BY: CHIJIOKE UFORMADU
Former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, were absent at Okigwe stakeholders meeting convened by billionaire politician and a political leader in the zone, Tony Chukwu.
The meeting took place barely 48 hours the remains of Senator Benjamin Uwajumuogu was buried.
The meeting according to findings by this newspaper ended in a stalemate as the home of Mr.Chukwu seems to have turned to a political mecca lately for those who want to run for the zone’s Senate seat.
No reason has been given for the absence of Ohakim and Araraume though there are strong indications that the latter is very much interested in the race.
The meeting was however attended by notable political leaders from across the six local governments that make up the zone.
Minister of State, Education, Hon.Emeka Nwajiuba was present, including member of House of Representatives, Hon.Chike Okafor among hundreds of key political actors in the zone.
Part of the resolution reached at the meeting by the stakeholders include writing a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari to commend him for appointing a son of Okigwe zone, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and Mrs Gloria Akonbundu into his government.
They also resolved to pay a courtesy call on Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, to pledge their loyalty to his administration.
Convener of the meeting, Chief Tony Chukwu, canvassed the need for the zone to support a young and vibrant person to represent the zone, stating that gone are the days an individual will stay in the comfort of his zone and dictate the political fortune of the zone.
A former Commissioner in the State, Longers Anyanwu who spoke at the summit said the major problem of the zone is Isiala Mbano, where Ikedi Ohakim and Senator Araraume come from.
He anchored his submission on the basis that the area has benefitted from any government in power, reminding them that the current Speaker of the House, Chiji Collins is also from the area.
This newspaper also observed that leaders from Ihitte Uboma axis, where the Late Senator Uwajumuogu hails from are insisting that one of their own should be allowed to complete the late Senator’s tenure.
Already the number of those jostling to occupy the Senate seat continue to increase daily thus feeling speculations that the contest will be a tough one.
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