By Uzoma Akobundu
National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tunubu has told Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State to hand over to his deputy, Eze Madumere since the governor had affirmed Madumere’s loyalty and long time friendship.
The former governor of Lagos State was said to have dropped the advice last week when he was in Owerri en route Oko in Anambra State for the burial of former vice president Alex Ekwueme.
A source told armadanews.com that Tinubu was impressed hearing that Madumere, who has been repeatedly praised as capable by Okorocha as loyal and a close friend for more than 25 years.
According to the source, Tinubu told Okorocha: “If this man has been with you for 25 years, give it to him and go home and rest.”
Tinubu and Okorocha have not been the best of friends of late due to some political intrigues in their party, but the Asiwaju who is believed to be a political strategist must have reasoned that the rumoured plan by Okorocha to foist his son in-law on the people of Imo may snowball into crisis for the APC.
On Monday, Okorocha, against the advice from Tinubu told a gathering of some APC leaders at Government house that he wants his son in-law, Uche Nwosu to succeed him.
Nwosu is the Chief of Staff to Okorocha.
Okorocha’s endorsement came few days after several pro-Madumere agitations in Imo were said to be threatening his game plan.