The former Governor of Imo State and Ex-Senator of the Federal Republic, Sen. Rochas Okorocha (Owelle), has described Hon. Chike Okafor—currently serving as the member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Abuja—as a “prodigal son.”
Senator Okorocha made this declaration last Sunday in Owerri during the child dedication ceremony of Hon. Kenneth Emelu, a close ally and one of his former commissioners during his administration.
While addressing guests at the event, the former governor reflected on the roles played by some of his former appointees during his administration.
He particularly recalled that Hon. Chike Okafor served as the Commissioner for Finance during the “Rescue Mission” government in Imo State.
“In my time as Governor of Imo State, Chike Okafor was in charge of the financial operations of the state. I now consider him a prodigal son. He oversaw the signing and management of financial transactions totaling over ₦3 trillion, which sustained the Rescue Mission government under my leadership,” Okorocha stated.
In the same breath, the former governor also took a swipe at Ichie Best Uche Mbanaso, another former commissioner in his administration who held the portfolio of Commissioner for Works. Okorocha equally referred to him as a “prodigal son,” lamenting what he described as the disappointing stance and attitude of some of his former appointees who had once been close confidants and beneficiaries of his political leadership.
The statements, laced with a tone of disappointment, reflect Okorocha’s ongoing discontent with the political trajectories of some of his former aides, who appear to have distanced themselves from his political ideology in recent times.
