Uzodinma, Okorocha supporters clash over plan to recall ex-governor

Supporters of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha, have clashed over an alleged plan to recall Okorocha as the Senator representing Imo West District at the National Assembly.

While a group of Uzodinma’s supporters called the Orlu Political Consecutive Assembly has insisted to continue with plans to recall Okorocha from the Senate, the Association of Orlu Women for Good Governance has urged Uzodinma not to spend state resources to recall the senator.

AOWGG, at a press conference, asked Uzodinma and Okorocha – who they described as their sons – to stop “disgracing the people of Orlu zone.”

The association’s President-General, Mrs Bailia Chibuike, advised Uzodinma to face governance and stop fighting Okorocha.

She said, “The government of Chief Hope Uzodinma should face governance and provide the dividends of democracy for Imo people and leave Okorocha alone.

“The state government should take back the N1bn reported to have been given to OPOCA (Orlu Political Consecutive Assembly) for the so-called recall of Okorocha and use the money for other meaningful things in the state.”

However, OPOCA has insisted on its plans to recall Okorocha, saying the senator “has crossed the red line and has touched the tail of a sleeping tiger.”

AOWGG, at a press conference, asked Uzodinma and Okorocha – who they described as their sons – to stop “disgracing the people of Orlu zone.”

The association’s President-General, Mrs Bailia Chibuike, advised Uzodinma to face governance and stop fighting Okorocha.

She said, “The government of Chief Hope Uzodinma should face governance and provide the dividends of democracy for Imo people and leave Okorocha alone.

“The state government should take back the N1bn reported to have been given to OPOCA (Orlu Political Consecutive Assembly) for the so-called recall of Okorocha and use the money for other meaningful things in the state.”

However, OPOCA has insisted on its plans to recall Okorocha, saying the senator “has crossed the red line and has touched the tail of a sleeping tiger.”

Nwamkpa said, “Now, the question is: why does OPOCA want to recall Okorocha? It is said that ‘he who obstructs the peace of the beehive should endure the pains of the bees’ stings.’

“Okorocha has actually crossed the red line. He has touched the tail of a sleeping tiger and the resultant effect is what he is currently facing – recall.”

Nwamkpa said OPOCA had been at the forefront of defending the interest of Orlu zone, saying “any Orlu man holding the position of Imo governorship must be protected at all costs. Orlu’s interest must come first.”

Okorocha had on February 21 alleged that Uzodinma attacked him with thugs.

The former governor and three of his political associates were also arrested by the state police command after government and security officials stormed the Royal Spring Palm Estate, Owerri, and unsealed it.

The estate was linked to Okorocha’s wife, Nkechi.

The state government said its action was in accordance with a report of a judicial panel set up by a former governor, Emeka Ihedioha, before he left office.

Meanwhile, youths operating under the aegis of Imo West Youths for Good Governance have asked Uzodinma to sack his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Chinasa Nwaneri, and his Senior Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, Eric Uwakwe, for allegedly leading thugs to attack Okorocha on February 21.

At a press conference in Owerri, the state capital, on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, IWYGG, Prince Wisdom Nwauwa, asked the governor to hand over the two aides to the police for prosecution.

Nwauwa said that the attack on Okorocha, who is a serving senator, “was another sad commentary on our democracy.” (Saturday PUNCH)