2011: COUNT ON ME, OHAKIM TELLS IMO PEOPLE

Ohakim
Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State yesterday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri declared his intention to run for a second term in office even as he promised to disburse N2billion as soft loans to farmers in the state.

Making his public declaration christened, Ohakim Speaks, Let's Do More, before an unprecedented crowd, the governor extended the olive branch to his opponents, urging them to join hands with him in the march to move the state forward.

He urged the people to forgive him wherever he had erred, saying 'to all who feel offended by our activities, actions and bravados, please forgive and let's work together to do more for our people.'

Ohakim reminded the people that about 12 years ago, the elders and stakeholders in Imo had entered into a gentleman's agreement that allows each senatorial zone in the state to produce the governor in turn.

'This political agreement gave governorship to Orlu zone for two terms of four years each, which was fully enjoyed by Chief Achike Udenwa government between May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007. Orlu zone has, therefore, been supported by Okigwe and Owerri to serve out her term. 'Now, Okigwe zone has held the mantle of governorship from May 29, 2007 till date. Her first tenure expires by May 29, 2011. It is only equitable that the support and treatment given to Orlu zone should not elude either Okigwe or Owerri during their terms, which is not political party motivated.

This is why Okigwe should be allowed to complete her second term of four years by 2015. It then becomes the turn of Owerri for the next eight years, thereafter,' he said. He told the people that he has been tested and trusted just as he is determined to serve them better.

The declaration saw the converging on Owerri, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs from Imo, among whom were PDP Board of Trustees member and Publisher of the Champion Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Imo Deputy Governor, Mrs Ada Okwuonu; former Vice Chairman of the PDP, South-east, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu; Chief Arthur Nzeribe; Ambassador Kema Chikwe; Chief Hope Uzodinma; Chairman, Imo Elders Council, Chief I.D. Nwogu; Senator Osita Izunaso; Hon Emeka Ihedioha; Imo Speaker, Goodluck Opiah; and former Imo State VC, Prof Thomas Ndubuisi.

The N2billion soft loan Ohakim promised to float for Imo farmers is coming on the heels of a micro credit scheme given to 2,700 petty traders across the 27 councils of the state that is interest-free a few months ago.