As the 8th Imo House of Assembly winds up, several lawmakers, especially among the three ranking and returning members from Okigwe zone, are said to be jostling for the coveted position of Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly. This they are doing by outwitting and outshining each other in the battle.

Among the strong contenders include Hon Lawman Duruji, Kennedy Ibe and Chiji Collins, all of whom by virtue of their experiences and house rules are qualified to succeed Rt. Hon Acho Ihim whose tenure will be ending by May 29, 2019. Ihim, who ran as Deputy Governorship candidate to Uche Nwosu, won’t be coming back.

However, there is a strong opposition against Hon Kennedy Ibe who is believed to be an ally to Uche Nwosu and Governor Rochas Okorocha. It is also rumoured that most of the re-elected lawmakers and PDP leaders are averse or objectionable to allowing Hon Ibe to take up the plump job. Besides, Kennedy Ibe, who was sponsored into politics by his inlaw, Osita Izunaso, through the former Secretary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), Barr Chris Okewulonu, has severally worked against his benefactors.

Though Lawman Duruji is of the Action Alliance (AA) structure of Imo APC, he is recorded as highly responsible and charismatic, hence enjoys the goodwill of many of the elected colleagues.

The trio belong to different parties. Chiji Collins for APGA, Kennedy Ibe for AA, as well as Lawman Duruji, since no PDP candidate was elected in Okigwe zone. The APGA candidate and member-elect for Ihitte/Uboma, Hon. Crown Njoku, is however a green horn and neophyte with little or no experience to pilot the affairs of a vibrant assembly.

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