From Nnamdi Ofonye, Owerri
There was a breakdown of law and order right inside the Imo state government house on Tuesday afternoon after two different camps from Oguta local government area engaged themselves in a free for all fight over political appointments made by Governor Rochas Okorocha since the inception of his administration.
Trouble started on Monday morning when hundreds of youths from Awa and Oru, one of the oil rich communities in the state, stormed the government house in Owerri and barricaded the main entrance thereby preventing both vehicular and pedestrian movements both in and out of the government house for several hours.
The youths carrying placards and chanting anti Rochas slogans demanded to speak with the Governor else they won’t go away as they were not even perturbed by the presence of security operatives. The youths were said to have harassed the chief of staff to the Governor, Sir Jude Ejiogu.
They accused the Secretary to the state government, Prof. Anthony Anwuka of hijacking appointments meant for the entire local council in favour of his immediate community.
Nerves were calmed when the youths were ushered into the government house where a source said they were given N500,000 and promised by the governor that two of their sons will be given appointments in coming days.
This palliative from Gov. Okorocha infuriated the opposite camp who today stormed the government house again in solidarity to the appointees from the area.
What finally led to the clash is not yet known. But the police attached to the government house stood and watched helplessly as the incident that left so many people injured lasted.
Athough some of the injured youths have fingered the Managing Director of a state agency ISOPADEC, Henry Okafor of having a hand in the clash, the situation was however calmed down when the convoy of the Governor arrived the scene.
