Should Okorocha endorse his son in-law as governor?
Eze Chidiebere Innocent, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. Nwosu is popular among students. Although Imo government is not a family business, we as students are comfortable with Uche Nwosu right from when he was the transport officer at Imo State University. He was also a virile student activist and a philanthropist. He started his philantropy in 2014, […]
Eze Chidiebere Innocent, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
Nwosu is popular among students. Although Imo government is not a family business, we as students are comfortable with Uche Nwosu right from when he was the transport officer at Imo State University. He was also a virile student activist and a philanthropist. He started his philantropy in 2014, even before dreaming of being a governor. We do not care about zoning. We want somebody who can identify with our wishes and aspirations. It should also be understood that endorsing him does not mean that he has already won the election. But if he comes out, we will vote for him.
Hon. Emma Osuji, APC Chieftain, New Owerri Ward II.
There must be primaries in APC. We were invited to a meeting in the Government House where we were confronted with a book containing the names of those who had signed to support Uche Nwosu. We were taken aback because Owerri zone had never endorsed him as the consensus candidate. We were with Rochas Okorocha in APGA where we supported him with the understanding that he will rule for four years and hand over to Owerri zone. He reneged in 2015 and went for a second term. So we had expected that he will honour the agreement this time. This new contraption is strange to me. As at the last count, about six people are vying for governorship under APC, so we insist that there must be primaries. We cannot be hoodwinked into supporting Nwosu because that was not the agreement. We are watching. There is no magic about it. If anybody says there is nothing like zoning, he is lying.
Eberechukwu AD Umunna, 62, Okigwe Zone.
What will give Rochas credibility is to hand over to Owerri zone. Many people have ruled Imo State. They have done their part and gone. We know Rochas’s successes and failures and we say kudos to him. But what will give him credibility is for him to have an honourable and dignified exit by handing over to Owerri zone. For him to propose handing over to his son in-law from the same zone is not a tidy and healthy arrangement. I suggest he groom somebody from Owerri zone.
Godiya Emmanuel, 28, Student, Kaduna
Honestly, governance isn’t a family affair. It’s not right. Okorocha shouldn’t make such a move.
Ahmad Abubakar Abdulmalik Esq, 28, Mizan Chambers, Kaduna
If he believes that his son in-law is capable, then he can. After all, endorsement is not voting. The people have the final say with their PVCs, and the mere fact that a sitting governor endorses a candidate does not mean that candidate will succeed him, even though it is a major factor in Nigerian politics. But I believe the masses are wiser now and know that power lies with the electorate. The 2015 election was really an eye opener in this regard and I hope 2019 will even be better.
Frank Allwell Brown, 54, Ohaji /Egbema.
If it is God’s will, let it be done. Power comes from God and he alone dispenses it. If it is what God has signed no man can change it. But if it is not what God has signed whoever is propping up Uche Nwosu may be on a wild goose chase. It doesn’t matter if it’s the governor’s son in-law. It is God’s will that matters.
Jameel Isiyaku, Manager, Sancon Petroleum, Kaduna
It is totally wrong and unfair of Governor Okorocha to endorse his son in-law as the next governor of Imo State. Is there no other honest politician in Imo State that is capable of contesting the governorship seat in the APC? It seems he is trying to turn the Imo state politics into a friends and family affair.
Abubakar Haruna Majidadi, 30, Sheikh Lawal Abubakar Academy, Kaduna
I don’t like this politics of endorsement. It is high time these old set of politicians start realizing that the mandate is with the electorate. You cannot just sit and endorse somebody and force us to vote him. I think the best thing to do is reject those endorsed who are not good for the task. After all, they are not even sincere about the endorsement. They only endorse who can cover their mess after they leave office.
Christopher Osuji, 40, Taxi Driver, Imo
Whoever succeeds Okorocha, we need development. My problem is not who succeeds him, but good governance. We need good roads and infrastructure. We don’t have light, water, or good roads in Imo. It is God that gives leadership and position. We want a governor who will see the whole state as his constituency.