Another governorship election year is here in Imo State. Imo state cannot be said to be fortunate with competent governors. We cannot easily forget where the rain started beating us with this.
Sam Amadi
After the tenure of Chief Achike Udenwa in 2007, the people of Imo state were not happy with the performance of his administration. There was a wave of demand for a change of PDP led government by Imolites. A new political party, PPA formed by Chief Orji Uzor Kalu then came handy as an alternative. While PDP fielded Senator Ifeanyi Ararume in a controversial circumstances as its governorship candidate in that election, PPA fielded Chief Ikedi Ohakim as its candidate. The protest vote against PDP gave Chief Ohakim the ticket.
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Hardly had Ohakim gotten the ticket than he decamped to PDP. That was his debacle. He had a dismal performance and Imo people needed another change from the same PDP. At that point, APGA became the bride in the 2011 governorship election. APGA’s challenge then was during the primaries. There were many governorship candidates who vied for APGA ticket. They could not agree on a consensus candidate till Owelle Rochas Okorocha pulled the carpet off their feet to win the ticket from PDP to become APGA’s candidate. He won the election and the people were happy.
As if it was a ritual, Gov. Okorocha who came from PDP to win APGA ticket before his second term could end, decamped to APC where he contested for Presidency and failed. Imo people once again became frustrated with the second tenure of Okorocha and desperately needed another change. Okorocha tried to force his son in law, Uche Nwosu down the throat of APC. When it didn’t work, Nwosu deflated to a new Action Alliance. He contested against Hon. Emeka Ihedioha of PDP, Ifeanyi Ararume of APGA and Hope Uzodimma of APC. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha was declared winner in that election but the apex court later turned the victory down in favour of Sen. Hope Uzodimma who earlier came distant 4th.
Once more, almost four years into Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s administration, most Imo people are already disenchanted with his performance. There is another yearn for a new road for Imo state. The last legislative election was mangled with violent irregularities and flagrant imposition of leaders on the people. The latest bride in line in the state is the Labour Party.
Labour party represents integrity, honesty, patriotism and sacrifice. That’s what Peter Obi, the leader represents. It is not a platform for political prostitutes who may join for their selfish interests as some had done in the past. The party wants to create a New Nigeria and by implication, a New Imo State. Out of the candidates lined up for the forth coming Labour Party primaries, Dr. Sam Amadi shows outstanding qualities that falls within the insignia of Labour Party. Party members in the state should this time around rally support for this young man who has shown sterling academic and professional qualities. He is the primus inter pares. And I think he is the best alternative to Uzodimma if granted the opportunity.
