Okorocha: The Demystification of a Presidential Aspirant

HighLife

Controversy is one of the main bites of being a notable member of a civilised society. You cannot take a piece of hardwood and lumber all your antagonists until they are numb with pain. If this was allowed, it is possible that former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, would have long since rendered his adversaries comatose with hits to the head. Alas, these adversaries appear to be prevailing against him.

Apart from one incumbent state governor from Southern Nigeria and another former governor who is now a minister, there are no other presidential aspirants that have as much aggressiveness in their political history and profile as Okorocha. To be sure, Okorocha’s presidential intention was well-received in many quarters, with many people declaring that Okorocha’s heavy style is what is needed to get Nigeria out of the trenches.

However, Okorocha appears to be unable to remove himself from another manifestation of these trenches. Given the latest report on his activities, one might even say that Okorocha’s days as a confident presidential aspirant for the 2023 elections are gradually coming to an end.

Okorocha was allegedly confronted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in his Abuja home a few days ago. The anti-graft agency stormed the former governor’s residence in an alleged attempt to get him to respond to the summons of the court over his ongoing trial. However, it was gathered that Okorocha remained his confident self, refusing to accede to the requests of the EFCC until they got a warrant to take him away.

Of course, this is not the first or second time that Okorocha is having to dance with the EFCC. Nevertheless, this might be the first time that Okorocha is the one in charge of the tango. Whether or not this will end well for him is not sure. One thing is clear:

he either has to clear his name in the charge of funds misappropriation to the tune of N2.9 billion or lose any dream of the presidency.

In the meantime, it is only natural that Okorocha is losing steam in Nigeria’s politics. It is only a matter of time if things continue like this until he is rendered politically toothless and seatless.