by Stanley Azuakola

Their rivalry in the build up to the last elections was fierce and intense. The election itself was so close that even after the results from other states had fully come in, theirs was adjudged to be inconclusive. After much ado, a victor was finally announced – Rochas Okorocha had defeated Ihedi Ohakim, the incumbent, becoming the new Imo State Governor.

It’s been 13 months since that upset win. Recent developments in the state seem to indicate that the two men have left the past in the past. Gov. Okorocha has even built a house for his predecessor.

However, the governor said that his decision to build the house was not as a result of personal magnanimity but was informed by the provision of the law, which stipulates such gesture for former governors.

The governor explained this while interacting with leaders from Isiala Mbano, which is the local government area of the former governor, Ohakim. During the interaction, he said that he has forgotten all that happened before and during the 2011 governorship election and is now fully focused on developing the state.

In his words: “I do not have any problem with the people of Isiala Mbano, because you are my brothers and friends. In fact, as I speak, I have built a Guest House for Ohakim, whom I still regard as my brother, Chief Achike Udenwa, the late Chief Evan Enwerem and the late Sam Mbakwe, as stipulated by the law of the state.”

He further promised to treat all councils equally.