The Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has debunked allegation of his wavering position in the All Progressive congress (APC), saying that he has remained not only a member of the party but a founding member of APC.
Governor Okorocha stated this during a media chat with journalists in the state at Government House Owerri.
The Governor who was elected into office under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) explained that he shifted camp to APC following the need to move to a party with a national outlook for the benefit of Ndi-Igbo as APGA was only a regional party just like other regional parties that merged to form APC.
He however noted that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) still remains a cultural identify for Ndi-Igbo which at present has its political leaning on either PDP as in the case with Anambra State or on APC as with Imo state.
He posted that the emergence of APC is a healthy development in the Nigerian democracy as it provides strong opposition to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Governor, who encouraged the people of South East to join APC, said that the structure of PDP does not provide opportunities for the South East. “It is only wise to say that South East is better of with APC”, he stressed.
Commenting on the rumour making rounds that the former Governor of Imo state, Chief Achike Udenwa has abandoned the All Progressivs Congress (APC) for PDP, Governor Okorocha expressed doubts that Chief Udenwa would not for any reason return to PDP where he has little or no opportunities.
Governor Okorocha also commented on the just concluded Anambra State Governorship election describing it as unfortunate for a nation that profess to have democracy considering the level of irregularities witnessed in the conduct of the election.
Answering questions on his political ambition especially as it concerns the option of vying for presidency or second term bid as governor come 2015, Governor Okorocha said there is nothing wrong for any qualified Nigerian to vie for any political office. He further said that he is not a new person in the presidential race in the country but noted that he is not yet clear on the issue. He has this to say: “I have the love of my people who want me here the next four years; so I will make it very clear when the time comes as I am still praying on this.”
On the proposed National Conference, Governor Okorocha said that Nigeria as a nation has over dramatized the issue of national conferences without specific reasons for holding one. He maintained that National Conference should not be a wild goose chase but such that will discuss specific issues like insecurity, health, youth empowerment, and education among others.
The Governor at the media chat challenged the Imo state PDP on the account of its infrastructural development in the state within the twelve years of its leadership in the state. “PDP should bury their lead in shame” he concluded.
