Posted by By VAL OKARA, Owerri on
The political crisis in Imo State took a dangerous dimension yesterday as the governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim alleged that government had uncovered plot by some elements in the state to assassinate him and other personalities.
•It's cheap blackmail - Araraume
The political crisis in Imo State took a dangerous dimension yesterday as the governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim alleged that government had uncovered plot by some elements in the state to assassinate him and other personalities.
Ohakim in a broadcast said that the 'elements" had become impatient with the rule of law and were desperate for power, alleging that they had tried everything to manipulate the outcome of the tribunal, including the use of intimidation.
But in a swift reaction, Dr James Okoroma, Chairman, Publicity Committee of Destiny Organisation, the campaign outfit of the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, described the allegation as a blatant falsehood and sheer hypocrisy.
However, according to Ohakim, the group planned to kidnap some important personalities in the state and burn down government properties with the hope that a state of emergency would be declared in the state.
Said he: 'For the purpose, they have recruited hooligans and militants from outside the state and Inaga riders from Abakiliki and Uyo to unleash violence and blame it on hoodlums, who they would claim hijacked their rally."
The governor further alleged that they have perfected a premeditated plan to unleash violence in the state during a rally to receive their previously expelled kingpin back to the party.
'Starting from Sam Mbakwe Airport, they plan to destroy every government billboard on the route and attack and destroy private buildings and cars.
They also plan to destroy all the streetlights on Wetheral Road. From there they would move to a prominent hotel on Onitsha-Owerri Road, where they would raise the hands of their sponsor as a sign of his recall to the party. All these, after the State Security Council has advised against any form of political rally in the state after the tribunal."
He said that the state government was not sleeping, and would do everything within its powers to ensure that the peace enjoyed by the people of the state was not disturbed.
But Okoroma alleged that Ohakim had been running from pillar to post with huge state funds in a desperate attempt to pervert justice and cover the fraud perpetuated at the 28th April 2007 governorship election.