IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

By: Kelechi Uzomah 08064075316

Hon. Attorney Dr. Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is an Ehime Mbano born American trained lawyer, media expert, human right activist, writer and opinion moulder who has used his God-given talents to better the lots of the society.

He is a known Community leader in Umueze 11 Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, elder statesman in Okigwe zone and Imo political strategist.

Give it to him, Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has used every available resources within his reach and powers to better the lives of the downtrodden in the society.

Ahead of the 2023 general election, Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has shown that he is one of the Imo Governorship aspirants to watch out for in Labour party. 

The legal practitioner is an asute lawyer, media expert and great mobilizer that has the grass roots supports he enjoys across party line in Imo State and no wonder his transformation movement is being coordinated by a woman of inestimable values, Mrs favour Nwelue.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has been one of the shinning stars of Okigwe zone, Imo State and Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria zone in general given his contributions in the legal profession, activism and to the well-being of the people which has brought him closer to the people. 

You will not be wrong to describe him as one of the successful Imo sons in diaspora that has projected the state in good light and this is the more reason why he has always been the in front burner of activities in the state.

The story of Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is one that touches the heart. This is because of his humble beginning in life which has encouraged and propelled lots of young people to greatness.

He was determined to succeed given the obvious fact that he was not born with silver spoon but with dint of hard work dedication, determination, forsightedness, commitment, fear of God and honesty. The rest today is history to the glory of God!

This great  mind and visionary thinker has remained a key player in the emancipation and development of Okigwe zone and Imo State.

He is a man of unshakable character, who has exhibited high leadership qualities that has endeared him to many people in Imo state who now sees him as the only way forward.

As a man of the people, Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has displayed sincerity of purpose, humane, honest, transparent and determination to pursue the common good of the people of Imo State unlike the present leaders who are only interested in their personal well beings and pockets.

The man of the moment has shown that he is a man to be reckoned with and no wonder he has dedicated his time, energy and resources for the common good of the people of the state where he is presently advocating for youth inclusiveness in leadership positions.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has proven beyond every reasonable doubt that he does not hold personal interest above common good and collective interest of the generality of the people of the state.

The legal luminary is a man with high pedigree and class, no doubt he has shown from the day one that he is determined to change the narrative in Imo State from the old order to new order and that's why he clamouring for the transformation of the state in 2023.

He is interested and committed to ensuring a strong and united Imo State where leaders would be accountable to the poor masses that gave them their mandate freely. 

The innovative thinker can best be described as a man with the midas touch, who is interested in a greater prosperity of Imo State where leaders would think first on how best to improve and better the life of the people instead of thinking on how best to win the next election.

This is to tell you that Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba will ensure a better and united Imo state where everyone will have equal stake in the new project he is about to build in the state if given the opportunity in 2023. 

The avowed desire and determination of Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba can not be over emphasized because he understood the people of the state more better than anybody can think of.

The man is working so hard to see that the people of Imo State are counted among people that are successful and where prosperity will be the benchmark to measure success.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is a man blessed and endowed with wisdom and knowledge to reach out to the unreached in Imo State and his foundation is currently reaching out to a good number of youths and indigent people in the society.

There is one unique thing about this man many has seen to be the "only person that can rescue the state from it's many years of under development caused by overzealous leaders that have governed the state in recent past.

The pragmatic leader has changed the mentality of the youths of Umueze 11, Ehime Mbano Local Government, Okigwe zone who he has helped in securing them good jobs in both federal and state. He did not just give them fish but he thought them how to fish and be self dependent.

He has shown through his activities that the only development in life is human capital development which he has been spreading across the breathes of Imo State.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is interested in seeing youths of Imo state to be counted once again among the successful people in Nigeria but not through fraudulent activities whether in business or area of their specialization. This is the more reason he has been using his hard earned money and resources to empower our people to meet up with their daily needs in life.

