Tit Bits On Imo Governorship Aspirants (PART ONE)

This piece in a jiffy attempts to analyze the litany of governorship aspirants in Imo State, South East Nigeria  and their style of politicking, public perception, capacity to deliver .

ROCHAS OKOROCHA

Incumbent Governor, resilient, focused and unpredictable. An old guard politician that has moved his aspiration to the masses.

STRENGTH: Incumbency factor, placed emphasis and attention on non elites who vote at elections. Set a class war in the political landscape making the locals more prominent to injure the feelings of  the elites who rig elections.A roaring ambition with a fierce passion to succeed.

ODDS: A downward slide in popularity and acceptance. Has a Herculean task to subdue the opposition. 

EMEKA IHEDIOHA

Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, three time representative for Ngor Okpala/ Aboh Mbaise Federal Constituency. Number Six citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Intimidating political profile backed with an unyielding political orientation.

STRENGTH: An astute politician, firm, decisive and unrepentant about his ambition.   His greatest strength is enormous resources to prosecute a governorship campaign.  Has vast political network across the State and beyond.

ODDS:  Acceptability across the State is limited, mainly faulted for focusing dividends of democracy in his Mbaise clan, easily resorts to political bickering  even when it is unnecessary.

 BETHEL AMADI

Member, representing Mbaike Constituency in the House of Representatives.  Four time legislator, First Vice President, Pan Africa Parliament and later, President. A serious contender for the governorship race, quietly built bridges of political friendship of like minds across the State.

STRENGTH: A major contender for Imo guber seat, well connected to certain political forces in the country. Calm, talks little and has  totally shied away from political razzmatazz, triple factors which make his opponents unable to know his backbone.

ODDS: Ought to improve his acceptability ratio across the State and permeate more into the grassroots.

 IKEDI OHAKIM

Former  Governor of Imo State, aggressive, known for deft political moves and touches.   Yet to officially declare to contest, but his ambition will change the colouration of the governorship race. Enjoys limited"political sympathy" after he said his private home in Owerri was attacked.

STRENGTH:  An existing political structure and army of political loyalists, though with huge limitations and limited political value. Tireless and posses an unwavering determination to achieve set targets and goals.

ODDS: Has to work extra hard to convince Imoltes why he has to return as governor a second time within four years. Loquacious and will contend with divided acceptance by the elites and non elites in the State.

HUMPHREY ANUMUDU

 Lawyer and businessman, apostle of Injustice, playing the sympathy card to attract support from Imolites after he was persuaded to handover the PDP governorship ticket in 1999 to Achike Udenwa in line with Imo Charter of Equity.

STRENGTH:Sympathy votes will stroll his path if he picks the PDP governorship ticket. Rugged and persistent,  though not enough qualities to enable him scale through the hurdles.

ODDS:Ought to move away from sympathy brand of politicking. Should develop a new image to portray his capacity to govern the State if elected into office.

Ken Ojiri

High flying businessman, international auditor with relevant experience.  Young with sharp ideas and articulate. Represents the new generation of politicians with the passion to serve the people of Imo State.

STRENGTH: Capacity to deliver if elected.

ODDS: Victim of greenhorn factor in Imo politics, must move his aspiration to the people.

IFEANYI ARARAUME

Two -time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, dogged, no nonsense politician. Full of determination and never say die spirit. 

Another sympathy aspirant playing the sympathy card having suffered injustice in 2006 in PDP. Experienced, dogged and determined politician. Focused and has some considerable level of public acceptance.

STRENGTH: Determination and unwavering desire to govern Imo State.

ODDS:  Excessive attention on political bickering and unnecessary political  battles.

KEN NJEMANZE, SAN

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, brilliant with good ideas for a better Imo State. Leads the calibre of Imo politicians with new style and approach to politics.

STRENGTH:  Credible, untainted and focused.

ODDS: Hunted by the greenhorn factor in politics and should drive his aspiration to the grassroots.

HOPE UZODINMA

Senator of the Federal Repbulic of Nigeria.  Controversial, rugged and determined.   Driven by fiery ambition to be Governor of Imo State. Built vast political network comprising loyalists  across the State.

 STRENGTH: Deep pockets and ability to expend it, a political schemer with deft political moves

ODDS: Questions bordering on his integrity, unacceptability problems especially in some areas in the State. Belongs to the old guard of Imo politicians with same mentality and die hard approach.

PART TWO OF THIS PIECE COMING.