Uzodinma, Okorocha In War Of Words Over Alleged Poor Performance

Former Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and his successor, Governor Hope Uzodinma, have been locked in a war of words over “poor performance in the last 365 days in office”.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday in Owerri, Okorocha through his Media Aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, condemned Uzodimma for performing badly in the last year, saying that the governor has failed.

Okorocha also faulted the governor for blaming him for his poor performance in office and his inability to fulfill his mandate to the Imo people.

The Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District also refuted the statement that he has been busy correcting the anomalies meted to the state by the past government.

“Governor Uzodinma’s Spokesman, Mr. Modestus Nwankpa, did not fault the low score on the governor’s performance but told his interviewers that the governor has been busy correcting the anomalies meted to the state by the former governor, Rochas Okorocha.

“This is a poor defence. Using the name of Okorocha to explain away Imo people’s sincere verdict on the governor’s poor outing is our interest or concern.

“Nwamkpa confirmed that Senator Uzodinma had failed in his first one year and also accepted the poor performance verdict passed on the administration by Imo people.

“And the only excuse he could give in the circumstance was the imaginary ‘anomalies meted to the State by Okorocha,’ which he could not also explain or mention to justify that callous and unintelligent defence.

“The truth is that, if after one year, the governor’s handlers still brandish Okorocha’s name as their only defence for the government’s failure or ineptitude, then something fundamental is obviously wrong with the administration.

“The blame game should have been over after the celebration of his 100 days in office. But it has continued, even after one year. Indicating that there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

“The governor and his media disciples ought to have known by now that blame game or passing the buck, has become old school, belated or eccentric, with regard to administration.”

Reacting to the comments, Governor Uzodinma berated Okorocha for constantly disturbing his government with his accusation.

In a statement on Tuesday by his Spokesman, Modestus Nwamkpa, the governor asked Okorocha to allow him to develop the state and correct the mistakes he laid as a foundation in the name of governance.

He said: “Okorocha should concentrate on his mission of setting up a new political party.

“He should allow Governor Hope Uzodimma to develop the state as well as correct the anomalies that he laid as a foundation in the name of governance.

“What I want to tell you is that Hope Uzodimma does not have time to join any issue with Okorocha. We are more interested in giving Imo people true governance and that is what is happening in the state right now.”