grossly undemocratic .
The businessman turned politician is of the view that the state only needs a governor with relevant administrative acumen, vision and pragmatic instincts to attain greater heights in growth irrespective of the geopolitical background .
But to the major stakeholders of Owerri and Okigwe zones, this is a bitter pill to swallow with respect to their claim to being the rightful occupants of the prestigious Douglas House Owerri in 2019 , in keeping with the zoning arrangement in the state .
To be sure , analysts opine that each of the zones has a case . Owerri zone has only ruled the state for a period of 18 months through the late Chief Evan Enwerem who held sway from January 1992 to November 17 , 1993 .
This is in contrast to that of Imo West ( Orlu zone ) which bestrode the state like a colossus between 1999 to 2007 through Chief Achike Udenwa – a chartered acccountant . Similarly, while the Late Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe who ruled the old Imo State from 1979 to December 1983 was from the Imo North ( Okigwe ) , Chief Godson Ikedi Ohakim , who lost to incumbent governor Rochas Okorocha in 2011 is from Okohia , in Isiala Mbano local government area of the same Imo North Senatorial district.
Thus , the people of Imo East ( Owerri zone ) , hold firm to their demand that what is sauce for the geese should equally be sauce for the gander . Curiously , Imo West , where Okorocha hails from , is said to be covertly scheming to retain power beyond 2019 , much to the chagrin of both Owerri and Okigwe zones.
Thus not prepared to take chances , various interest groups and associations from both sides of the divide have since commenced intensive and extensive consultations with some prominent major stakeholders to realise the aspirations of their people .
For instance , in Owerri zone , such groups as Mezie Owerri , Owerri Peoples Assembly and Owerri Stakeholders Forum and Imo Equity Movement have not relented in their agitation for a governor of Owerri zonal extraction in 2019 .
The picture is the same in the Imo North ( Okigwe ) senatorial enclave here such groups as Olu Okigwe and Okigwe Peoples Assembly are
insistent that the zone must complete its truncated tenure in 2019 .
Owerri zone , which has only ruled the state for 18 months through the late Chief Evan Enwerem who hailed from Atta , in the Ikeduru council area of the state appears to enjoy the sympathy of Orlu zone .
Consequently , a number of politicians from the zone angling to succeed Okorocha have since commenced overt and covert consultations , negotiation and dialogue with the political godfathers , prominent traditional rulers and even some religious leaders to realise their gubernatorial dream. Some of the politicians include : current deputy governor Prince Eze Madumere ; ex – Interior minister and 2015 APGA governorship candidate – Captain Emmanuel
Iheanacho ; Chief Humphrey Anumudu; Chief Charles Onyeagbako ; former deputy speaker of the House of representatives and 2015 PDP guber candidate , Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Chief Okey Eze ; and Hon Uche Onyeagocha .
In Okigwe zone , there are Senator Ifeanyi Araraume , ex – governor Ikedi Ohakim , Chief Jude Nzeako . Political analysts believe that if Okorocha does not manage the selection of his successor maturely , it might spell doom for the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in the state . For a state whose guber elections have always been unpredictable , pundits predict that the 2019 experience may turn out to be the most intense since the return to the present political dispensation in the country.
If early reports are anything to go by , the governor , it was gathered , is tinkering with supporting his son – in – law, Hon Uche Nwosu , for the top job, a situation which is beginning to unsettle the political landscape in the state .
Of the lot eyeing the seat is the deputy governor , Prince Eze Madumere , who had served as chief of staff to Okorocha . Besides being
a political disciple of the governor for several years , Madumere – widely admired as meek , humble and unassuming , enjoys grassroots support for his philanthropy over the years.
As a trusted reliable and dependable deputy governor , who has been with the rescue mission government right from inception devoid of any medium of sabotage or controversy , not a few Imo indigenes believe that Madumere if given the mandate would keep the flag flying especially the Free Education Programme of his master .
The consensus opinion is that the time has come for the entire Mbieri ancient enclave to be compensated for the injustice meted to the people by anointing Madumere to succeed Okorocha .
In their quest to lay claim to the governorship seat of Imo State , come 2019 , Imo Equity
Movement through the former House of Representatives member , Hon Uche Onyeagocha explained that by 2019 , Imo State will be 42 years old and “Since its creation , the military will have ruled for 16 years, Orlu Zone for 16years , Okigwe Zone for eight years and 3 months , while Owerri Zone for one year and 10 months .
The next turn should be Owerri zone . ”
While responding to the comments by the governor , the group highlighted that “Therefore Owerri Zone cannot encourage violence now that it is their turn to govern. Anyone alleging violence by Owerri people is only trying to overheat the polity .
Owerri people should and have remained calm and peaceful, more so in the face of such provocation . ” According to Hon Onyeagocha , Imo Equity Movement admits ownership of educational materials popularising the fact of 2019 being Owerri zone ’ s turn .
“ We make bold to accuse the Imo State Government of destroying our billboards and harassing our people distributing such educational materials .
The motive of government for doing so must be to incite our people to violence and then turn around to blame the attendant breach of the public peace on Imo Equity Movement . Our agitation is premised on equity and justice , while the means to achieving it is through peaceful and resolute mass mobilisation”.
With regards to the issue of zoning , he said it was absurd that the governor argues that there is no more zoning in the state .
He added that the governor ’ s claim smacks of double standard since he is practising zoning in his administration . “ If not , then how come
Oshimiri who has the same legislative pedigree as Chief Acho Ihim is not the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly today ? Why did he choose Chief Eze Madumere as his deputy , George Eche as the SGI, whereas his Orlu zone has sons and daughters of superior political and administrative experience ? In fact, Chief Hilary Eke should not be the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) party chairman and Barr Ibediro, the party secretary .
