The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South East, and APC Presidential Campaign Council South East Co-Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has explained why, the people of Imo West Senatorial District (Orlu Zone) rejected former Governor Rochas Okorocha Senatorial ambition, because he converted 987 properties belonging to individuals and the Imo State Government to his family.
Arodiogbu maintained that the political rejection of Okorocha by the people of Orlu Zone should be understood against the background of his record in office, particularly the appropriation of public assets and properties during his eight-year administration as governor of Imo State.
Reports from Imo State Government White Paper Implementation Committee on Lands and Other Related Matters chaired by Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, disclosed that it recovered and returned 987 properties linked to Okorocha’s administration to their rightful owners. These were part of the recovery drive under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s 3R (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery) mission.
Among the major properties recovered was the institution located in Ogboko, Ideato South Local Government Area, associated with the former governor. The state government maintained that the university project was established with over ₦40 billion in public funds and subsequently renamed Kingsley Mbadiwe University.
Arodiogbu also highlighted the recovery of other properties, including the Royal Palm Estate, Shell Camp Quarters, the former Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) office premises and Imo Standard Shoes, following the resolution of its outstanding debt.
He further referenced the recovery of various markets and other properties allegedly developed with public funds, including the property popularly associated with the former governor’s wife.
According to Arodiogbu, these developments raise important questions about the management of public resources and the responsibility of elected officials to protect government assets for the benefit of present and future generations.
Arodiogbu stated that the people of Imo West deserve credible, accountable and responsible representation, insisting that political leadership should be measured by its contributions to the development of the state rather than personal interests and the accumulation of public wealth.
The APC National Vice Chairman stressed that the people of Orlu Zone should not be compelled to accept political leadership imposed on them by a Federal High Court in the basis of forgery.
He maintained that Imo West requires a senator who would protect the interests of the people, attract meaningful federal projects, promote economic opportunities and work constructively with the state and federal governments.
Arodiogbu therefore urged the electorate to keep faith with Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Apc candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in 2027 election for a people oriented representation.
