2015: Okorocha, Aide On Warpath Over PAC Ticket
Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the chairman, Imo State Housing Corporation, Prince Charles Onuoha are currently engaged in a political battle over who will fly the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state in 2015.
Onuoha who hails from Owerri zone is said to be disgusted at Okorocha's sudden u-turn to seek a second term inspite of his promise during his 2011 campaign to run a single-term and vie for the presidential seat.
The former commissioner has at several occasions, urged the governor to remain a gentleman and tow the path of honour by abiding to his single-term vow as well as handing over to Owerri zone whose turn he usurped in 2011 according to the Imo Charter of Equity document.
In an interview with journalists in Owerri, Onuoha disclosed that the massive support the governor got from the zone came as a result of his promise to run for a single term and hand over to the zone.
He added that his ambition to take over power from Okorocha is driven by what transpired on January 15, 2015 when the governor convened a stakeholders meeting at Government House, informed them that he was going to Abuja and urged people with governorship ambitions to make declaration.
According to him, “having contested the Labour Party ticket in 2011 and lost before collapsing my entire structure into APGA towards actualizing Governor Okorocha's victory in 2011, it became an opportunity for me to openly make my intention known in our camp and party. The governor even expressed happiness and declared to ensure that my dream will never die. Besides, I am eminently qualified having garnered the pedigree and capacity to take Imo to the next level in terms of development and good governance.
“Also, I am from Mbaise axis of Owerri zone that has never had a shot at the Douglas House. So, from any angle you wish to judge my ambition, you will definitely agree that I am the right person for the state plum job and that's basically the reason Governor Okorocha should support my ambition which obviously is divine”.
Onuoha, who promised to sustain the legacies of Governor Okorocha including free education programme, said he will expand the scope of the programme by introducing bursary to Imo students in other tertiary institutions not owned by the state in a bid to give them the sense of belonging they deserve as well as activate his international connections towards attracting direct foreign investments into the state.
Okorocha has hinged his decision to stand for re-election on the threat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take over the state, claiming that he is the only one who has the capacity to stop the party from carrying out its threat.
A close associate of the governor who pleaded anonymity told Pointblanknews.com that Okorocha would stop at nothing to win a second term at Government House to complete his many projects scattered across the state.
“Yes, Owelle made a promise to run for one term but we cannot allow the PDP to return and rubbish what Owelle has achieved in all the 27 local governments of the state. The PDP messed up Imo within the 12 years it ruled the state. So, Charles Onuoha and his group should support the governor and not trying to cause confusion. What can he do? Can he stand up to the PDP in the state? He should rally behind Owelle in the interest of Imo,” he said.
Pointblanknews.com gathered that the people of Owerri zone have expressed dismay at Okorocha's inability to keep his promise to run for a term and are currently mobilizing to stop him.