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Tag: Araraume

  • Okorocha to Araraume: I won’t let you destroy APC

    •Senator vows to remain in party 

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has described Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as an inconsistent politician.

    He vowed not to allow the former Senator destroy the All Progressives Congress (APC) like he did to other parties in the state.

    Okorocha insisted that Araraume has never been a good party man who can stick with his party if his ambition is not realised.

    He also dismissed as unfounded, claims by the former Senator that he was a founding member of the APC in the state.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “Senator Araraume has never been a good party man. A good party man is the one who, when he loses the primary, would work to support the party and its candidate.

    Senator Araraume has never done that. And we won’t allow him destroy APC like he did to other parties.

    “In 2015, Araraume contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary with Chief Emeke Ihedioha and lost. He was in court until the election was conducted. He only began to relate with the APC during the supplementary for the governorship election.

    “So, if Senator Araraume contested the PDP governorship primary in 2015, could he have also been one of the founders of APC? The answer is obviously in the negative. What we do not do is to allow opponents of the government benefit from their lies. We shall continue to submerge their lies.

    “In case we have forgotten, Senator Araraume was the pioneer State Chairman of All Progressives Party (APP). But before the 1999 election, he abandoned the party following a development that will be a story for another day. The late Evan Enwerem took him to Chief I.D. Nwoga and late Emeka Echeruo, who were leaders of the PDP in the state then, and secured a ticket for him for Okigwe Senatorial zone; that was how he went to the Senate.

    “In PDP in 2007, he fought the then Governor Achike Udenwa to a standstill; took away the party structure from Udenwa and became the governorship candidate. Udenwa decided to tell him that he was a sitting governor and then supported Chief Ikedi Ohakim of PPA, and he won.

    “He also fought Ohakim from the same Okigwe zone and lost. And in 2011, he left the PDP and became the governorship candidate of the ACN. He came fourth in the election and could not win any of the 27 councils.

    “By the way, where would Senator Araraume get the votes to win a governorship election? Is it Owerri Zone whose people still feel he is one of the major problems of PDP, and Ihedioha or Okigwe Zone where the people still believe he was the cause of Ohakim’s failed second term bid? Or Orlu Zone where he is seen as the person who never allowed their son, Achike Udenwa, to have a peaceful handover?

    “Beyond the false claims in the media, let us imagine the fate of APC in the Southeast or in Imo without Rochas Okorocha.

    “If Senator Araraume has what it takes to win an election, let him do what Rochas did in 2011, by picking APGA’s unavailable ticket and won, and in 2015, when he defiled all odds and joined the merger that gave birth to APC and also won.

    “He was one of those who called Rochas Alhaji in Government House and Okoro Hausa. The truth is that he won’t be allowed to do to APC what he did to APP, PDP and ACN”.

    But Ararume has dismissed reports that he plans to dump the party, saying he is working with other stakeholders to ensure victory for the party in the state and the Southeast.

    Ararume said those spreading rumours of his planned defection were afraid of his profile, noting that despite the anti-people policies of the Okorocha-led government, “the real APC” will produce the next governor.

    He said as a founding member of the APC in Imo state, he has nowhere to run to, but will stay and fight those who want to bring the party down.

    Ararume insisted that Okorocha has no followership within the APC as he came alone from APGA.

    He, therefore, asked his supporters and party leaders to ignore speculations about his plan to leave the party, saying he was rather working seriously with his “brothers and sisters” to deliver the Southeast to his party and President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said: “I am one of the founders of APC; it is my party and I am rooted in it, both at the national, zonal and state levels. They are afraid that I am very strong in the party at the grassroots, state and national levels.

    “We currently have a government that does not respect party manifesto and the rule of law; a government which does not believe that the party matters, and that those who worked for its success should be carried along.

    “So, this government must go. The proper APC government must come on board in 2019. As a matter of fact, our people are already looking beyond the current government. We have to fight this bad and ineffectual government to a standstill. That is why some of them are worried and have already started talking to Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other parties, while some are trying to revive the Action Alliance (AA). But, we will defeat them wherever they go.

