By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
The former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has alleged that his successor, Hope Uzodinma, unleashed thugs on him and his aides in Owerri on Sunday.
Okorocha had stormed Owerri on Sunday evening to unseal an estate said to be owned by the wife, Nkechi Okorocha.
The state government believes that the property was developed with the people’s patrimony and based on the recommendations of a judicial commission of enquiry, sealed up the property.
But Okorocha stormed Owerri on Sunday to forcefully take possession.
He was arrested and detained at Police Headquarters in Owerri.
Sources in Owerri told TheNiche that he would be charged before a Magistrates Court on Monday with the sole purpose of getting a remand order.
But the former governor, who represents Orlu Senatorial District, said the attack against him and his aides by those he identified as agents of state government.
A statement by Sam Onwuemedo, his media aide, which was sent TheNiche, reads:
“More than 1000 thugs, armed to teeth with knives and guns and led by Chinasa Nwaneri, governor Hope Uzodinma’s Special Adviser on Special Duties today, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, with the backing of armed policemen from Government House, attacked the former governor of the State and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Senator Rochas Okorocha’s Convoy.
“They attacked and damaged all the vehicles in his convoy. They also attacked his personal aides.
“Senator Okorocha was with only his personal aides when the thugs unleashed the attack.
“This is the information we can give as at now. We are still watching events as they unfold.
“Okorocha has the strongest political structure and teaming followers in the State. If he had expected the attack, he would not have moved with his personal aides alone.
“Okorocha has never been a violent man. This planned attack which is unprovoked and unwarranted, has opened a new, but ugly chapter in the politics of the State.
“We shall react fully to the situation.”
In another text, Onwuemeodo, alleged that Okorocha’s inlaw, Dr Uzo Anwuka, was shot and wounded.
“The thugs also shot Dr Uzo Anwuka who was with his inlaw, Senator Rochas Okorocha, when the attackers came,” he claimed