THISDAYonline

Political activities preparatory to the 2003 governorship elections in Imo State are at advanced stage. Already, the three geo-political zones which make up the State namely Orlu, Owerri Okigwe, are each perfecting plans to wrestle power from Orlu zone, where it is presently held by virtue of the Governor, Achike Udenwa's administration. No fewer than eight aspirants have since signalled interest in the state's most exalted seat. Leading the row call is Chief Humphrey Anumudu who also contested the primary with the incumbent governor, Achike Udenwa in the last elections. Others believed to be jostling for the seat include Chief Rochas Okorocha, Alex Chike, Charles Agwu, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), a business man, is a member of the All Peoples Party (APP), Hon. Uche Nwole, a member of the federal House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, also a member of the lower chamber of the legislature and committee Chairman on works and Okey Ikoro. Others are Chief Vincent Mgbemena, the Managing Director of Orange drugs who is from Orlu zone, Lady Nnana Okoro and Alex Mbakwe amongst several other rumoured gubernatorial aspirants.

Although Imo State is widely reputed to be one of the most peaceful states, East of the Niger, political analysts in the state believe that next year's gubernatorial elections would breed intense political rivalry not only because of the re-entry of 1999 gubernatorial rivals but also the determination of state incumbent not to cede power to other zones without clear victory at the polls. THISDAY reliably gathered that there are several reasons for the long list of governorship aspirants. One of such reasons, THISDAY gathered is the neglect of founding fathers of the PDP who staked a lot to ensure stability and growth of the party. Instead, close allies of the governor from rival political parties are said to be accorded greater recognition over and above the party founding fathers. A few examples of these include C.C Ugwu, Rochas Okorocha, Echeruos, Mike Ahamba, the Igbokwes, Anumudus, Greg Mbadiwe among others. This scenario, sources said eventually resulted in protest disembarkment from PDP caucus and subsequently the bitterness expressed towards the Achike Udenwa administration from diverse points.

Analysts posit that the inability of the state governor to reconcile the aggrieved founding members of the state PDP continues to place his administration on the fire line of other interest groups. Another reason why there are more aspirants particularly captains of industry, such as Charlse Ugwu, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) President, Okey Ikoro, president, National Association of edible oil producers, Humphrey Anumudu, Lawyer turned businessman, to mention a few, is the perception that the state economy requires technical solution to solve the issues of dwindling revenue, tax related issues, and efforts at industrializing the state economy. Other remote causes include zonal ambitions exemplified by candidates fielded by the various zones for the collective interest of the area. This arrangement is informed by the perception that there is no equity in the level of infrastructural development of the 3 Senatorial zones. Rather, there is the suspicion that the ruling Orlu zone is developing faster in terms of infrastructure, while Owerri and Okigwe are relegated to the background. For this singular reason, each zone aspires to install a leadership that would guarantee priority attention to its home constituency.

Added to that is the slow pace of progress in the state, which the governor blamed on paucity of funds. Governor Achike Udenwa, meanwhile has said that he believed in positive criticisms and not those designed to malign his achievements. He emphasised that his achievements would speak for him in future. "If you had been in Imo state three years ago, you will understand the extent of work we have done. We have executed about 500 projects in less than three years". The return of arch rivals like Rochas Okorocha and Humphrey Anumudu against the second term bid of Chief Achike Udenwa is viewed as holding potent threat to the peace and stability of the state. This is so because, Anumudu and Rochas are two political giants whom opinion polls show are capable of easily swaying public opinion by virtue of their acceptability among their supporters.

Although Okorocha was to emerge as PDP candidate from Orlu zone in the governorship race, he was later dropped at the last minute in favour of Chief Achike Udenwa, a Port Harcourt based Accountant at that time. Chief Udenwa's entry was the product of mistrust, in-fighting and rivalry between Rochas and Anumudu, alongside other party henchmen in the state. While Anumudu from Owerri zone emerged successful at the primaries, Rochas Okorocha emerged winner in Orlu but was denied ticket by the party echelon who felt that Rochas will not respect the status quo in the party caucus . In the resulting impasse, Rochas Okorocha in protest of his disenfranchisement stood against the nomination of Humphrey Anumudu in what could be said to be crisis of confidence. At this stage, both Rochas and Anumudu resolved that neither of them would clinch the governorship seat, but agreed that in the interest of peace, a neutral compromise candidate should emerge. That singular decision for a neutral candidate fell on Chief Achike Udenwa who came third and subsequently took over as governor.