    “Where am I leaving the party to? We have come to stay, and we will rather drive these people who are working against our party out because they are the impostors.”

  • Okorocha, Araraume: Old foes resume rivalry

    The battle line is drawn between Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume. The governor has anointed a successor. But, the senator, who is eyeing the seat, is kicking against the endorsement. Who blinks first? Correspondent Okodili Ndidi writes on the succeession battle in the Southeast state.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume have resumed their hostilities, ahead of the governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The rivalry may create crisis for the party, unless the national leadership intervenes to avoid doom for the platform.

    Araraume wants to succeed Okorocha. But, the governor has a preferred candidate. The senator is asking for a level playing ground at the primary, which he believes Okorocha cannot guarantee.

    The two have been locked in antagonism for a long time. But, they mended mences during the 2015 general elections when dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), following the alleged manipulation of the governorship primary in favour of the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha.

    Araraume helped the APC, a party he had dumped earlier to win the election in his Okigwe Zone against the PDP. Shortly after the 2015 elections, the two political heavyweights became friends and as predicted, Araraume teamed up with Okorocha.

    In appreciation of the role played by Araraume in his re-election bid, Okorocha appointed his son, 30 year-old Ifeanyi Ararume (jnr) as a commissioner.

    To many observers, the appointment of the ex-senator’s son was a settlement meant to compensate him and dissuade him from joining the governorship race in the future.

    However the relationship later turned sour. Okorocha and Ararueme are strange bedfellows. Both went their seperate ways last year.

    The first sign that the relationship was heading for the rock was the removal of the senator’s son as a commissioner. Sources said the  senator rejected the re-appointment of his son, following the dissolution of the State Executive Council, to drum home the point that he was not placated by the appointment.  Instead, Araraume expected the governor to reciprocate the support he gave him during his re-election by supporting his governorship ambition.

    Okorocha had told party chieftains that he will support the  senator for any other political office, except that of the governor. But,  Araraume had remained resolute on his ambition.

    In Imo politics, Araraume enjoys a rich and enviable followership, an advantage he has always used to scuttle the plans of his party whenever he is denied or robbed of the governorship ticket.

    The battle line between him and Okorocha is drawn. Following the governor’s blunt refusal to support his ambition, Ararume is gathering his armies. The senator is even being supported by some members of the governor’s camp.

    The last straw that broke the carmel’s back was Okorocha’s endorsement of his Chief of Staff and son in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu, as his successor. This has rekindled the anger of the senator against the governor.

     

    Why they fell apart:

    Many believe that Okorocha and Araraume fell apart because of the governor’s refusal to support the senator’s ambition to achieve his age-long dream of governing the state. Araraume has been a victim of several betrayals in the past.

    Some people believe that Okorocha has a pact with Araraume to hand over power to him at the end of his tenure because of his earlier support for his re-election bid.

    But, no sooner has the governor got a second term than he stunned the senator with his declaration that anyone above 5o years will not succeed him in 2019.

    Araraume believed the age ceiling was targeted at him. He is in his late fifties. He wanted the governor to shift grounds, but without success. An adamant governor advised Araraume to return to the Senate, promising to support him.

    But, the senator is unperturbed. He summoned his loyalists, most of who were serving in the Okorocha administration. He directed them to pull out of the governor’s camp.

    Since then, the duo have been locked in endless diatribe. Irked by the confrontation, Okorocha  swore that Araraume will never succeed him.

    The governor’s supporters also denied any succession pact between him and the senator. However, they acknowledged that Araraume was among party stalwarts who contributed to the governor’s campaigns in 2015.

     

    Apprehesion in APC:

    The face-off between Okorocha and Araraume can be best described as the war of two elephants, which makes the grass to suffer.

    The APC is bearing the brunt of the clash, which has polarised the party to the extent loyalists of the   governor and the ex-senator have become sworn enemies.

    Some members of the State Executive Committee of the party are allegedly on the payroll of the senator. Sources said they no longer  attend meetings convened by the  chairman, Dr. Hillary Eke, who is perceived to be the governor’s staunch supporter.

