Ex-gov Ohakim dumps politics, laments Nigerian situation

Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has said he is no more interested in politics, at least for now as he declares a “temporary withdrawal from active partisan politics”.

The former Imo State governor disclosed his decision to some of his supporters at his Okohia, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area country home.

He however stated that while on retreat to reformat, that he shall devote his time to mentoring and working with the youths both in Imo and the country in general.

Ohakim explained that he decided to withdraw from politics to have enough time to pursue other matters of terrestrial interest, outside partisan politics emphasising that there was nothing behind the decision other than that.

“Of course, I am not the only Nigerian, both within and outside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed among members of the political class, to so desire, but even more enthusiastic about our collective democratic future was the ordinary Nigerian who, though desired a change from the status quo ante, still believed that for the needed balance, the PDP should remain strong.

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“But its key gladiators became overwhelmed by the burden of the defeat and failed to appreciate the goodwill it still had among Nigerians, despite the challenges of its 16-year long rule”.

“The final result was the split into two factions which have remained irreconcilable despite wise counsel from well-meaning quarters within and outside the party and indeed, despite pronouncements of the law,” he said.

Ohakim regretted the situation the PDP has find itself, lamenting that the party leaders have been taking deliberate steps to destabilise the party, leaving faithful members to watch helplessly as the leaders undermine each other in pursuit of self-serving interests.

He said, “Outside the PDP, the general political environment has not helped matters. Contrary to expectations of Nigerians that the political class has learnt the relevant lessons from the outcome of the 2015 general election, which is that the people’s preference must count, the latter has returned to the old antics of election rigging and violence.”

By Ebere Ndukwu …

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