Okorocha and Anambra Election

Last weekend, the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, was credited with a statement capable of further worsening relations between him and the governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano. According to reports, Okorocha had vowed to deploy every arsenal within his reach to unseat the Anambra State governor.
Speaking through the speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Okorocha pledged to provide whatever it took to unseat Obiano in the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State.
Our concern is not about the election per se, but the long term implication of Okorocha’s statement which came not long after his celebrated spat with Obiano, a brother governor.
We are concerned that Okorocha’s statement may negatively affect relations between the two states at a time when the entirety of the Igbo states need to be united and be speaking in one voice against the backdrop of current national developments.
Such unity and cohesion cannot be achieved when our governors continue engaging in unprovoked fights. Okoroacha’s recent outburst will only aggravate matters and create bad blood which in itself will be a major distraction for the Southeast leaders.
Granted that Okorocha is expected to campaign for his party, that should however be done in a less provocative manner. Other governors had campaigned in the past for their parties in other states without stirring undue controversy. This election should not be different.
Campaigning should be done without rancour so that the polity will not be disturbed. The Southeast leaders have an onerous duty now to steer their people towards the path of safety, away from the marauding band of some troublesome youths in the Northern parts of the country.
This is the time for our leaders to brainstorm on ways to welcome back and settle returnees from the North. It is also a time to chart a new course for the Igbo Nation and make it self-reliant. There are just far more important things to talk about now than resorting to unnecessary fights.
We therefore frown at the latest outburst from the Okorocha camp, more so when he is not from Anambra State. We hope that reason and good conscience will prevail.