    The governor was accused of plotting to sack those loyal to Araraume in the committee before the recent elongation of their tenure by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. The tenure extension was wildly celebrated in the senator’s camp as a boost to  his ambition.

    The fear of party leaders is the antecedents of the senator, who often works against his party whenever he loses at the primary.

    Although the governor had reassured the APC family that the party will do better without joiners like Araraume, but his strength cannot be ignored.  He contributed to the electoral misfortune of the PDP during the 2015 polls.

     

    OKorocha’s counter-plan:

    Okorocha is not being ignorant of Araraume’s style of politics. He has set up many  structures that are continuously serviced across the state. The governor is mobilising and empowering many youths who are active players in the electioneering process.

    The governor has also ensured that key positions are given to those who can deliver the party in their respective areas.

    A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, dismissed Araraume’s threat as inconsequential.

    He said the party is aware of the senator’s antics, adding that he will be contained.

    Despite these assurances, observers believe that the APC will be facing the battle of its life in next year’s elections, if the governor and the senator are not reconciled.

     

  • Araraume to dump APC

    Following the outcome of the maiden meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Sunday, former Senator and governorship aspirant, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume may be pursuing his guber ambition in another political party.

    Araraume, who has been locked in fierce battle with the state governor, Rochas Okorocha for declining to support his ambition, it was gathered may formally announce his exit from the APC within the next few days.

    It will be recalled that the former Senator had walked out on the state Chairman of the party, Dr. Hillary Eke and other SEC members during the Sunday meeting, in the company of the APC National Organizing Secretary, Osita Izunaso and Senator representing Imo North, Senator Ben Uwajumogu.

    According to The Nation findings, Araraume had already briefed his inner caucus on his plan to dump the APC, which he alleged has been heavily compromised.

    It was also exclusively gathered that the former Senator was disappointed by the failure of the SEC members join him in staging a walk out during the Sunday meeting at the Concorde hotel.

    Although the source did not disclose the party the aggrieved Senator intend to realize his ambition, our Correspondent gathered that majority of his supporters are holding key positions in the Action Democratic Party (ADP), indicating that it has been the second option for the ex-Senator.

    But when contacted, a senior member of the Araraume campaign organization, Vitalis Ajumbe, described the insinuation as unfounded.

    Ajumbe who is also the Director of Contact and Mobilization in the Araraume campaign organization, said that, “Araraume has no plans to dump APC, the speculation is baseless, those who are peddling the rumour are those who are jittery about his acceptance in the party. They are just trying to distract him but he can never be distracted”.

    Meanwhile, the state Chairman of the party, Hillary Eke had assured all the party members aspiring for various positions in the party of a level playing ground in the primary election, noting that the SEC will not cow to intimidation of any kind but will do the right thing in line with the constitution of the party.

    Ekeh said, “let me assure all our members that we will have a transparent primaries. The votes will be counted and any winner that emerges will get the support of the party”.

     

  • Okorocha, Araraume: old foes resume rivalry

    The battle line is drawn between Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume. The governor has anointed a successor. But, the senator, who is eyeing the seat, is kicking against it. Who blinks first? Correspondent Okodili Ndidi writes on the succeession battle in the Southeast state.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume have resumed their hostilities, ahead of the governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The rivalry may create crisis for the party, unless the national leadership intervenes to avoid doom for the platform.

    Araraume wants to succeed Okorocha. But, the governor has a preferred candidate. The senator is asking for a level playing ground at the primary, which he believes Okorocha cannot guarantee.

    The two have been locked in antagonism for a long time. But, they mended mences during the 2015 general elections when dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), following the alleged manipulation of the governorship primary in favour of the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha.

    Araraume helped the APC, a party he had dumped earlier to win the election in his Okigwe Zone against the PDP. Shortly after the 2015 elections, the two political heavyweights became friends and as predicted, Araraume teamed up with Okorocha.

    In appreciation of the role played by Araraume in his re-election bid, Okorocha appointed his son, 30 year-old Ifeanyi Ararume (jnr) as a commissioner.

