By Martin Nwako
Following the dust raised by the arrest of former governor Rochas Okorocha and some of his aides by the Imo state police command for unlawfully breaking into Royal Palm Estate that was sealed by the state government last week, there are indications that the embattled former governor may have been deserted by his aides and allies, some of who have publicly condemned his extra judicial action.
Barr. Pascal Onwukaike, two time chairman of Nkwerre L.G.A and Uche Nwosu’s lawyer in a post on social media platform condemned Senator Okorocha’s approach in re-opening and attempting to re-possess the already sealed Royal Palm Estate, stressing that the former governor ought to have gone to court to get an order restraining the state government from sealing or encroaching on the property or alternatively negotiate with government.
He said, “I am totally aversed to the attitude and conduct displayed by former governor. It is absolutely wrong for him to go and attempt to re-open the hotel without court order. Hope Uzodinma is presently the governor and has the power to do what he did.
The two options available if any one feels aggrieved by his action, are either to approach the court for an order to reopen the place or to go into negotiation with government.
Taking the law into your hand is not an option and must be condemned by all well meaning indigenes of the state”
He stated that though he is still Okorocha’s ardent supporter, what his former principal did is wrong. “Uzodinma is presently the governor of the state and should be respected as such. I am a lawyer who believes in rile of law,” he submitted.
The Royal Palm Hotel was last Friday, sealed by the state government in line with the government white paper that recommended the sealing and recovery of the said property that was built on a green verge that belongs to the government.
