As President Buhari visited The White House, the momentous occasion reordered and chronicled so many episodes and activities for political pundits and analysts to chew on. It was mouthful and overflowing with purposeful activities that enlightened and buttressed President Buhari commitment in building of the new Nigeria that is devoid of corruption.
But also in the trip something extraordinary took place and a political star was born in Washington DC. The emerging international political stalwart was the governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha. The executive governor was without any question was the right hand man of President Buhari. In every picture and video of the President Buhari in the White House, the governor Okorocha was on his right hand side at any given moment.
Governor Okorocha’s rising star status was consolidated and solidified on the trip as an uber diplomat, politician and a confidant to the presidency. During the sitting at the Oval Office in the White House, Okorocha was the one sitting close and next to President Buhari. The governor’s handshake with President Obama as he was being introduced by President Buhari shows a comfort level that speaks a volume. There was also a close interaction by Okorocha with senior United States officials including vice president Biden and secretary of state John Kerry.
Governor Okorocha has proven that he is a political strategist and visionary politician. On so many occasions many political pundits and oppositions have written him off especially when he left APGA and joined the newly formed APC as one of the founding members. It was said that his political career was over but he went on to great amazement of many people won re-election with his party winning the presidential election.
Okorocha ‘s victory was challenged and taken to tribunal but Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic PartyPDP) challenging the victory of Governor Rochas Okorocha in the governorship election.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice David Wyom throw away the petition to dethrone the elected governor on the ground that the plaintiff failed to pay for the pre-hearing notice within seven days, as stipulated in paragraph 18 (1) of the election petition curriculum.
An illuminating and conspicuous star
Governor of Imo state has a charismatic and reliable personality and together with his fluency in Igbo, English, Fulani and Hausa has made him a compelling personality and a bridge builder. God willing the future holds a greater promise for this rising star from the east.
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