The appointment of Jidechukwu Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, son of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftain, Chief (Engr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as an appointee in Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration has triggered worry and murmurings within the fold of the PDP in Imo State.
The Imo State government had on Tuesday announced Jidechukwu Iwuanyanwu as Special Adviser to the Governor on NEPAD and others as political aides
Some party members who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed surprise on the appointment wondering if the former Presidential aspirant is on his way out of the PDP if his son could be given an appointment in an APC government.
This newspaper had observed lately that Chief Iwuanyanwu had been attending functions of the state government. He had been in company of the Governor when Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo Addo and former President, Olusegun Obasanjo visited the state for Imo Thanksgiving ceremony held last year
He was also present at the 55th birthday ceremony of Governor Rochas Okorocha in September last year. Sources close to the Attah Chief said he attended such events in his capacity as a leader and father of the state.
But the appointment of his son, Jidechukwu, has sent some conflicting signals to worried PDP members in the state.
“ We are surprised on this appointment. Though we are yet to hear from Chief what were the motives behind such appointment” said a party chieftain.
However, it was gathered that Jidechukwu’s appointment may be a political move by the Okorocha government as it remove all odds that will ensure the APC retains the Imo governorship seat in 2019.
Political analysts said the move is aimed at decimating the PDP in the state before the elections. Chief Iwuanyanwu is yet to respond on his son’s appointment, but a close source said “there is nothing wrong with the appointment. Is Jide or any of Chief’s sons not a citizen of Imo State that is entitled to be appointed likewise any other Imo citizen”