The dust is yet to settle following the ruling of the apex court in an election matter involving political heavyweights, one of which was a seating Governor and the other, a candidate of the ruling political party. In addition to the above mentioned, are two other political figures of note, whom by every standard, are forces to be reckoned with as far as Imo politics is concerned especially, in respect of the intrigues and maneuverings that lately, have become the hallmark of this unavoidable activity of men in this part of the globe.
The said men of note and flagbearers of their parties have since the election of 9th March, 2019, been locking horns in a post election legal battle over the rightful heir to the the seat of Government of Imo State, often referred to as Douglas House, and which became Vacant after the expiration of the tenure of office of the previous administration.
The ruling of the apex court which has been a talking point in news media across the country, was greeted a few days after the pronouncement of judgement, with a protest March through the streets of Owerri. The men, women and children, who against all odds, came out in their numbers, to march in solidarity for the outsted Governor, whose victory at the polls was overturned at the court in favour of a candidate that came a distant fourth, in an election dogged by controversies as reported by election observers.
In response, a counter protest march consisting of what seems to be a rented crowd, was staged the following day by members of the ruling party in Imo State. The men and women marching in solidarity for the newly installed Governor, were chanting victory songs and as they moved, they sang the praises of the man of the moment, the Governor, Hope Uzodinma.
The protesting crowd were moving along a major road in Owerri municipal and seemed unaffected by the scorching heat of the sun. However, the movement of the crowd caused a slow down of traffic as the timing of their march fell within peak hours, attracting probably as planned, much needed attention.
Many living nearby were watching the moving crowd from the comfort of their homes. Some passersby and shop owners, many of whom had applauded the crowd of the other day, were now applauding and cheering on the present crowd. As the protesters marched on, some broke ranks and began moving towards the windows of vehicles in the line of stationary and very slowly moving traffic. They made faces at people and taunted commuters and passersby especially those who appeared indifferent to their cause. According to an eye witness account, a certain protester carrying two placards with the inscriptions; "HOPE IS OUR MAN" "HOPE IS OUR MAN", came close to a particular commercial bus and spoke in vernacular and in low tone, "Ugbua ka ahuhu anyi bidoro", meaning, our suffering has just begun. Immediately after the strange comment, the said man retreated and joined the moving crowd and continued with the singing and dancing in solidarity for the newly installed Chief Executive Officer of Imo State.
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