– As lawmakers finally allow gov. to present budget today
The alleged resolve of the state government to ensure that the Chief of Staff, Government House and Governor Okorocha’s son-inlaw, Chief Uche Nwosu becomes the next governor of the state, come 2019, has taken a new dimension, and torn the Imo State House of Assembly apart, with the recent press conference, granted by the member representing Oguta state constituency, Hon. Henry Ezediaro.
Hon. Ezediaro, had at a press conference he held at Grace Land Housing Estate, Irette, in Owerri West LGA, last Sunday, 10th December 2017, averred that the legislators from the 27 state constituencies, have in view of Uche Nwosu’s leadership qualities and what he represents, endorsed him to be governor come 2019. He was also said to have made it clear that the legislators don’t care if the governor supports their move or not “because as representatives of the people, we have the right to decide what and who is good for them”.
He also promised to donate 27 buses for Uche Nwosu’s campaign, and revealed that he is now the Director General of Ugwumba Mandate, worldwide, saddled with the responsibility of mobilizing Imolites for the 2019 election. According to him, the resolve to endorse Uche Nwosu is to ensure continuity and consolidate on governor Okorocha’s mind blowing achievements.
However, a good number of legislators, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, said the issue of endorsing Uche Nwosu as governor, was, at no time discussed in the house. “Besides, it is not our duty to endorse candidates”.
The legislator for Aboh Mbaise state constituency, Hon. Mike Iheanetu (Akwa Akwuru), said, though he was not speaking for the Minority Leader, Nwosu’s endorsement was never raised for discussion on the floor of the house, though, he is constitutionally qualified to contest.
The legislator for Nkwerre state constituency, where Uche Nwosu hails from, Hon. Madumere Chike said the news of Nwosu’s purported endorsement, was strange to him, because, “he has not told me that he wants to be governor. Besides, I am in Onitsha now and not aware of any such endorsement by the house and I was not part of it”.
Others who spoke on condition of anonymity, for fear of intimidation and harassment, dissociated themselves from the purported and alleged ill-motivated endorsement, which they said is a charade that exists only in Hon. Ezediaro’s imagination.
On Sunday, 10th December, 2017, the Speaker, Hon, Acho Ihim through his Personal Secretary, Marcel Ekwezuo, said there was never a time the issue of who becomes governor in 2019 was discussed on the floor of the House. “The job of members of the legislature is to make laws and resolutions at plenary, that impact positively on Imolites. The endorsement of candidates for whatever position is not part of it. Though, each member is at liberty to have preference for any aspirant, but such preference is a personal issue that does not concern the House. Besides, it is the responsibility of the party to produce and endorse candidates. Once that is done, every member of the party will now strive to deliver the chosen candidates. In the light of the foregoing, I would like to believe that, Hon. Ezediaro, who is at liberty to support whoever, he wants was quoted out of contest”.
Meanwhile, the legislators have resolved to allow the Governor present the 2018 budget proposal to the House, today 12th December, 2017. It was however not clear, as at the time of going to press, if their initial demands for refusing the budget presentation, have been fulfilled.
