Traditional rulers in Imo State have endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodinma for the March 9, 2019 governorship election in Imo State, saying they will not forgive Governor Rochas Okorocha for the alleged inhuman treatment metted at them by his administration.
The traditional rulers made their stand clear when Senator Uzodinma visited the palace of the Paramount ruler of Agballa community, in Owerri North Local Government Area Imo State, Eze Macaulay Onu.
Eze Onu who disclosed that traditional rulers in the state have agreed that Senator Uzodinma has the best credentials to lead the state, lamented that the administration of governor Okorocha weakened the traditional institution in the state which according to him has made the gods angry.
He recalled that “60 of us were suspended in 2015 by Okorocha and he seized our salaries. It was Senator Hope Uzodinma who came to our rescue to pay us salaries that period. It was a trying period for us and we will never forgive Rochas.
“Uzodinma is our son, he is the candidate of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe people and both God and Imo people have agreed that he is the next governor of Imo State. We will support you. You are going to sow cloths for us that we will put on to Government House to celebrate your victory because Imo state must be free from the hands of one family” he stated.
Expressing his gratitude, Sen. Uzodinma commended the traditional rulers for their boldness in speaking out the truth despite the hostile environment they had operated since the administration of Okorocha.
“I urge you to remain steadfast and do your jobs as custodians of our tradition. The traditional institution has been so intimidated in Imo state and that is why I have come to address the anomalies because our traditional institution must be respected and recognized.”
“Our people have cried so much in the past eight years and I have come to wipe their tears. I have never seen an ungodly man like Okorocha. The best hotels in Owerri belong to him and his son inlaw Uche Nwosu.
The best schools, estates, hospitals and even restaurants belong to them. “Yet the same administration refused to pay pensioners, teachers their salaries. Those who were paid got half salaries and they were threatened to take that or be sacked. God in heaven will pay him back and it will start from this Saturday and our people will rejoice” he stated.
-VANGUARD-