Distinguished Senator Athan Achonu, who briefly represented Okigwe senatorial zone of Imo State in the red chambers of the national assembly, met and discussed his ambition to contest the Imo State governorship election with the leadership of Orluzurumee People Assembly, over the weekend.
The senator, popularly referred to as the “one arm general” said he cannot aspire to be governor of the state, without seeking the consent and support of Orluzurumee, which is the apex socio-cultural organization of the 12 LGAs that constitute Orlu zone.
He condemned the present APC government in the state, which according to him, has not lived up to expectation. “The programmes and policies of this government have subjected Imolites to excruciating hunger, poverty, lack and deprivation. The nonpayment of salary and pension, and the demolition of peoples, homes, shops and offices for whatever reason, has subjected the people to pain, trauma, agony and hopelessness”. He lamented the level of infrastructural decay, lack of due process and disrespect for the rule of law and called on the government to be more people oriented.
The Peoples Democratic Party stalwart noted that even, before becoming a senator, he made several efforts to fast track the infrastructural development of the state by attracting several industries that did not thrive because of poor and absolute lack of facilities and enabling environment. “I presented proposals on how to create jobs, empower the youths and turn the economy around but all my endeavours were frustrated. But I remain resolute in my determination to turn the economy of Imo State around, ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy, and fast track infrastructural development, if elected”. He also promised that accountability, due process and the rule of law will be hallmarks of his government.
In his response, the former deputy governor of Imo State, Dr. Douglas Acholonu, said they have noted what senator Achonu said and urged him to continue with his consultation while Orluzurumee looks at the pedigree of other contestants. “Orluzurumee will take a stand at the appropriate time”.
Prof. Dike, in his speech, said all the contestants for elective positions in the state, will be thoroughly screened. “We will scrutinize, their academic and other credentials, know whom their classmates and school mates were, to avoid being ruled by illiterates, political misfits, and delinquents who lack what it takes to be in positions of trust and responsibility”.
Chief Ejike Uche (Dimkpassa) commended Senator Achonu for finding time to consult with Orluzurumee and for also advocating for genuine change. The Ndimoko, Arondizuogu born political guru and strategist lambasted the present APC government for inefficiency and non performance. “The present APC government, which is a colossal in all aspects, failure is on its way out, if not, already gone. All hands should be on deck to ensure that Okorocha does not succeed himself by proxy. It will be an unmitigated disaster for Imo State, if he does, because the consequences on the already impoverished and traumatized masses will be enormous”.
The President General of Orluzurumee Peoples Assembly, Chief (Engr) Chime Nzeribe said the era of using philanthropy to hoodwink the people are gone, because Imolites are now wiser and will no longer be easily deceived. He maintained that the peoples euphoria for misguided and ill conceived philanthropy exhibited by some dubious and fraudulent people who lack morals and conscience “is what put Imo State where it is today”.
Other dignitaries who were present at the occasion who also spoke in the same vein, include, Chief Emma Dike, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe who anchored the event as the organizing secretary of OPA, Chief Chris Asinobi (Guber), etc.
