WHAT MAKES THE ROCHAS GOVERNMENT IN IMO STATE MOST WEIRD, STRANGE AND MOST CONTROVERSIAL IN HISTORY OF THE STATE AND NIGERIA

I could still recall how the masses rallied round their would-be rescue governor from what was percieved as an arrogant administration of the former regime. I joined in this glory campaign rally all the way along Okigwe road, with the largest audience being the Keke Napep operators way back in 2011. The truth was that Imolites welcome the political party that gave Rochas the mandate to run as governor but more pronounced was the open arms and the joyful heart with which all Imo citizens embraced the man behind the rescue mission mandate - Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha.
Indeed it was a massive victory at the 2011 polls.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the newly sworn-in governor of Imo state started with the immediate dissolution of the 10,000 Jobs Scheme which was initiated by his predecessor, Dr Ikedi Ohakim. Most evidently, this did not go down well with the people as virtually every family in Imo state was affected directly or indirectly. It was protest after protest as the matter was eventually litigated. Although the resolution of that issue has never seen the light of the day, investigations have revealed that many of the affected civil servants are still tenaciously holding on to their documents and credentials given to them during the appointment exercises, obviously waiting for the right time to obtain justice.

The first tenure of the owelle administration in Imo state did not witness much dust as he was even affirmed by the larger section of Imolites as the "performing governor". . As expected, he was never free from critics - politically motivated critics as well as neutrally minded public opinionists. Unfortunately, the Governor choose to view every criticism as politically motivated - suspectedly making him him listen less to the public and more to himself, family and close political allies.

Suddenly in his second tenure, his policies became largely unpopular with the people. For reasons that may seem more complex than just a political twist of policy framework, the Imo state government under Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha marshalled out policies that virtually every Imo citizen would complain about.

The Removal of Eke-Ukwu Market

The removal of Eke-ukwu Ancestral market and its splitting and relocation to Naze and Egbeada localities aroused protests and riots which allegedly claimed the life of a minor (Somtochukwu) as well as many others who got injured in the process. Till the time of this publication, the streets adjoining the former Eke-Ukwu market has never been free from major street trading and other criminal and nefarious activities which the governor claimed were some reasons he would relocate the market. For me, that policy failed to achieve its goal. It failed.

The Statue Controversy in Imo State

then came the construction or moulding of gigantic statues by the Imo state governor at strategic locations in the state capital Owerri, in honor of some African leaders who visited the state within the period. This singular action not only attracted massive condemnation from within and outside the state and even the country as it was alleged that one of such statues built by Rochas costs 500 million NGN (500,000000). Sadly this happened when pensioners in the state were being owed many months of pension arrears.

As a result, it even became an object of mockery not only for the government but also for all Imolites everywhere in the world. when they would be addressed with the slogan "Akpuola gi" by non-Imolites. Even till the time of this publication, the polity was yet to recover from the controversies of this state statue policy.

Creation of the Ministry of Happiness and Commissioner in the Stater
it was the height of maybe a misconception, or indeed real controversy when the announcement went on the radio air about the setting up of the state ministry of Happiness and consequent appointment of a commissioner to run the ministry. Although government gave reasons for the creation of the ministry, surprises have filled the air on this unusual and weird policy.

Termination of Keke Tricycle operation from Owerri Municipal.

With the introduction of city cabs which were still largely not enough, all Keke Tricycle were compelled to stay off the perimeter of Owerri mucipal. Undoubtedly, the hard reality of skeletal transport system has never been over stressed since them. Now people trek long distance before entering the taxi.

The question is where are we going from here Implies? We need a listening and dynamic government who should there would never be solution for the future if today's problems are not solved. However may be the case, all the weird and controversies of the present Owelle administration should not deter us from doing good and great things come 2019 general election in Imo State and Nigeria.