The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) says that it was poised to recapture its majority at the Imo State House of Assembly as well as the state governorship seat.
This is coming at the heels of two chieftains of the rival Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Stanford Onyirimba and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo returning to the PDP.
State chairman of the party, Chief Eze Duruiheoma made the party’s stand known at a fund-raising dinner it held in Owerri on New Year’s eve.
Chief Duruiheoma said the party’s seriousness to regain control of the reins of power could be gleaned from its victory at the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise federal constituency by-election as well as the Oguta State Constituency re-run poll
PDP’s Hon. Nnanna Raphael Igbokwe and hard-fighting Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu defied all the frustrating antics of the APGA-led government in the state to win the two seats.
The party chairman called for sacrifices by members to enable the party recapture power in state.
He stated that the party was bent on recovering its majority status in the state legislature, pointing out that the party was working hard on this project and would achieve success soon.
Chief Duruiheoma frowned at the disrespect to rule of law by the Rochas Okorocha-led government, citing its handling of the Court of Appeal ruling which reinstated democratically-elected council chairmen and incessant declaration of holidays for Imo workers to buttress his point.
He noted that the administration has made it difficult for the reinstated chairmen to run the councils even as he alleged that the Okorocha government now uses DAGS (Directors of Administration and General Services) who are stationed at undisclosed locations to disburse council allocations periodically.
He regretted that the illegality of this action does not bother the APGA-led administration.
Chief Duruiheoma alleged that the Okorocha administration lacks capacity to govern the state, a development, he said, could be seen from its award of road contracts without design and documentations as well as the multiplicity of uncompleted city gates in Owerri.
He enumerated what the administration boasts of to be its signature projects to include the over-publicized Ojukwu Centre, Deputy Governor’s Office, First Lady’s Office, Heroes Square, etc and wondered how these projects have impacted on the state.
He asked: ‘How have these so-called achievements benefitted the Imo economy? Who are those who executed these projects? Until these questions are answered, it is insulting to say that by executing these projects, Imo people have been rescued.’
He further noted that the demolition of historical monuments by the administration could not in any way translate to the rescue of the state, adding that the master-plan of the state capital does not make provision for the demolitions carried out by the administration.
While emphasizing that the APGA-led administration does not have all it take to led the state, the party boss stated that the PDP has abundance of human resources to provide good governance to the state.
Chief Duruiheoma enjoined members of the party to make personal sacrifices in their bid to recapture power in the state.
He specifically called on party members who are nursing ambition for political offices not to raise campaign organizations that would fight for supremacy with the party hierarchy.
According to him, the party could not afford to go into any election as a divided house and acrimony. He assured that the party in a bid to avoid mistakes of the past would ensure a level-playing field for all aspirants.
The party chairman thanked all members who helped it to recover from its electoral losses of 2011. He specifically thanked Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Hon. Bethel Amadi, Senator Matthew Nwagwu, Hon. Gerald Irona, Hon. Chudi Uwazuruike, Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso and members of PDP in the state legislature for their contributions to the growth of the party.
Chief Duruiheoma announced the return of Chief Stanford Onyirimba, a chieftain of ACN and Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo, member representing Nwangele State Constituency at the state legislature to the party.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Senator Hope Uzodinma expressed his profound gratitude to members and leaders of the party for keeping the party going.
He particularly commended leaders of the party at the ward and local government levels for keeping the party afloat.
Senator Uzodinma who represents Imo West District at the National Assembly noted that the years ahead call for new approach and methods for the party to make a head-way.
In a vote of thanks, the State Secretary of the party, Chief George Eguh thanked members of the party who have through their contributions kept the party afloat.
He enjoined them not to relent to enable the party recapture power in the state.
courtesy: Nigeria Newspoint
