By Ayodele Oni
The action couldn’t have been more devastating.
On the day former Governor of Imo State, and now, the Senator representing Imo West; Rochas Okorocha, addressed a Press Conference to declare his interest in the 2023 Presidential Race, for the third time, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) stole the thunder out of it.
It charged Okorocha, with a 17 count charge of alleged conspiracy with others, including an APC politician and five companies, to steal public funds to the tune of N2.9 billion.
The filing of the charges on Monday, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, became the news, and overshadowed Okorocha’s Presidential declaration.
In addition to Mr Okorocha, other defendants are Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
Okorocha, a former two term Governor of Imo state declared his intention to run for presidency in 2023, saying Nigeria needs a President who can create wealth.
He described himself as a candidate for justice rather than zoning arranangement being canvassed by some stakeholders across the nation’s political space.
He appealed to the leadership of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), to create level playing field for the aspirants no matter their region, promising to establish a new Nigeria where poverty will be adequately addressed.
He promised to bring back free and compulsory education to Nigerian youths describing himself as a bridge builder at 56, between the young and old.
Monday’s declaration will be the third time Okorocha will attempt to contest for the highest political office in Nigeria.
He slugged it out with late Musa Yaradua, incumbent President Mohamadu Buhari in 2015 and his latest attempt.
He is entering the race without the support of his home Government who recently stripped him of properties, lands, including a University, worth billions of Naira, which he, allegedly, illegally acquired as the Governor of the State along with his family and cronies.
