BY: RALPH EJIMKONYE, JOHN UCHE
The opposition in Imo State has been adjudged to be weak and feeble or simply put decimated on the basis that it is focusing enormous attention on the outcome of the governorship election held in the State on March 9, 2019.
The winner of the polls, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in a deft move to weaken opposition forces has garnered more public appeal and support since he was elected Governor ostensibly part of his moves to consolidate.
Aside the camp of Governor Rochas Okorocha who have been battling to save it’s face from series of allegations bordering on alleged mis- governance, there is little heard about other opposition forces in the State.
Other opposition arrow heads such as Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Congress, APC, and Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance, AA, are all in court challenging the declaration of Governor Ihedioha as winner of the polls.
Analysts contend that two key factors could be responsible why the opposition is perceived to have lost it’s voice in the State.
Chief Sebastine Okenwa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, attributes the weak posture of the opposition in the State on the grounds that Governor Ihedioha is one step ahead of the opposition because he has “covered a lot of grounds” in the course of championing his rebuild Imo Agenda
He said “Those who were left out during Okorocha’s regime for eight years have found political accommodation in the present government. What we have now on Imo is a government that believes in inclusiveness. A government of all.
“This weakens any opposition or makes it rudderless, a case of a dog that barks without biting.
“Governor Ihedioha understands the political elites so well that he has succeeded in co opting most of them in his administration.
“What constitutes the opposition in any sane clime are the elites.
“Okorocha was randomly attacked by the elites because he went solo and this gave rise to the persistent criticism of his administration.
“He did not help matters. He personalized governance which gave rise to his government been christened a government of my family, my family.
“For Ihedioha, his approach is different.And this tells you he is a firm believer in inclusiveness.This factor can really decimate any opposition.
Analysts further contend that despite the fact Ihedioha may not be moving on a snail speed expected, there is noticeable relief among a greater majority who believe that the government is on track and has shown indications that it will perform.
“When you asses the depth of rot and booby traps the government of the day encountered, you can only appreciate the little it has achieved so far.
However, the opposition elements contend what is key at the moment is to challenge the process that brought the present government to power and not to resort to criticisms of his policies on the basis that it has not even clocked 100 days in office.
Mr. John Uche said since majority of Imolites are in support of the present government, the opposition is bound to be weak and feeble at the moment.
“Opposition thrives when the government in power fails or seen to have deviated from the promises it made to those who elected them into power.
“At the moment, there is a new government in place and the masses seem to be very patient with it.
“It will be out of place if the opposition spring up from the blues just to attack government policies. No opposition leader will be taken serious If he or she indulge in such act.
“Our democracy has not advanced to the stage where there are embedded opposition elements. What we have are emergency politicians who migrate from one political party to the other to serve their interests during election periods
“In the UK and the U.S, we have permanent opposition forces who put the government of the day on its toes. It is not so here” he said
A careful look of the opposition in Imo State show they are more interested in elections.
“This is why you see so much adrenaline key opposition figures have put in at the Election Petition Tribunal challenging the election process that brought in the present government” said Mr.Austin Amadi
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