Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has come under knocks from House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who says he wants the man’s job in order to “rescue the people from a decaying system.”
Ihedioha told TheNiche in Abuja that the time has come for someone who is experienced and trusted to be given the chance to rebuild Imo, one of the oldest states in the South East, which “has not been blessed with governors” since the end of the tenure of Sam Mbakwe.
Recalling the Mbakwe years
“We want to re-implement Sam Mbakwe’s policy to reinvent what the state is known for, the good legacy of Mbakwe till today bears eloquent testimonies,” Ihedioha pitched.
Not afraid of competition
He said Okorocha cannot boast of anything because he only applies paint on dilapidated structures he did not build.
“What I want to do is put up human capital development which Okorocha lacks. He was busy refurbishing old structures while we have unemployment challenge.
“Imo people want a change, a change from infrastructural doldrums, from political default, educational decay and administrative misconduct.”
Ihedioha disclosed that he wants to occupy Government House, Owerri because “I have served and got a lot of experience in the House of Representatives, so I am now going to the executive to implement what I have learnt.”
He said he is not afraid of other aspirants who have bought the nomination form, dismissing them as pretenders seeking relevance.
“I am aware that so many of them are here to obtain forms; maybe they have saved some many to plea for political bargain. We know them. I know that Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has bought the form as well as others.
“The incumbent is also there but we have set up so many strategies to oust him.”
Ihedioha applauded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for reconciling aggrieved members from all the six zones, which has opened doors for those in political wilderness to test the waters.
“We know they cannot win, they should be waiting for their time.”
Crowded field
Other contenders include former Governor Ikedi Ohakim; Senators Hope Uzodinma and Chris Anyanwu; former Interior Minister, Emmanuel Iheanacho; a medical practitioner, Charles Amanze; a university lecturer, banker and lawyer, Okechukwu Unegbu; and Martin Agbaso.