2011: UDENWA, ARARAUME URGE IMO PEOPLE TO REJECT OHAKIM

Ahead of the 2011 general elections, a formidable opposition group in Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Alliance for good Governance, has advised the people of the state to reject the second term ambition of Governor Ikedi Ohakim. The group alleged that Ohakim had foisted avoidable pains, suffering and hardship on the masses in the past three years.

The alliance, which is a combination of the 'Redemption 98' campaign outfit of former governor Achike Udenwa and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume-led Destiny Organization accused Ohakim of hijacking the party executive through unilateral and irrational dissolution of the exco and appointment of puppets in order to smoothen his way for the 2011 governorshp contest in the state.

A chieftain of the alliance and former state chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Alex Obi, stated this at the grand finale of the local governments' sensitization tour of the group held at the country home of Senator Araraume, Isiebu in the Ihiala Mbano Local Government Area (LGA).

Obi, who categorically dismissed the Ohakim-led administration as an unmitigated disaster, bereft of basic amenities and infrastructure accused the governor of greed, graft and embezzlement, alleging that, his refusal to conduct council elections in spite of constitutional provision was a ploy to rip-off the councils.

The politician brandished certified true copies of monthly allocations released by the Federal Ministry of Finance to local governments in the state and challenged Governor Ohakim to explain how the funds were used.

Obi listed Oguta Wonder Land, Imo Job Centre, dredging of Nworie River and Royal Oak Refinery/Petrochemical Complex as some of the projects that do not exist anywhere in the state.

On his part, Senator Araraume explained that the alliance was midwifed as an antidote to the legions of problems currently besieging the state.

According to him, both the 'Redemption 98' and the 'Destiny Organization' decided to sheathe their swords and came together to rescue the state from bad governance.

'The certified true copy from the Federal Ministry of Finance in respect of monthly allocations to the local government councils in Imo is authentic and not a political propaganda and we challenge anybody in doubt to prove us wrong.'

While calling for political reforms to strengthen internal democracy, Chief Araraume advised Imo indigenes wishing to contest for elective positions to join the alliance for better governance, saying that a level playing field would be provided for all aspirants as opposed to imposition.