Orlu zone should have filled those positions as well and all the rest .
“ The governor in his statement posited that at no time in the history of the state has any party left its governorship ticket for any zone without a contest from other zones .
This cannot be further from the truth, because in 2015 , APC left her governorship ticket to Orlu Zone , and better still, to Rochas with nobody from Okigwe or Owerri Zone contesting . In fact, the ticket was preserved precisely for the Okorocha family.
When he went out to contest for president , his son – in – law held the governorship ticket in waiting for him; not because there was no credible person from other zones , but it was done in good faith . ”
The Imo Equity Movement through Hon
Onyeagocha accused Okorocha of bid for self succession and third term. He stressed that by the current plan of the governor, he is sure that he wants to go for a third term in office through the back door . “ We state without equivocation that our governor is now on a self succession project .
He wants to run for a third term in office against the spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by hiding behind the back of his son – in – law, Chief Uche Nwosu . It is for this reason that he set up the Ugwumba Movement and appointed his son – in – law to run it .
This movement has since taken over the role of the Ministry of Information whose statutory responsibility it is to promote the programmes and activities of the state government.
Today , we see billboards of the Ugwumba Movement showcasing achievements of government and usurping the role of the emasculated Ministry of Information .
“ The people of Imo State – Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri – are united and irrevocably resolved that Uche Nwosu will not succeed his
father – in – law. ” He revealed that the reason is not farfetched as Uche Nwosu ’ s candidature is merely Rochas Okorocha ’ s third term bid for the office of the Governor of Imo State .
According to him , “The Uche Nwosu we know is still incapable of conceiving the idea and taking the decision to run for that exalted office .
We therefore respectfully urge His Excellency Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha ( OON ) to discountenance any advice in this direction as nothing but the hand work of undertakers , enemies and mischief makers who have set out to rubbish his political career . We also urge him to focus on his presidential ambition in the interest of Ndi Igbo .
“ Imo Equity Movement which consists of Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zone indigenes , insists that Governor Okorocha in the interest of Equity and Justice should support the people of Owerri Zone in their bid to produce the next governor , come 2019 . ”
Responding to the claim of Owerri zone for 2019 governorship seat, the governor of Imo State , Rochas Okorocha berated the Imo Equity Movement for their agitation.
According to the governor , there is no zoning in Imo , only the best candidate will emerge at the end of the day .
He called on the people of Owerri zone to forget about any zoning formula in the state . Okorocha described their threat as uncivilised and undemocratic .
According to a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Sam Onwuemeodo , this threat is uncalled for and most condemnable . His words :
“ The attention of the Governor and Chief Security Officer of the state , Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been drawn to the recent threat by a group of politicians from a particular political zone in the state to kill and burn the properties of people from their zone who would support candidates from the other zones of the state for the governorship of the state in 2019 .
“ This uncivilised and undemocratic threat bothers on the lives and properties of Imo citizens , and no responsible government would fold its hands and watch few overzealous politicians threatening the lives and properties of the citizens for political reasons .
The governor is worried that such threat could also elicit similar threats from the other zones of the state and a situation like that could lead to undue bickering , especially when it is recalled that there is no zone that has not governed the state and those concerned were elected by the people on merit and not on zonal sentiment . ”
Seeing that Prince Madumere might pose a threat to the realization of installing a governor of their choice, the Imo State House of Assembly initiated a failed impeachment procedure against the Deputy Governor .
Drama played out in Imo State Government House as Imo Judges refused to participate in the swearing – in ceremony of Governor Okorocha ’s newly nominated candidate , Mr . Clasitus Ekenze, for Office of the Deputy Governor following restraining order of the court served on the Chief Judge and other parties involved in the Deputy Governor ’ s impeachment debacle .
This was announced at the floor of Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Chamber by the Attorney General of Imo State , Chief Miletus Nlemadim after a long wait of the government officials and family members of Mr . Ekenze.
It will be recalled that the Presiding Judge of High Court 8 , Imo High Court , Owerri, Hon. Justice Benjamin Iheaka , yesterday , in his ruling on the request of Prince Madumere’ s lead Counsel , Chief Ken Njemanze ( SAN ) for interlocutory injunction restraining the parties involved in the process of removing the Deputy Governor from the office , had submitted that for the sake of justice , the request was well placed . Justice Iheaka thereby granted an Order restraining the Chief Judge , Speaker and members of Imo State House of Assembly including the 7 Man panel from further action until all matters that bothered on the constitutionality of the processes were determined .
In defiance to court order , Speaker Acho Ihim faction of the lawmakers loyal to Governor Okorocha who could not even make up a quorum in Nicodemus manner purportedly impeached the Deputy Governor even as newsmen were refused entry into the chambers .
The Attorney General of the State , Hon. Nlemadim , who was present in the court when Justice Iheaka made a restraining order , knowing the dire consequences if the exercise of swearing – in of the purported nominated candidate of the Governor , which is tantamount the illegality, was said to have prevailed on the Governor to rescind his decision .
The development, which has brought some relief in the polity as people were seen discussing in groups . It will be recalled that Governor
Okorocha ’s grouse against his Deputy was alleged to have been hinged on his blantant refusal to support his son – in – law, Mr . Uche Nwosu for governor , and other sundry issues that bother on policies and their negative effect on the people .
Again , Prince Madumere was said to have insisted on power shift to Owerri zone against having a son – in – law who is also from Orlu zone that has ruled the State for about 16 years .
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