It is an obvious fact that virtually all those that facilitated and made Governor Okorocha’s ambition of becoming governor of Imo State in 2011 have deserted him for one reason or the other.
It was also gathered that most of these prominent, influential and reputable men of integrity who have substantial followership, especially among the elites, in the state, staked their energy, time and resources on Okorocha, thinking that he will perform better than Ohakim. But today they are not only disappointed but regretting why they made such a terrible mistake.
It is said to be on record that Chief Ejike Uche (Dimkpassa) presently, the Deputy National chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), who was then, Deputy National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the platform on which Governor Okorocha emerged as governor, was not only the first prominent personality to key into and support Okorocha’s vision but was also instrumental to Okorocha getting the governorship ticket. Prof. Francis Dike who later became Okorocha’s legal adviser was also the first influential and prominent personality to identify with Okorocha’s ambition before the likes of Chief P.C. Onuoha, Prof. Osuji and Dr. Obinna Duruji came on board. Prof. Anthony Anwuka who was made Director General of Okorocha’s campaign organization was among the last set of people that keyed into the Okorocha project. Others in this clique include Nick Opara Ndudu, High Chief Uche Njoku and others. All these people have abandoned Okorocha because he reneged on most of their agreements with them on how to develop and move Imo State forward.
Dr. Steve Ahaneku who was later made commissioner for Petroleum and environment, Nze Ogueri Enwerem. Okey Anyanwu, principal secretary to the governor, who was later forcefully and arbitrarily retired, Mr. Ihekwuazu.
The first person to abandon Okorocha to avoid being identified with failure, mediocrity and bad governance was Chief Ejike Uche, a former commissioner for housing and urban development and later for public utilities, who in a letter dated 13th May 2013, titled, “return and submission of official vehicle, Toyota Prado jeep”, said he returned the vehicle which the governor in response to an earlier letter said, was a condition for which their severance allowance would be paid to them. According to him, he has not been paid the severance allowance till date and he is not bothered about that, because “I am self contented”.
Prof. Francis Dike also resigned his position as legal adviser to Governor Rochas Okorocha because the governor dissolved the elected local government councils, sacked beneficiaries of Ohakim’s 10,000 jobs etc, against his advice not to engage in such impunity, and recklessness.
Most people who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, said Governor has a penchant for reneging on promises and ignoring the good advice of his aides, especially those who are in a position to know better. He seems to cherish sycophancy and praise singing”.