He believes that the only thing that gives him joy and the fulfilment of purpose is to see all sons of Imo state excelling in their chosen careers.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is exactly what the people of Imo state needs going forward in the political arena which is the more reason why the young and vibrant Community leader has done everything humanly possible to reach out to everybody possible in order to change the narrative in state.

The internationally recognize attorney will make sure that the people of  Imo state enjoy him should he be supported to govern the state in the forthcoming general election in November, 2023 with the uncountable projects and programmes he will execute for the people and will also bridge the gap of bad leadership the people has suffered and experienced for so long.

The very man of the moment has today become the beautiful pride and darling to the people of Imo state who are desirous of a good Governor to preside over the affairs of the state.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has given both the old and young reasons to believe that truly, the awaiting messiah has finally come to better the lots of the people of the state

That is why today the people  are clamoring for him to be the torch bearer because he has a track record of service full of achievements and many of you will Marvel at what the man has done without blowing his trumpet for people to notice him.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is the type of leader the people of Imo state need in all ramifications to better the lives of the people who are gnashing their teeth as a result of the pains, sufferings and untold hardship the people has suffered in the hands of these heartless people that parades themselves as leaders.

It is a thing of joy that Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has done wonderfully well to have empowered a handful of young men and women in different field of human endeavors. 

This man has equally given so many students supports and scholarship which has reduced the pains and sufferings from their parents.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is based on this available evidence that I present to you this committed young man who has shown through his actions and inactions that he is determined to serve Imo in 2023.

Kelechi Uzomah is a journalist and a public affair analyst based in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

Customers and patronizers of the popular Mimi's Place, located at All Seasons Avenue, Owerri has condemned the directive of the state government to seal off some business outlets in the state.

Some of the customers who confided in our reporter disclosed that the action of the state government was a political witch-hunt targeted at some Imo sons who may have some rift with the governor.

According to one of the patronizers of Mimi's place who identified himself as Chidex disclosed to our reporter Saturday morning 'I was at Mimi's place on Friday night to hang out with friends only to see IIRS's seal at the entrance gate leading to the premises. Am a regular at Mimi's place due to the serenity of the environment and entertainment vibes. I have read several reports both on print and social media how the owner of Mimi's place is being alledged to be an associate of Gov Hope Uzodinma contracted to distabilize Imo PDP but I wonder how an ally of a governor would be a victim of witch-hunt as a result of sealing his business premises, I find it difficult to reconcile this', Chidex disclosed.

It was gathered that Mimi's place was sealed as result of the Best of Judgement on Consumption Tax Remittance from January 2020 - January 2022 amounting to 51 (Fifty one)  million naira.

Recall that in 2020, COVID-19 wrecked havoc globally, resulting to shut down of business activities, alot of people lost their jobs while companies retrenched staffs due to rapid decline in revenue generation.

In Owerri, the Imo State capital, businesses were shut down following directives by the state government declaring Lockdown in the state.

Due to the dwindling economy occasioned by the pandemic, the Imo Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) issued a public notice with the title:

WAIVER ON 5% CONSUMPTION TAX FOR NON-FILING AND NON-PAYMENT the above decision on waiver was reached to help cushion the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on hotels and allied services. Of a truth, business activities was brought to a halt in 2020. Few months after the COVID-19 pandemic was gradually been contained, the ENDSARS protest took it's turn as youths in their numbers occupied major cities to register their grievance against the government at the center. 

This was followed by the gruesome killings by the UNGUN KNOWN-MEN No reasonable government will after considering the challenges that confronted these employers of labor, take such decision to seal off business premises without first exploiting dialogue with those affected.

'I can now decipher that all we read on social media about Gov Uzodinma's romance with the Myke Ikoku plotting to destroy Imo PDP to be false and cheap blackmail to malign reputation of the foremost employer of labor in Imo State, Mr Jerry Nkemakolam told our reporter. ' How can Ikoku be working for a government against PDP and at the same time be a victim of same government's treacherous act, people should stop blackmailing innocent people unnecessarily. 