Nonetheless, Udenwa has been able to establish himself by his own making. He is a force in the state politics and has maximized the position of the state's Chief executive to a positive advantage. But Udenwa has since assumption of office three years ago been grappling with an alleged stigma: inaction. This, his opponents and political observers as well as analysts in the state have kept on discussing and harping on. Variously, he has been accused of non-performance and to worsen matters, result of the recently concluded media assessment led by the information minister, Prof. Jerry Gana which rated the state low was no help to the agitated fate of the state's chief executive. Though, the assessment result has since been challenged by the governor's men and described as not credible, the feeling still being nurtured amongst the general public however revolves around the conception that the governor is not performing. The likes of Barrister Nnaemeka Maduagu, the new speaker of the State House of Assembly and Mr. Bonny Ebili, one of the many aides of the governor would sit down and analyse one by one, the many achievements of the Udenwa's administration. Their reasons for doing that could not just be dismissed. They have to defend a government of which they are part of, irrespective of the differences in their ideologies as stakeholders in the administration.

On the whole however, Udenwa still has the power of incumbency which is today an intimidating factor in the Nigerian polity. That he has his own men in every strategic place in the facets of Imo State is an indication that whoever is ready to give Udenwa a fight for his money and political powers may undoubtedly have to double up his own stripes in order to match up with what is required in challenging the political clout of His Excellency. But despite his political machinery and seizure of other political vessels, the intending governorship aspirants are also not relenting in their efforts to close up the gaps and perhaps unseat him in an event that might design change in the state. The following aspirants promise to cause a change in the state. How that would be achieved is still in the hands of fate as the 2003 general elections stands to be the umpire. In view of next year's election, analysts fear that the bone of contention between Rochas and Anumudu may still subsist, hence the possibility of a protest vote by either of the two to undo the other. This is where fears arise that the election might be tense and prone to high-wire intrigues. Now, a parade of the aspirants.

Humphrey Anumudu
A second time contestant for governorship seat in Imo. He hails from Owerri zone and command a teaming population of followers. This is because the Anumudus are politically inclined. However, the governorship ambition of Anumudu has become no less an issue in Imo State. He is neither an alien in the race nor a neophyte in the game of politics. Regarded as the leading governorship aspirant, Anumudu was actively involved in last election and according to reports, won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket during the 1999 elections. He contested against the incumbent- Achike Udenwa. Some unenvisaged calculations were said to have worked against him. One, the party leadership in consonance with the yearnings of the people of the state agreed that the seat be zoned to Orlu zone in order to balance up the vacuum created by previous administrations. Two, he was too much of a conservative, more of an "English man" who does things in the polished way. Such disposition allegedly worked against him because it was analysed that he may not be given to doing the bidding of the party leadership. However, coming from Owerri zone, Anumudu was prevailed upon to step down and allow an Orlu person to have what rightly belonged to them by virtue of preceding political events.

But in place of this, Anumudu was to be compensated with the Owerri Senatorial slot having succumbed to plea of the elders. Unfortunately, Chief Evan Enwerem, a former governor of the state was interested in the seat and was said to have pleaded for it also. He was said to have argued on the score that age was not on his side and that the elders should prevail on Anumudu to step down again for him and allow him have at least, a tenure as Senator. This, Anumudu also did and has since returned to business with an eye opened on politics. This time, there appears to be no consideration for dialogue in a clear win. He seems convinced that he could prove his mettle again. His chances are though still very bright the way they were some three years ago. But he has to fight two things; the issue of zoning and the incumbency factor should he get the ticket at all. If the zoning thing is left open as being canvassed in some quarters, he may be faced squarely with the incumbency threat. These aside, Anumudu is one candidate to watch out for in next election in the state. He has the financial muscle and political machinery with enough stamina to challenge Udenwa to a duel. If there is anyone who could give Udenwa a run for his money and power of incumbency, then Anumudu easily passes as one.

