Okorocha may name successor January

Baring unforeseen circumstances, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State may name his successor in January 2017.

Pressure was said to have come on the governor to announce his successor before the end of the year.

Another group of the Governor's close allies are said to prefer a situation his chosen successor openly declares his ambition rather than for the governor to present his successor to Imo people.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said: ” It is still a ding dong affair because if it is not managed carefully, there may be a backlash. It is better the person he chooses openly declares than for the governor to present the person to Imo people”.

“We are concerned about public perception and rating of the Rescue Mission government which is on the low ebb at the moment.This is a huge factor that may affect the chances of whoever he chooses. May be there is need to tarry a while and watch public perception after Christmas” the source said

Majority of Imolites are not so happy with some policies of the government lately particularly the demolition of the Ekeukwu Owerri market and the urban renewal programme.

Despite the efforts of the State Government to market the gains of the programme, it has been termed anti-people considering the level of hardship in the state.

Also, the internal crisis in Imo APC is said to be a huge factor that may affect the timing when the Governor will unveil his successor.

Some Rescue Mission apostles say that there is no need for Okorocha to present a successor, rather such candidate should declare his ambition and get the Governor's support from the rear.

It was, however, gathered that the idea of announcing a successor in January may have been delayed because of the disposition of the party leadership in Abuja which has indicated interest in Imo APC and resolved to carry out a “surgical operation” in the party after the party congress which may hold in February.

(c) Christian Voice Newspaper