- Uzodinma, Ohakim, Araraume, Nwosu, others afraid, boycotts event
Dan Opara
Some group of Imo State sons and daughters based in the European Continent, on Monday, Jan.7th 2019 at Rockview Hotels Owerri, under the platform of “Imo Community Europe”, organized a political debate for all the governorship candidates of various political parties in Imo State, ahead of the elections.
Only 5 (Five) party Guber candidates out of the 67 Guber candidates for the 2019 polls were present and they include Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, of PDP, Mr.Linus Okorie of YPP, Mr.Okey Ezeh, of SDP, Barr. Daniel Ahinzechukwu, of NNPP, and Rev.Barr.Ikenna Emmanuel, of CAP.
Those who obviously skipped and boycotted the debate are: Hope Uzodinma, of APC, Uche Nwosu, of AA, Ikedi Ohakim, of Accord Party, Ifeanyi Araraume, of APGA, and about 60 other political party Guber candidates.
At the debate proper, the candidates present were allowed to tell Imolites their leadership programmes, manifesto, and blueprints one after the other.
But interestingly, all of them mentioned above respectively showcased their leadership skills and told Imolites that they are capable to rule Imo,if elected as Governor.
The YPP Guber candidate, Dr. Linus Okorie, in his manifesto, said his government if elected shall transform Imo State by making the people have access to financial freedom through women youth empowerment.
He said that his govt.shall involve in the funding of the Local Government and the rural areas.
The Chief Convener of the debate, Sir.Dr.Chuks Ogbonna, a solicitor based in the United Kingdom and in Europe, expressed satisfaction with the height of mutual understanding with all the Guber candidates present but commended and encouraged them for showcasing their leadership blueprints and manifestos.
A cross section of observers who witnessed the debate among the governorship candidates of various political parties in Imo State, for the 2019 general election, have expressed satisfaction with the conduct and policies of the governorship candidacies Mazi Okey Ezeh,of the Social Democratic Party,SDP, and that of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP,Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and some others for the display of their skills in governance, if elected.
In attendance was, Dr. Linus Okorie of the Young Peoples Party, YPP, Mazi Okey Ezeh of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Barr. Daniel Ahinze Chukwu of the New Nigeria Peoples Party,NNPP, and Rev.Barr. Ikenna Emmanuel of the Change Advocacy Party, CAP.
“Hon. Ihedioha demonstrated his depth understanding and knowledge of the challenges facing Imo State and the requisite solution he articulated and researched to fix the dilapidation in the state.
Ihedioha in the debate said he will sponsor an Executive Bill to the Legislature to provide for an autonomous local government system.
Meanwhile, the conspicuous absence of some governorship candidates has continued to generate mixed reactions by the public.
Party candidates who were not in attendance include the Former Imo Governor, Dr.Ikedi Ohakim of the Accord Party, Sen.Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Uche Nwosu of Action Alliance, AA, Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, among others did not participate at the debate and it appears there is yet no official communication from their organization about their absence.
