Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is under pressure from key political allies in the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State to form an “APC Family Government” that will accommodate all existing factions/blocs in the party in his admininstration.
Though erthswhile political foes during the scramble for the governorship ticket of the party which tore the APC to shreds in the State prior to the governorship election, the move to have representatives from the camps of Okorocha/Uche Nwosu, and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume in Uzodinma’s government is said to have gained momentum after the latter’s inauguration last week.
Imolites who witnessed the war in the APC in the State before the governorship election in 2019 were surprised when Okorocha, Araraume, Uche Nwosu were sighted at Governor Uzodinma’s inauguration last Wednesday which sent signals that “reconciliation” could be on board as a prelude for Senator Uzodinma to form a United government that will draw its roots from the “rank and file” of the APC.
Governor Rochas Okorocha’ son in law, Uche Nwosu, who was the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA had visited the new Governor at the weekend.
Details of the meeting were sketchy, but sources said the issue of reinstating local government chairmen elected during Okorocha’s reign, but suspended by Ihedioha, may have featured prominently in discussions between Uzodinma and Nwosu.
The suspended Chairmen have openly congratulated Governor Uzodinma.
Despite Governor Uzodinma’s promise to probe former Governors Ohakim, Okorocha and Ihedioha, sources said it will not affect “whatever political understanding” that may evolve in forming a broad based government within the APC family in the State which Araraume in particular,would be an active player. Senator Araraume had reportedly told his supporters to support Uzodinma’s government.
Uzodinma may also have to accommodate nominees from the camps of Okorocha and Senator Araraume. This is argument is said to be pushed by some top officials of the APC in Abuja.
In a video which went viral before the inauguration of Uzodinma as Governor, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomole flanked by some members of the National Working Committee, NWC, alongside Uzodinma, Okorocha and Araraume sang a “unity song”, ostensibly stressing the need for peace and reconciliation between the trio. ִ
Already, Local Government Chairmen during Okorocha’s reign but suspended by the Ihedioha administration, remain optimistic that they will be recalled to office on the basis they were illegal sacked and in the spirit of new reconciliation in the APC that trailed Senator Uzodinma’s inauguration.
INNONEWS
