As the decision of the incumbent lawmaker for Orlu State constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Pascal Okolie to seek re-election contrary to the age-long rotational agreement between the Orsu and Isu clans continues to elicit mixed reactions, a prominent stakeholder and former Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Hon Chief Eddy Olumba,popularly known as Mr E has said that the zoning arrangement that was cemented in 1996 would on no account be jettisoned because of the selfish interest of Pascal Okolie or any other person or group of persons.
Hon Olumba who was the Special Adviser to former Governor Achike Udenwa on Petroleum and presently the President of Orlu Town Developmemt Union, OTDU recalled that the zoning arrangement was arrived at in 1996 when he contested for the chairmanship of Orlu Local Government Area with Stella Maris. ‘’There was a stalemate after which we retired to a hotel for discussion.
‘’After extensive deliberations, it was agreed that political postions in Orlu L.G.A should be rotated among the Orsu and Isu clans. For instance, if an Orsu man is in the house of assembly, an Isu man will automatically be elected chairman of the Local Government Council. Thereafter, the agreement was documented and signed at the residence of Chief Ukagba, and in the presence of notable Orlu leaders and stakeholders.Based on this arrangement, I was asked to step down for Stella Maris who eventually won the election’’.
Continuing, he said, the arrangement which has been in place since then, has removed intrigues, quarrels, rancour and acrimony among brothers and enhanced mutual co-existence’’.
Responding to Pascal Okolie‘s argument that his decision to re-contest despite all entreaties to step down for an Isu man, is to ensure that he secures a ranking position.
Chief Olumba said, ‘’Okolie’s claims and submission on the issue of seeking a ranking position is baseless, untenable and does not hold water. His personal interest should not under any circumstance over run the collective interest and decision of Orlu people. Besides, the highest position in the Imo State house of assembly is that of Speaker, which for him is a wild goose chase.
This is because the incumbent Governor is from Orlu zone. It is also obvious that he intends to seek a second term of office’’.
‘’If Hope Uzodinma succeeds in his ambition of securing a second tenure, his Deputy will likely come from Okigwe, while the position of Speaker would be occupied by somebody from Owerri zone. So the permutation does not in any way favour Pascal Okolie”.
He also reminded Okolie that the Deputy speaker of Imo state House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Amara Iwuanyanyanwu, the Majority Leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi are all first timers in the Imo state House of Assembly.
“Come to think of it, Okolie performance alongside others who claim to be our representatives at all levels is nothing to write home about.They are all monumental failures in all ramifications. They should bow out and leave the scene for more efficient, capable and proactive persons who have the zeal and passion to offer quality and effective representative’’
For instance, I have a house at Amaigbo street, Orlu. All the tenants there have packed out because of insecurity and attendant issues. Businesses have collapsed. Yet our representatives at all levels have not spoken or done anything about it.
On Peter Obi’s chances as the presidential candidate of Labour Party, the seasoned politician said, ‘’if you tell me that something is sweet , you should tell me what it tastes like. Peter Obi’s emergence is like a Tsunami because he has been tested and proven. All those who attempted to malign or run him down were hit very hard by providence.
Mbaka tried it and was given the boot. Ekweremadu did the same and landed in trouble within 48 hours.This shows that Peter Obi’s emergence is a divine arrangement. Come 2023, he will be the president of Nigeria, in line with the wish of people who have suffered a lot’’.