    To many observers, the appointment of the ex-senator’s son was a settlement meant to compensate him and dissuade him from joining the governorship race in the future.

    However the relationship later turned sour. Okorocha and Ararueme are strange bedfellows. Both went their seperate ways last year.

    The first sign that the relationship was heading for the rock was the removal of the senator’s son as a commissioner. Sources said the  senator rejected the re-appointment of his son, following the dissolution of the State Executive Council, to drum home the point that he was not placated by the appointment.  Instead, Araraume expected the governor to reciprocate the support he gave him during his re-election by supporting his governorship ambition.

    Okorocha had told party chieftains that he will support the  senator for any other political office, except that of the governor. But,  Araraume had remained resolute on his ambition.

    In Imo politics, Araraume enjoys a rich and enviable followership, an advantage he has always used to scuttle the plans of his party whenever he is denied or robbed of the governorship ticket.

    The battle line between him and Okorocha is drawn. Following the governor’s blunt refusal to support his ambition, Ararume is gathering his armies. The senator is even being supported by some members of the governor’s camp.

    The last straw that broke the carmel’s back was Okorocha’s endorsement of his Chief of Staff and son in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu, as his successor. This has rekindled the anger of the senator against the governor.

     Why they fell apart:

    Many believe that Okorocha and Araraume fell apart because of the governor’s refusal to support the senator’s ambition to achieve his age-long dream of governing the state. Araraume has been a victim of several betrayals in the past.

    Some people believe that Okorocha has a pact with Araraume to hand over power to him at the end of his tenure because of his earlier support for his re-election bid.

    But, no sooner has the governor got a second term than he stunned the senator with his declaration that anyone above 5o years will not succeed him in 2019.

    Araraume believed the age ceiling was targeted at him. He is in his late fifties. He wanted the governor to shift grounds, but without success. An adamant governor advised Araraume to return to the Senate, promising to support him.

    But, the senator is unperturbed. He summoned his loyalists, most of who were serving in the Okorocha administration. He directed them to pull out of the governor’s camp.

    Since then, the duo have been locked in endless diatribe. Irked by the confrontation, Okorocha  swore that Araraume will never succeed him.

    The governor’s supporters also denied any succession pact between him and the senator. However, they acknowledged that Araraume was among party stalwarts who contributed to the governor’s campaigns in 2015.

     Apprehesion in APC:

    The face-off between Okorocha and Araraume can be best described as the war of two elephants, which makes the grass to suffer.

    The APC is bearing the brunt of the clash, which has polarised the party to the extent loyalists of the   governor and the ex-senator have become sworn enemies.

    Some members of the State Executive Committee of the party are allegedly on the payroll of the senator. Sources said they no longer  attend meetings convened by the  chairman, Dr. Hillary Eke, who is perceived to be the governor’s staunch supporter.

    The governor was accused of plotting to sack those loyal to Araraume in the committee before the recent elongation of their tenure by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. The tenure extension was wildly celebrated in the senator’s camp as a boost to  his ambition.

    The fear of party leaders is the antecedents of the senator, who often works against his party whenever he loses at the primary.

    Although the governor had reassured the APC family that the party will do better without joiners like Araraume, but his strength cannot be ignored.  He contributed to the electoral misfortune of the PDP during the 2015 polls.

     OKorocha’s counter-plan:

    Okorocha is not being ignorant of Araraume’s style of politics. He has set up many  structures that are continuously serviced across the state. The governor is mobilising and empowering many youths who are active players in the electioneering process.

    The governor has also ensured that key positions are given to those who can deliver the party in their respective areas.

    A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, dismissed Araraume’s threat as inconsequential.

    He said the party is aware of the senator’s antics, adding that he will be contained.

    Despite these assurances, observers believe that the APC will be facing the battle of its life in next year’s elections, if the governor and the senator are not reconciled.