'How do you expect investors to be able to pay tax when the government fails to do its own part by providing a conducive environment, ensure safety of life and properties amongst other', Nkemakolam opined.

Meanwhile, when the manager of Mimi's place was contacted, he declined comment but rather told our reporter that the management is yet to respond officially as regards the seal off of the premises by IIRS officials.

By Dr. D. ISIGUZO

Let me start by saying the two front runners for PDP Imo governorship ticket, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Samdaddy) and Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkemakolam Ihedioha are both eminent sons of Imo State qualified and outstanding in their rights to be governor but this article focuses on who is better suited to fly the flag both in terms of acceptability, work experience, personality and records of achievements etc. 

ORIGIN

Samdaddy Anyanwu is from Umuduru Anyanwu, Obodo Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA. Son of late Chief Sebastine Anyanwu, the first Vice Chairman of old Mbaitoli/Ikeduru LGA and first Executive Chairman of Ikeduru LGA. He is a grandson to Ada Paulina Ogoko (nee Anyanwu) of Obohia, Ahiazu Mbaise

Emeka Ihedioha is from AROnta Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise LGA. History has it that Ihedioha’s descendants had their original base where they settled in Arochukwu, currently in Abia State. The people of Arochukwu are nomadic and war mongers.

Both great men are from Owerri Zone which has had only 8 months in Government House since 1999.  Okigwe zone  on the other hand has had 4 years while Orlu Zone would have had 20 years  by 2024.

 AGE : 

Samdaddy was born on the 18th June, 1965 while Ihedioha was born on the 24th March, 1965. 

Age wise, both men are young and energetic. They both look healthy and capable of discharging the duties of a Governor without any health impediments.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

SAMDADDY:

1. B.Sc., Political Science and Administrative Studies from University of Portharcourt, Uniport, Rivers State (2nd class) 

2. Harvard Kennedy Business School, Executive Course on Leadership, Management & Public Policy.

3. Harvard Kennedy Business School, Executive Course on Leadership Decision Making; Optimizing Organizational Performance.

4. University of Cambridge, Judge Business School Certificate in Strategic Performance Management.

IHEDIOHA:

1. B.Sc., Food Science & Technology, University of Lagos,  (3rd Class)

2. Stanford University, Executive Certificate in Financial Management

Both men are well and adequately educated for the office they seek including getting certificate courses abroad but remarkably, Senator Samdaddy has more qualifications especially, in strategic areas needed for governance. Also, Samdaddy has a second class Degree, Ihedioha graduated with a 3rd class Degree.

PROFESSION/OCCUPATION BEFORE POLITICS/HOME INVESTMENT

SAMDADDY: 

Owns a chain of businesses under the SAMDADDY INVESTMENTS group with Samdaddy Farms (that produces 1,000 crates of eggs daily) as a subsidiary. Others include Ochameze Properties (real estate) and distributorship with Nigeria Breweries etc.

IHEDIOHA:

Wikipedia once described Ihedioha as a “chartered politician”. There is no record of his being gainfully employed outside politics example is being Personal/Media Assistant to politicians before his election in 2007. He is linked to an uncompleted hotel structure in New Owerri commenced when he was in the House of Representatives which he tried to finish before he was booted out of office as Governor. 

LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE

SAMDADDY:

Member, Imo State House of Assembly representing Ikeduru State Constituency:  2007 – 2011; 2011 – 2015= 8 years +

Senator Representing Owerri Zone, 2015-2019= 4 years. 8+ 4 = 12 years.

Samdaddy Anyanwu has 12 cumulative and solid legislative experience spanning the Imo State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, the Senate.

IHEDIOHA

Member, Repreenting Aboh Mbaise in the House of Representatives: 2003 -2007. Reelected 2007 – 2011 & 2011 – 2015= 12 years.   

