THE Peoples Democratic Party on Monday accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and a former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, of turning the state into a war zone.
The PDP spokesperson in the state, Ogubundu Nwadike, in a statement on Monday said the clash between the supporters of Okorocha and Uzodimma on Sunday at Royal Spring Estate, Owerri, was “disgusting”.
Nwadike spoke on the heels of the disagreement between Uzodimma’s administration and Okorocha who is currently the lawmaker representing Imo West in the Senate.
The statement alleged that the actions of Uzodimma and Okorocha were causing tension and apprehension in the state
The statement read, “It is highly disgusting that the present APC government in the state has turned Imo into a terror zone and theatre of war and conflict. In recent times, Imolites have had the most tragic and excruciating experience ranging from the recent military invasion of parts of Orlu and Orsu local government areas, which caused insecurity and other forms of gruesome attacks, leading to breakdown of peace and order, and loss of lives and properties.
“The recent violence perpetrated by supporters of Senator Rochas Okorocha and Governor Hope Uzodimma has stirred up tension and apprehension in the state, thereby toppling the atmosphere of saturated peace and tranquility.”
Okorocha’s loyalists threatening my life, Uzodimma’s aide tells court
Also, the state Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Imo State, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, on Monday told the presiding magistrate of Court 4, B.U Adikaibe, that the 14 loyalists of a former governor arraigned by the police were threatening his life.
Onuegbu, who supervised the sealing of the Royal Spring Estate, Owerri, owned by Okorocha’s wife, on Friday, told the court that “since I undertook that official assignment, these persons who have been granted bail have threatening my life.”
The commissioner told the magistrate to note that should any harm befall him or any member of his family, the 14 defendants, including Okorocha’s former aide-de-camp, Eberendu Chimechefulam, his legislative aide at the National Assembly, Steve Asinuobi and 12 others should be held responsible.
Onuegbu said, “Your lordship, I want to put on note before this honourable that my name is Enyinnaya Onuegbu. I am the honourable Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Imo State. I want his lordship to note that this defendants you have granted bail have been threatening my life and that the members of my family.”
The magistrate asked the commissioner to formerly present the matter, which he (commissioner) agreed to do.
The matter was then adjourned till March 18 after granting the defendants N70m bail.
Ex-gov freed from police custody on medical grounds, says Imo govt
However, the Imo State Government on Monday gave reasons why Okorocha, was let off the hook at the state Police Command around 11.30 pm on Sunday.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said that Okorocha was released by the police on “medical grounds.”
Emelumba, said that the release of Okorocha didn’t mean he won’t answer for “the offence he committed.”
He added that Okorocha “was stooling consistently and he was asked to go on medical grounds.”
Emelumba said, “Okorocha was released on Sunday by the police on medical grounds. The man was purging and stooling consistently, the police had to release on medical grounds to enable him to take care of his health. His release doesn’t mean he will not answer his case.”
Presidency intervened, says Okorocha
But Okorocha, who reacted to the claim while addressing his supporters at his Spibat mansion in Owerri on Monday, said that the Presidency intervened in the matter.
Okorocha also said Uzodimma might not end well as a governor, adding that the governor had governance, but “is now pursuing shadows.”
The ex-governor said while insecurity was ravaging Orlu area of the state and civil servants not paid, the governor had decided to launch “an attack on me and members of my family.”
Okorocha said, “The way Governor Hope Uzodimma is going, he may not end well as governor. Insecurity is ravaging Orlu. Over 10 houses were burnt in Oguta yesterday (Sunday). He knows what he is doing; he wants everybody to fear him. Instead of him to face governance and pay salaries and security in the state, he is busy chasing shadows of violence.”
He called on the inspector General of Police to immediately arrest Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Chinasa Nwaneri, and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, Eric Uwakwe, who he alleged led thugs to attack him at the estate.
No power’ll stop Okorocha from being Nigeria’s next president – Ex-aide
In a related development, a former commissioner for Youths and Sports in the state, Kenneth Emelu, has said “no power will stop” Okorocha, from succeeding Muhammadu Buhari, as the next president of Nigeria.
Emelu, who spoke when a crowd of supporters visited the former governor (Okorocha) at his Spibat mansion in Owerri, said “no power in Africa, even in the world” would stop a man whose time has come.
He expressed optimism that Okorocha would emerge the next president of the country.