Charles Ugwu
A successful industrialist with proven knowledge of macro economic he hails from Okigwe zone. Currently, he is the national president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). He is among other fast selling products, the producer of Uzzi Mineral Water. His business acumen and experience are respected not only in the business community in the country but also within the diplomatic corps because of his distinguishable intelligence acquired during his many years of education and training overseas. Ugwu who also is a founding member and one time financier of PDP in Imo State insists on the return to the status Quo of rotational system of producing a governor over the three senatorial zones of Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri. His view coincides with the insistence by elder statesman, and former governor of the state, Chief Sam Mbakwe that the zoning formula be adhered to and that by 2003, it would be the turn of Okigwe zone to produce governor in the state. Although this arrangement was reached in a gentle man's term at the inception of Achike Udenwa's administration, the Orlu zone is reluctant to cede power to other areas and insists on a second term.

Rochas Okorocha
A house hold name in rural and urban Imo, Rochas Okorocha is a two-term contestant of governorship elections in Imo State. An indigene of Ogboko in Ideato South of Orlu senatorial zone Rochas commands a towering followership among women, youths and the disabled everywhere in the country and particularly in Imo in .

Known for various humanitarian projects, from way back in Jos where he grew up, to Imo State, Rochas remains endeared to the hearts of people, particularly for his humanitarian legacies which abound. Investigations reveal that Okorocha may not contest with the PDP ticket but has chosen to be in the main stream of the registration of UNDP from where he hopes to launch out in next year's elections. But it is too early to predict given the fluid political scenario in the state.

Okey Ikoro
Another captain of industry. A young and energetic politician from Owerri zone, he is believed by many to hold the ace for the youths in the state. He is currently the president of the edible oil manufacture association nationwide. His entry into the race is seen by many as a challenge to the unhealthy trend of old players returning to the trenches once again.

Alex Mbakwe
Alex Mbakwe is the son of the former governor of the state, Chief Sam Mbakwe. Alex, perhaps, wants to continue where his father stopped. Ironically, the man who hails from Okigwe Senatorial zone has not formally indicated his interest in the seat, but his allies have been selling him to the state as their product from Okigwe. He may not be too keen on the elections as he has since maintained a rather too quiet posture on what others have invested both material and human resources.

Mike Ahamba
A notable force in Imo politics and one time legislator at the state House of Assembly, Ahamba naturally commands a teaming population of followers, particularly among workers and the present generation. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN) of many years, his experience in the legal field conflicts openly with the detours of party sycophancy, hence his withdrawal from the PDP main stream to the All Peoples Party (APP). Observers say if well packaged, his candidature might pull a surprise on everyone.

Emeka Nwajiuba
A lawyer turned politician, Nwajiuba is currently the Chairman, House Committee on Works at the federal House of Representatives. He hails from Okigwe zone. Although his stature as a legislator in the federal House of Representative is to an advantage, Nwajiuba is however seen as too committed to his legislative duties in Abuja that little or nothing is done to shore up his image and programmes ahead of the crucial 2003 elections. He is rated as a young generation politician whose experience will improve the lives of youths and the unemployed in the state if given the chance.

Lady Nnanna Okoro
The only woman contestant in the governorship race in 2003. A one time legislator in the state House of Assembly and a professional teacher turned lawyer, Lady Okoro banks on her teaching and legal experience to make a change in the 2003 elections. With an unprecedented followership among women, teachers and other politicians Lady Nnenna Okoro is to contest under the Peoples Liberation Party (PLP).

Julius Kpaduwa
More or less the newest amongst the governorship aspirants to show interest in the state's most exalted seat. Dr. Julius Kpaduwa is a Nigerian who lived most of life in the Unites States of America. Though, he is one of those who have not formally declared their intentions either for fear of what may become of their candidacy or acceptability, Kpaduwa since his intention of taking a shot at the government house has put up several programmes geared towards the development of Imo State. Kpaduwa, a medical doctor from Isiala-Mbano area of the state is making no less efforts to seeing that his candidacy becomes more pronounced.

Thus, given the array of aspirants poised to challenge Udenwa in 2003, the battle for Imo government house promises to be quite rough.