Emeka Ihedioha has had 12 years legislative experience in the Green Chambers of National Assembly only.

Here Samdaddy has an edge having been a state lawmaker for two terms and then a Senator for one term. This gives him a good understanding of the state having made laws for her good plus national legislative experience.

PARTY LOYALTY

Both men joined the PDP and have remained member since their fora into politics. 

EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE

SENATOR SAMDADDY: 

- Transition Committee Chairman, Ikeduru LGA 2003 - 2004

- Executive Chairman, Ikeduru LGA from 2004 – 2006.

SAMDADDY HAS ABOUT 4 YEARS OF EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE LOCAL GOVRNMENT ADMINISTRATION.  

EMEKA IHEDOHA: 

“Ihedioha is the Governor with the shortest tenure in the South Eastern Nigeria” Wikipedia. “Elected” May 29th 2019 and deposed on January 14, 2020 by the SUPREME Court of Nigeria. 

EMEKA IHEDIOHA HAS 7-8 MONTHS OF EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE.

While Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been groomed in the Executive arm of government as a local government chairman especially, during the glorious era of local council in Nigeria, Emeka Ihedioha has had 7-8 months of turbulent reign as Imo Governor. Samdaddy here again has an edge, a LGA is a miniature state and this unique experience puts him ahead of Ihedioha.

NATIONAL/PARTY CONTACT/CONNECTION

Samdaddy is the incumbent National Secretary of PDP. A position from where he is permitted by the electoral act to contest for Governor while on the seat. While Ihedioha had been the Deputy Speaker of the Green Chambers 7 years ago (2015). 

Samdaddy has the loyalty of the party top echelon who he mingles on daily basis including, the Presidential candidate and indeed, all other candidates of PDP and members/stakeholders of the party who owe him for the peaceful process of the last primary elections. 

PERSONALITY

Samdaddy is an all smiling, unassuming and easygoing man who habors no illfeeling against anyone. He is one man that easily mingles with the high society and the common man. A man who picks his calls and responds to messages. A man who is approachable with respect for all and sundry. 

Ihedioha is seen on the other hand as a peacock. Eze onye agwalam. He is reputed to have a short fuse and acts on impulse. A typical Nigerian politician who sees issues as a win or lose situation. Defeat and crush. Win at all cost etc 

CONCLUSION

I wish to reassert that both men are really qualified to run for the office they seek but from the analyzed research, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu has a unique “resume” that places him above his rival for the office of Governor of Imo State. 

He has known business enterprises here in Imo, has been a two term state legislator, has superior academic qualification, an amiable personality devoid of wickedness and vendetta. He does not have the baggage of having been given the PDP ticket twice and failed or his mandate stolen or taken from him by anyone. 

I strongly think, Imo PDP needs a fresh face, a new broom without baggage of corruption associated with being a Governor, someone that will get sympathy and loyalty across party lines.

Dr. Isiguzo Dennis

For: Guardians of Democracy

NBE Nwigwe Enmeshed In Corruption Allegations As Owerri Club Crumbles Under His Watch;

- Illegally Suspended 25 Club Members 

- Can’t Account For Donations of Kidnapped Member 

- Unable to Account For 5M Donated @ Induction Ceremony

Barr NBE Nwigwe has since his purported reelection as Chairman of Owerri Club thrown the club into avoidable crisis. In a bid to get reelected in June 2021, Nwigwe broke all known Club Rules (constitution) to get a second term. 

Club members like Onyebuchi Obinwa, Chiemeka Onyema, Udo Okereke, Ikechukwu Ogbonna etc (Intergrity Group) sought relief from the court in a SUIT NO.HOW/485/2021. 

Allegations against him include:

1. Fixing election against Club Rules.

2. Illegally admitting new members to vote during election in violation of the rules.

3. Usurpation of the authority of Electoral Committee.

4. Refusal to vacate Office after expiration of tenure etc.

5. Corruption & self enrichment

6. Lack of accountability

7. Administrative inefficiency & high handedness etc

To forestall the respondents from getting justice, NBE Nwigwe has further violated the Club Rules by purporting to have suspended them to cover his tracks.