  • Recession exit signals positive economic growth, says Araraume

    Recession exit signals positive economic growth, says Araraume

    AN All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, has described Nigeria’s exit from recession as a positive indicator

    Araraume, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari and his economic team for the feat, noting that a resounding message had been sent to Nigerians and the international community that the government was alive to its responsibility of positively growing the economy for the benefit of the people.

     He said though Nigerians may not feel the huge impact of the positive economic growth rate immediately, there are strong and positive indices that the Buhari-led government is on the fast-track of economic recovery.

     Araraume, who is also a board member of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), explained that Nigeria must go through different stages before the masses will begin to feel the effects of end of the recession.

     He said: “The first step is to get out of recession, which is very key to the process; and later the country will follow the path of economic recovery. What is important right now is for us to maintain the situation so that Nigeria does not go back to recession. And I am very sure this government has the capacity, the political will and discipline to sustain the process.”

     He urged Nigerians to support the President for his consistent efforts, ascribing the recession to a mixture of factors, including mismanagement of the economy by the past administrations, which, he said, failed to save in the period of economic boom.

    He said Buhari had taken some right steps that culminated in the good news of exiting the recession, including the deliberate government policies to grow the oil/non-oil sectors and economic diversification programmes.

    “Check it out; the massive road and railway construction work across the country being executed by the Ministry of Transportation, are bringing back massive jobs that had been lost in the sector during the last administration.”

     Araraume advised the state and local governments to support Buhari’s efforts, adding that there is now transparency in the release of funds to state and local governments.

    Hailing Buhari-led administration for having the political will to implement the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Araraume added that there is now discipline in the management of government fund.

  • Senate clears Durojaiye, Araraume, Sunday Dare, others for NCC

    Senate clears Durojaiye, Araraume, Sunday Dare, others for NCC

    It was confirmation of appointments galore at the Senate yesterday as two Justices were endorsed for the Supreme Court, commissioners were okayed for the Independent National Electoral Commission and board members for the National Communications Commission (NCC) .

    Not so lucky were a former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Pastor Ezekiel Yissa Ezekiel and Aliyu Saidu Abubakar, whose nominations to the NCC board were rejected.

    The report of the Senator Gilbert Nnaji-led Committee on Communications said that only five out of the seven nominees submitted to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation into the NCC board, were considered fit for board appointment.

    Those cleared are octogenarian Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, as Chairman Governing Board, a journalist and former Special Adviser/Chief of Staff to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr. Sunday Dare, as Executive Commissioner (stakeholders management), Mr. Clement Omeiza Baiye, (Non Executive Commissioner) Chief Okoi Obia (Non-Executive Commissioner) and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, (Non-Executive Commissioner).

    The nominees confirmed as as commissioners in the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC) are: Agbamuche-Mbu (Delta), Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu (Anambra), Ahmed Mu’azu (Gombe), Mohammed Kudu Haruna (Niger), Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola (Oyo) and Abubakar Nahuche (Zamfara).

    Dare, a Harvard and Oxford-trained media manager is a communications expert and multi-media resource person with over 20 years experience. For nine years, he was a supervisor of International radio broadcasters at the Voice of America (VOA).

    The Senate also confirmed the appointments of Justices Dauda Bage and Paul Galinje as Supreme Court justices.

    On Abubakar’s rejection, the committee recommended that “Mr. Abubakar’s response to the questions and issues raised by the Committee unveils him as a candidate who is not prepared for the demands of office such as required Commissioners of the NCC.”

    Senator Nnaji added that “Mr. Aliyu Saidu Abubakar could not produce any credible educational certificate for the Committee to verify at the screening. He obviously lacks the professional and educational disciplines provided in Section 7 (1)(a-h) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 which stipulates the qualification for the Commission’s Board.”

     On the rejection of Pastor Ezekiel, the committee said, “Pastor Ezekiel Yissa’s background as a career Nursing Officer however, will not put him in good stead to be able to effectively cope with the dynamics of the communications sector if his nomination is confirmed.”

     Abubakar had argued during his screening that the cost of running the Senate was high and therefore should be scrapped.

     He noted that a situation where the senators were being paid huge sums as transport allowances among others amounted to economic loss to the country.

