In what could be described as a stage managed arrangement, Senator Osita Izunaso, last weekend invited friends and associates to his Owerri residence, from where they were ostensibly supposed to accompany him to ceremony where he was supposed to receive an award from Imo state police Command.
A source who pleaded anonymity said they were surprised and disappointed when, on reaching the senator’s house, different groups, including women, youths, the Osita Izunaso reality movement and other political structures were already seated, as if for a meeting.
Continuing, source, who is one of Izunaso’s very close allies, said the Senator in an exclusive closed door discussion told them that he has been under enormous pressure by individuals and groups, to contest the 2019, governorship election. “I have also considered their request and wish to formally tell you today that I have decided to contest”. He also informed them that the various groups seated outside were among those urging him to contest, hence he invited them to publicly say what they have been telling him privately. “May I also inform you that Governor Rochas Okorocha and I were the founding members of APC in Imo state. He has been on the saddle as Governor for almost eight years now, after which it will be my turn to govern the state”.
The visibly angry and disappointed source, said when they later joined the groups seated outside, “they repeated exactly the same thing the Senator told us inside. They urged him to contest because he and the Governor founded the party in the state”.
Responding to their request outside, Izunaso said he had noted their request and would give it serious thought and attention in due course. “While he told us inside that he had already decided to contest”.
Most of his close allies present at the occasion wondered why Izunaso in whose camp they have been for almost fifteen years should treat them so shabbily as if they are brainless. “It appears he has abandoned us. As I speak to you now, most of his core supporters are leaving him in droves for other camps”.
They condemned his ambition to be governor when Owelle Rochas Okorocha is presently on seat for an eight year tenure is also from Orlu. “Senator Izunaso should be called to order because his actions and posturing will destroy the party, if care is not taken”.
When contacted, a former commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, who also hails from Orlu zone and attended the said meeting, Nze Elvis Agukwe debunked the speculations. He said, “I was present at the meeting. The Senator said, he is still consulting and has not formally declared his ambition to contest”. The truth is that there is pressure being mounted on him to contest for the governor of Imo state come 2019, as an experienced person from Orlu zone.
