The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has said he has not decided on who will take over the mantle of leadership from him in 2019.
The governor said he would make his choice known to Imo people at the at the right time.
He stated that though his deputy, Eze Madumere, is one of his die-hard loyalists in the last 23 years, who has stood by him during his political travails, it is not a guarantee that he would handover to him.
Okorocha stated this Thursday during the public presentation of a book written on the deputy governor by Peter Clever Obi, entitled: “Eze Madumere: A True Manifestation of Loyal Prince”.
He said, “I have known Madumere for 23 years, we first met in the United states and he followed me to Nigeria and ever since he has been dedicated. I don’t see him as the deputy governor. My relationship with him is like that of a son and a father.
“He never knew he would be the deputy governor, I gave him a letter to take to the state Assembly that it contained the name of the new deputy governor but Madumere never inquired to know who the person was but after he had submitted the letter and left he was called back by the speaker that he has been appointed the new deputy governor. That is the kind of person he is because he believes in me and never doubts me.”
The Imo State governor expressed delight on the honour done to his deputy by the author, saying “ he is my son with whom I am well pleased.”
Also speaking at the event, the Kano State governor, Abduallhi Umar Ganduje said being a deputy governor is very difficult, but expressed happiness that the Imo state governor has confidence in his deputy.
He said: “I hope the endorsement of the Imo State governor of the book written on his deputy will translate to coronation because for your governor to have implicit confidence in his deputy is good.”
It could be recalled that Okorocha in his message during the 56th Independent day celebration of Nigeria in the state, promised to hand over power to young Nigerians.
