Has Ohakim dumped Ihedioha or negotiating a soft landing for Uzodinma’s removal?
The New Year visit to Senator Hope Uzodinma, by the former Govenror of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, have generated a lot of reactions from political watchers and analysts in the state.
A lot of questions have been asked about the visit, and it’s timing, coming days before the hearing of the Philip Umeadi suit, which seeks to remove Senator Hope Uzodinma, and return Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, as governor of Imo State.
Ohakim, a very close ally of Ihedioha, also has history with Uzodinma, having been nominated as Uzodinma’s running mate in 2003, before his eventual emergence as governor in 2007.
Since the removal of Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha by the Supreme Court, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim have maintained a low profile politically, meeting Uzodinma publicly only once, during the burial of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu.
Close associates revealed that the Omuma born former senator of Orlu Zone, have since last year, reached out to Ohakim, but the former Govenror had maintained a distance, only joining Ihedioha on his first public appearance after the Supreme Court ruling, when they visited Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
The New Year visit, has people wondering, if Ohakim have decided to pitch tents with Uzodinma in anticipation of a victory at the court, or negotiating a soft landing for Uzodinma, in anticipation of a defeat.
If Uzodinma is sacked, he would probably need an assurance to return to the PDP, as he may not be able to find footing in APC, with former Govenror Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume there. The duo have not made it easy for him, despite him occupying the Governorship seat. Without it, they will walk over him.
On the other hand, people have also wondered, if it was merely a social call to a friend.
Ohakim, regarded as a very important asset to any administration, has been a man known for standing true with his friends, even when he suffers personal losses for his loyalty.
His stand with the late president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, which created a reef between him and former president Goodluck Jonathan, and eventually led to his removal, is a case in point of his character in loyalty.
Imo political watchers, believe that like a big masquerade, Ohakim’s public appearance with Uzodinma, has serious political significance that could manifest soon.
Umeadi is in court, to seek clarity from the Supreme Court, over two countering rulings. A Supreme Court ruling declared Uche Nwosu, as the authentic candidate of the APC in Imo State.
Umeadi wants Uzodinma, to explain how he became Govenror, since Uche Nwosu is the candidate of the party.
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