In a petition to the Imo State Police Commissioner, titled, A CASE OF ASSAULT, THREAT TO LIFE & CONDUCT LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PUBLIC PEACE … the petitioners sought police protection from the police from Nwigwe and his cotravelers who are threatening violence with cult boys if the illegally suspended members return to the club. They reminded the CP of the pendency of their case against Nwigwe and his illegal executives which ought to serve as a stay of execution on all issues pertaining to their membership of the club. The suspended members include: Nze Ray Emeana, Eze Duruiheoma, SAN, Chief Cy Anyanwu, Mr. Onyebuchi Obinwa, Dr. Chiemeka Onyema, Dcn Udo Okereke, Arc Amaugi Ugorji, Sir Felix Duruaku, Chief Ernest Ekemezie, Eze George Eke, Dr. Jude Ohanele, Engr.. Akin Orumuyi,  etc. These are  pillars of the club and eminent members who speak the truth who he purported to have suspended leaving lackeys behind as menbers.

The Trustees of the Club led by Dr. Darlington Amamasi, Mr. Mike Metu, Prince Solo Dike, Eze Duruiheoma, SAN have previously advised Nwigwe to follow due process in administering the club to no avail. The trustees had tried so much to direct the actions of the then chairman of Owerri, Barr NBE to the right path to no avail. The trustees had on several occasions questioned the illegal activities of Barr Nwigwe including his unconstitutional spending of club funds; but he seems to relish in rule-breaking.

To wittle down the influence of the Trustees and in further violation of the Club Rules, Nwigwe further purported to have appointed new trustees who would serve as his stooges and dance to his tunes.

Recently a club member was kidnapped, Nwigwe has not rendered proper account for the ransom he allegedly paid to the kudnappers. 

Owerri Club is the premier Sports and recreation club in Imo State established in 1976.

By Ik Ogbonna, fcai, anipr

Recently, Hon Jones Onyeriri, a fine gentleman and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the Imo West Senatorial District (Orlu Zone) was ousted by the Supreme Court. All fingers have been rightly pointed at Emeka Ihedioha who had a grudge against Onyeriri.

Both men, before now had a cozy and robust relationship that saw Ihedioha appointing Hon. Onyeriri as his Political Adviser during his short reign as Governor of Imo State. But the bubble burst after Onyeriri was alleged to have decline bankrolling of the review of Ihedioha’s sack by the Supreme Court.

Ihedioha’s failed attempt to deny having a hand in the judicial injustice against Onyeriri falls in the face of facts, evidences and statements by Ihedioha himself and his political associates who ought to know better. 

Report has it that one of Ihedioha’s media Aides raised the alarm of Onyereri’s possible sack at the Supreme Court in November, and alas, his “breaking” news came to fruition in January, 2023, thereby making Ihedioha complicit to the injustice against Orlu zone PDP members.

Ihedioha set the stage for the allegation at Umuorji, Ohaji Egbema on the 30th of December, 2022 during the burial of the mother of Hon. Uju Kingsley. In a fit of hubris and in line with his known brashness and pride, Ihedioha described Onyeriri as “a confused candidate” who is neither “here or there” and used other unprintable words to describe the fine gentleman (https://maazi.ng/2022/12/31/emeka-ihedioha-describes-jones-onyereri-as-a-confused-candidate-shames-himself-at-a-burial-event/)

How can a self proclaimed leader of a party and Guber aspirant openly deride his party's candidate for Senate in the candidates own zone?  Information has it that Ihedioha was almost lynched after the verbal diarrhea but for the timely intervention of Uju Kingsley who ensured he was whisked out of the venue safely.