     The Bauchi State nominee also criticized the purchase expensive vehicles for the lawmakers.

     When the screening committee presented him (Abubakar) with several photographs where he was variously leading organised protests against the Senate particularly at the gate of the National Assembly, the unrepentant nominee thundered that he had no regret for his actions as he was still convinced that Senate was an avenue for wastage of scarce economic resources of the country.

    The committee had earlier pointed out what described grave irregularities in the personal records of the nominee.

    The committee noted that aside birth certificate, “there were only copies of court affidavit and police extract dated the same day, strangely after he had been nominated, claiming loss of his credentials.”

    It said that “Interestingly also, his highest academic qualification was  a one-year “Diploma in Computer” from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi of-which the attached statement of result was dated 23rd September 2016, still after he had been nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    The report said, “When requested to throw more light on why he chose to present documents that were prepared shortly after his nomination and also why he believed that he was qualified to function as a National Commissioner in such a critical agency as NCC given the rigours, challenges and required expertise for efficiency of the commission, he revealed that he ‘did not bother to go for the credentials’ because according to him he “only went to school merely for knowledge having self-employed prior to the nomination”.

    Senator Nnaji told reporters after the consideration of the report “In my capacity as the Chairman I just defended the recommendations of the Committee that the Senate should confirm only five out of seven nominees for the governing board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

    “In the course of our screening, we found out that two of the presidential nominees were not eligible and as such not fit to serve in the Board given our resolve to ensure that the communications regulatory agency is efficient and responsive relative to the prevailing challenges in the sector.

    “We assessed them based on certain parametres in line with the key performance indices put in place for the industry operators. Our decisions were basically guided by national interest.

    “Telecom network providers must be made to render services that offer Nigerian masses values for their monies.

    “So there is no way someone who does not possess the basic skills or expertise to key into our vision for a sustainable communications industry could have been cleared to serve in the board.”

  • Disquiet in PDP as Araraume asks supporters to vote for Okorocha

    Disquiet in PDP as Araraume asks supporters to vote for Okorocha

    Last–minute efforts by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reconcile its governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha and an aspirant, Senator Ifeayi Araraume, have collapsed.

    The lawmaker, who is claiming the governorship ticket, yesterday teamed up with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    Araraume, who has a large followership, has instructed his supporters to vote for the APC candidate in tomorrow’s election.

    The directive, which has dealt a blow to the chances of the PDP candidate, was hailed by APC chieftains, who described the senator as a distinguished Imo indigene, who puts the interest of the state ahead of party or personal considerations.

    The Nation learnt that Araraume may defect to the APC after the elections.

    The Media Assistant to the PDP bigwig, Dr. James Okoroma, said the lawmaker was not thinking of defecting to the APC, but he took the decision to ensure that the party would win at least one state in the Southeast “in the overall interest of Ndigbo.”

    He said: “Senator Araraume has not joined APC. What he did was to direct his supporters to vote Okorocha since Imo is the only APC state in the Southeast. He wouldn’t want Ndigbo to lose out completely.”

    Notable PDP members have defected to the APC. Among them are two former governorship aspirants, Chief Jerry Chukwueke and Chief Bethel Nzimako.

  • Imo guber: Araraume declares support for Okorocha

    Imo guber: Araraume declares support for Okorocha

    Last minute efforts by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to reconcile the PDP governorship candidate, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha and a former governorship aspirant of the party, Senator Ifeayin Araraume Thursday collapsed as the Senator, who is still laying claim to the governorship ticket, teamed up with All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    The Senator, who commands large followership in the State, directed his supporters to vote for the APC candidate in the governorship election.

    The directive which has dealt a damaging blow to the chances of the PDP candidate was hailed by APC chieftains, who described the Senator as a distinguished Imo indigene who puts the interest of the state ahead of party or personal considerations.

    The Nation gathered reliably that Ararraume, may join the APC soon after the elections.

    However, when contacted, the Media Assistant to the PDP stalwart, Dr. James Okoroma, said the Senator is not thinking of defecting to the APC but took the decision to ensure that at least the APC will have at least one state in the Southeast in the overall interest of Ndigbo.

