The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports of an alleged
controversy over choice of former member of the House of
Representatives, Gerald Irona, as Deputy Governorship candidate of
the Party in Imo State.
Imo State Vice Chairman of the Party in charge of Orlu senatorial
zone, Chief Aloysius Igwe gave the clarification while responding to a
newspaper report alleging that some stakeholders were not consulted
before Irona was selected.
According to him, Irona is a true son of Orlu zone, a good party man,
a transparent leader and one with capacity to deliver the zone to the
Peoples Democratic Party in 2019.
“Irona is a true son of Orlu zone. He is qualified to be Deputy
Governor of Imo state by all standards. He is a true party man. His
appointment as Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP is not out of
place. As Orlu zonal Chairman of the PDP, I am comfortable with him.
What is important at this point is how we can work together to forge
ahead.”
Continuing, Igwe said: “whoever feels there is a communication gap
should look at the broader picture. Let us all sheath our sword and
see how we forge ahead. The most important thing is that person that
can help us win the election. Now that Irona has emerged, we must all
rally round him and deliver the party in Imo State. Our focus at the
moment is to win the election and that should be the interest of every
true stakeholder of the party.”
Adding his voice, Chairman of the PDP in Oguta Local Government Area
of the State, Chief Fred Opiah frowned at the publication, describing
it as sponsored to distract the party.
“As far as I am concerned, the choice of Irona is the best thing that
has happened to the PDP in Imo ahead of 2019 elections. The persons
that sponsored the publication must repent and face the truth. I don’t
really know what they want. Hon. Irona has paid his dues. He is
reliable and has capacity to deliver. With him, PDP is sure of victory
in Orlu zone. Again, angels and men will bear witness that it is the
turn of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/ Oru West federal constituency to produce
the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Party in the interest of fair
play and justice.”
It would be recalled that an Owerri-based local tabloid in its Friday
edition entitled “Imo PDP Deputy: Orlu stakeholders raise alarm over
choice…” alleged that some stakeholders of the party in Orlu zone were
not consulted before Irona was chosen as running mate to Rt. Hon.
Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State.