Next is the resignation of Hon. Meekam Mgbenwelu, the Spokesman of Ihedioha’s “Rebuild Imo Organizaion” and the Commissioner for Information Technology under the 8 months reign of his ex principal as Governor. 

In his widely publicized resignation letter, Mgbenwelu said,  “I can’t be part of a system that aided injustice to Orlu zone where i hail from and Imo people at large” He was further quoted by The Guardian newspaper reports: (https://guardian.ng/news/mgbenwelu-resigns-as-rebuild-imo-spokesman-dumps-ihedioha-over-onyereris-removal/) as saying that, “this act of wickedness’ and injustice aided by Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha. ‘No, I can’t be with him anymore, This is an act of extreme wickedness. I never knew that Ihedioha is evil, vindictive, selfish and greedy….no no no, am done with him!”

Orlu PDP leaders also have cried blue murder over the injustice meted out to their noble and distinguished son. According to Amb Iwuoha Ofonagoro, Chief Damian Nzeribe and Dr (Mrs) Akwuiwu Josephine who spoke on behalf of others, they expressed anger that after Dr Onyereri’s victory at the Appeal Court, the other two candidates, Hon Jerry Alagboso and Dr ThankGod Ezeani decided to withdraw the suit, adding that immediately Ihedioha got wind of the possible settlement summoned the duo and encouraged them to challenge the emergence of Dr Onyereri up to Supreme Court (https://www.thetimes.com.ng/2023/01/supreme-court-pdp-members-accuse-ihedioha-of-plotting-onyereris-disqualification/)

It is now clear that Ihedioha who has always been a hard sell in Orlu is completely finished politically in Imo. Recall Ihedioha had caused to be condemned globally with his unguarded statements against Peter Obi where he described youths supporting the Labor Party presidential candidate as “saboteurs”.

Ihedioha now unarguably has little or no acceptability in Imo and should be stopped from even picking the party form to run for governor for the third time to save Imo PDP from defeat a third time.

If Ihedioha joins the Governorship race under PDP, to our consternation, he definitely bring shame, reproach, and failure to the party that has suffered serial defeats under his leadership since 2015.

By Sunny Ndukwu

Each time former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and sacked governor of Imo State, Hon Emeka Ihedioha appears in any political event in the state to brandish or showcase his guber aspiration, there are always people who would oppose him to drop his ambition and allow Imo PDP field in a fresh Governorship candidate since he had earlier featured in two consecutive periods (2015 and 2019) as guber candidate of the party. 

By implication,  this scenario conveys the obvious that the party supporters as well as political watchers in the State no longer see him as a force to reckon if truly PDP is ready to return to Douglas House. It is like a popular gingle aired on Bizzibody Radio FM ( in Igbo dialect) "enye ya nke mbo ya daa, enye ya nke abuo ya daa, enye kwa nu ya nke ato, oga da daa" ( English interpretation): "he was given opportunity as guber candidate of the party in 2015 and was defeated. Again in 2019, he emerged as governorship candidate for the second time and he was booted out from office within a period of seven months; if we risk giving him the guber ticket for the third time, he won't also fly".

In my earlier article published in several media platforms titled: “Ihedioha Not Destined To Be Governor; Bewitched With Political Okro Hand* where I made references to opportunities within his (Ihedioha's) reach to steer the leadership of Imo State as executive governor but he failed to utilize it and allowed his strength of character to destroy his agelong political fortune as a result of his vindictiveness, greed, political treachery and bitterness. 

His seven months short-lived administration as governor of Imo State exposed his true identity as an “emperor” and with penchant for material things. 

All who genuinely put resources together to actualise his Governorship ambition were relegated and abandoned, many who allegedly donated funds to his guber ambition in 2019 are now bankrupt.

Ihedioha carries on his shoulders a status of considerable notable party leader. In Imo State he enjoys the standing of an ex governor and nationally as a one time “Principal Officer” of the National Assembly where he once served as a deputy speaker, House of Representatives; he is one of the Board of Trustees members  of PDP alive today.

