By Baron Ike
Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s absence at the recent meeting of the 17 Southern Governors in Lagos may not be unconnected with his plot to regain the confidence of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Okorocha and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State were absent at the meeting, but only Okorocha failed to send a representative.
Okorocha is known for detailing his Deputy, Eze Madumere to represent him at events even more important than the Southern Governors’ meeting.
The 13 governors present at the event are: Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu; Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; and Edo state, Godwin Obaseki.
Others are: Ogun state, Ibikunle Amosun; Rivers State Nyesom Wike; Bayelsa state Seriake Dickson; Akwa-Ibom state, Emmanuel Udom; Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu,;Enugu state Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi.
Okorocha, sources told Armadanews.com, was said to have long fallen out of favour with Buhari and may be thinking that by not attending the Southern Governors’ meeting the president would take him into confidence once again as a better or preferred ally.
Another source said the controversial Imo state governor also has issues with most of the Southern Governors colleagues bordering on his ambition and felt coming to the meeting would be an avenue not to pursue his personal political goals which may not be in tandem with what the Southern Governors want.
“He is a mole. Whatever reason he had for not attending that meeting or sending his deputy who is often his face in most high profile meetings is selfish. He is already drowning politically and that is why he is hiding barely two years to the end of his tenure. Let him stand up to be counted if he is courageous and doing the right thing like the other governors,” a former governor from the South told Armadanews.com.
The Southern Governors after their meeting reiterated commitment to an indivisible Nigeria, insisted on true federalism, and devolution of powers.
Governor Ambode was elected as their chairman, with Dickson and Umahi as co-chairmen.