    According to him, “the Senator has not joined APC, what he did was to direct his supporters to vote for Governor Okorocha since Imo is the only APC state in the Southeast and he wouldn’t want Ndigbo to lose out completely”.

    Meanwhile, notable members of PDP in the State have defected to APC; among them were two former governorship aspirants of the party, Chief Jerry Chukwueke and Chief Bethel Nzimako.

  • Ohakim, Araraume, others absent as Jonathan visits Imo

    Ohakim, Araraume, others absent as Jonathan visits Imo

    • Former gov set to join APC

    Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State yesterday shunned the campaign train of President Goodluck Jonathan, which hit Owerri, capital of the state.

    Among the notable absentees were former governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, believed to be a close associate of President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, who is still claiming the party’s governorship ticket.

    Another party stalwart, Chief Arthur Nzeribe, was also missing at the rally.

    Their absence lends credence to the reported cracks in the PDP in Imo State.

    There were speculations that former Governor Ohakim was also considering ditching the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Investigations revealed that Ohakim was to oversee preparations and mobilise Imo residents to support the reelection bid of Jonathan.

    His absence is already causing ripples in President Goodluck Jonathan’s camp, fuelling speculations that the former governor, who is reportedly being wooed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be nurturing plans to quit the ruling party.

    While some of the governorship aspirants during the contentious December 8 election have been drafted into the Jonathan campaign committee in Imo  State, several others kept their distance from the Jonathan’s rally.

    Addressing supporters at the rally, the president boasted that he has recorded verifiable developmental achievements in all the critical sectors.

    He, however ,noted: “I have not come list to all the projects and life-changing strides of this administration but I have come to announce to you the youth – focused initiatives of my administration.

    “We have also come to convey our belief that the kitchen is no longer the sole place of the woman in a 21st century society. We are creating opportunities to allow our women free expression of their potential and equipping them qualitatively to compete with their peers across the globe.”

  • Ihedioha slams Araraume for flagging off governorship campaign

    Ihedioha slams Araraume for flagging off governorship campaign

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday condemned in strong terms the recent road show staged by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, who is laying claim to the same PDP governorship ticket.

    Ihedioha in a statement signed by his Campaign Director, Chief Chris Okewulonu, cautioned the former Senator to “immediately put an end to these ill-advised activities that are inimical to the electoral successes of our great party in Imo State and clearly injurious to the prevailing peace in the state”.

    According to the statement, “our attention has been drawn to the unfortunate road show along the streets of Owerri by people who are not indigenes of Imo State by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume one of the governorship aspirants who contested the December 8, 2014 party primaries which Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha won and purporting himself as new governorship candidate of our party (PDP).

    “This false claim and regrettable action of Senator  Ifeanyi Araraume has no doubt bemused our party faithful and Imo people in general. One therefore, wonders if they are deliberate campaign, designed to provoke the PDP family in Imo State to engage in violence which could jeopardize the expected electoral success of the PDP in the forthcoming 2015 elections.

     “It is also regrettable that the APC led Imo State Government is already celebrating this unwarranted conduct of Senator Araraume over the airwaves”.

     The statement further added, “it is noteworthy that these condemnable activities of Chief Godwin Ifeanyi Araraume are contrary to sections 58 (1) a, b, c, f, h, i and j of the constitution of our great party (PDP). It is being aimed at causing disaffection among members of the party; promoting fractionalization of the PDP family in Imo State and unauthorized publicity of disputes within the Party.

    “The State Working Committee (SWC) led by the Imo State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie as well as the National Working Committee (NWC) being the relevant authorities of our great party had severally issued statements affirming Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as the winner of the governorship primaries and governorship candidate of our great party for the 2015 elections.

     “As our brother and compatriot, we harbour no malice but enjoin Senator Araraume to see good reason as a party man and discontinue these ill-advised activities, inimical to the electoral successes of our great party in Imo State and clearly injurious to the prevailing peace of Imo State”.