Aftermath of Assembly Election: Race for Imo Speaker Begins Ihim, Offor, Ejiogu, Duruji Warm Up

Even as the winner of the Imo State Governorship Election has not been
officially announced, newly-elected members of the State Assembly have
started warming up and lobbying for principal officers' positions.

With victory tilting towards the side of Owelle Rochas Okorocha who is
leading with over 79,000 votes ahead close rival, Emeka Ihedioha,
lawmakers from Okigwe zone are reported to have started political
horse-trading and necessary gimmicks to become the speaker while a
ranking lawmaker, Ugonna Ozuruigbo (OZB) is on the track for Deputy
Speaker position.

The expectation is that with Okorocha and his Deputy, Eze Madumere
from Orlu and Owerri zones respectively, Okigwe zone would retain the
Speaker as was witnessed in 2011, when Ben Uwajumogu of Ihitte Uboma
decamped from PDP to APGA to become the Speaker.

With APC forming the majority and having five of the six House of
Assembly positions in Okigwe zone, Acho Ihim, a second time lawmaker
of APC is leading the pack of those seeking the number one plum job in
the state legislature. Ihim is relying on ranking status even though
the ranking opportunity has been quashed as well as his loyalty to
Okorocha since defecting to APGA and later APC with the governor from
PDP.

Ihim is also reported to be relying on affinity with the outgoing
Speaker, Uwajumogu who he gave a chance to emerge in 2011.

Following closely is Chinedu Offor. The former commissioner for
Information and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, is also tipped
to emerge the new Speaker if his alliance and loyalty to Okorocha is
considered. As the governor's first spokes-man while in office as
commissioner and later Deputy Chief of Staff, Offor is believed to be
the right choice for Okorocha to again have control and remote
proceedings of the state lawmakers.

Gender sensitive factor can also play a role in making Uche Ejiogu
(Mrs) the member-elect for Ihitte-Uboma make history as the first
female speaker of Imo state. Trumpeta was informed that ahead of the
April 11, election, Ejiogu's ambition was not only to win but also
make history and repeat the feat his predecessor, Uwajumogu did in
2011.

Also said to have also lined up are Lawrence Duruji, of Ehime Mbano.