By Linus Aleke
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Imo State, Hon. Simon Ebegbulem said the Imo State government and the good people of Imo State are not aware that former Governor Rochas Okorocha is aspiring to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
Hon. Ebegbulem who said this while speaking to ThisNigeria exclusively, also added that the state government is doing everything humanly possible to deny unknown gunmen freedom of action in the state.
He added that most killings in the state is politically motivated.
According to him, “We are not aware former Governor Rochas Okorocha is aspiring to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. We heard it over the radio but he had not informed Imo people that he is aspiring to be the President of Nigeria. The normal thing for Presidential aspirants is to go to their states to tell their kinsmen of their aspirations first. That, Rochas has not done. It is within his right to run but we are not aware of his aspiration”.
On the rancorous relationship between Senator Rochas Okorocha and Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Commissioner said:
“They don’t really have much issue against each other just that the former Governor has refused to accept the fact that he had left government and can no longer control the affairs of the state. He must understand that Governor Hope Uzodinma is now the dully elected Governor of Imo state and enjoys the support of the good people of the state. Former Governor should understand that he is a former governor and behave like one and not try to parade himself as the Governor of the state”.
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He noted that, “the state government is on top of the security situation. We have a security outfit that is working round the clock to ensure that peace reigns in Imo state. The Governor encourages the traditional and community leaders to be part of the security of their areas. Most of these communities have vigilante groups that complement the effort of other security agencies. Most of these killings in Imo and other parts of South East are politically motivated. The enemies of state are trying to destabilize the government but the governor is committed to protect lives and properties of the people”.
Responding to the question on controversy trailing the ownership of Eastern Palm University, Imo State, Hon. Ebegbulem said the University is the property of state government.
“Of course, the State Government has made it clear that the State must recover all state property in private hands,” he concluded.