So why should Ihedioha's political aspiration which ordinarily ought to be widely accepted without any opposition whatsoever generate much misgivings about him and his intent?

Having read some news report and incisive statement published in several media outfit accusing him of influencing the sharp division in Imo PDP coupled with allegations relating to his grand conspiracy and plot which led to the nullification of the PDP primaries in Imo West senatorial district by the apex Court, like many other Imolites, I am inclined to agree with the assertion that the crisis in Imo PDP is hurtling dangerously towards the precipice and not healthy for the party at this time. More poignantly, the party's ever fragile fault lines of disunity is widening alarmingly.

A growing number of party faithful from the three geopolitical zones in the State are questioning the continued domineering and hijack of the party structure owing to the divide and rule leadership by Engr Charles Ugwu led State Working Committee might spell doom for the party ahead of the forthcoming general election.

The very fact that we are told by the national leadership of PDP to play down on the Governorship election in Imo should tell us that the NWC are aware of Imo guber palavar.

In 2015 while serving as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Ihedioha contested for governor and was almost pulling the rug from the elephantine feet of Gov Rochas Okorocha, the then sitting governor of Imo who wrestled him and was declared winner of the election. Again, in 2019, Ihedioha re-contested for Governorship and was declared winner by INEC in error but was sacked seven months after by the apex Court on grounds that he did not ganner two-third majority votes in comformity with the Electoral Act as amended.

Ihedioha's diminishing value in Imo politics is gradually building up like wild fire across the geopolitical zones in the state.

The festering crisis in Imo PDP which assumed a new dimension last Friday following the Supreme Court Judgement nullifying the Imo West PDP senatorial primary started some months back after Rt Hon Jones Onyereri emerged as Candidate of the party in the forthcoming Imo West senatorial election.

According to news report in some local tabloids in Owerri, the widening gulf  has now pitted the Elders Committee of Imo PDP led by Sir Ambrose Ejiogu, predominantly from Owerri and Orlu zones against Ihedioha's guber re-election bid.

An investigave report listed some notable leaders of the party such as Chief Eze Duruiheoma, SAN, Chief Peter Mgbenwelu, Dum-Dum, Chief Osita Nwaneri, Amb Kema Chikwe as unwilling to support Ihedioha's reelection bid. 

Amongst the nine (9) LGAs in Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri Zone), Ihedioha has lost grip of six (6) LGAs due to political treachery, power play and arm-twisting that played out in the May, 2022 Imo PDP primaries where some aspirants were robbed of their mandate ranging from the House of Assembly to the National Assembly primaries resulting to mass exodus in the party as some aggrieved members of the party decided to pitch tent with Labour Party to pursue their aspiration while others decided to remain in the party to pay back on the injustice metted on them. 

In Imo North, leaders  and supporters of the party in the zone are spoiling for war and all accusing fingers pointing at Ihedioha. Critical stakeholders of the party from Imo North (Okigwe Zone) are not left out as they are not comfortable with Emeka Ihedioha's meddlesomeness as regards the BoT membership slot which was expected to have been zoned to Imo North since Imo East already had  two BoT membership slots in their kitty but rather was desperately interested in hijacking the slot that should have been exclusively reserved for Imo North since as at the time of nomination of BoT position, his then running mate as governor, Engr Gerald Irona is from Imo West.

Coming to Orlu zone ( Imo West), the mention of the name Emeka Ihedioha ever since the nullification of the Imo West senatorial primary is perceived to be a taboo. The sack of Rt Hon Jones Onyereri by the apex Court is not going down well with the people of the zone across party line. 

The grand conspiracy and plot against Jones Onyereri orchestrated by what I describe as foreign elements who are not from the zone remain fresh in their memory.

Will Chief Emeka Ihedioha survive this bumpy trap he created for himself, time shall tell.

Sunny Ndukwu, KSM,writes from Owerri