Okorocha, Ihedioha’s Supporters Clash At Mbaise New Yam Festival

Okorocha, Ihedioha’s Supporters Clash At Mbaise New Yam Festival

This year’s new yam festival organised by the people of Mbaise in Imo State, which took place at the weekend in Ahiazu Mbaise was literally turned into a battle field following a violent clash between supporters of the state governor, Rochas Anayo Okorocha, and that of the deputy speaker, House of Representatives. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
It was not clear what caused the fight, nevertheless not a few attributed it to the contest for power between the two politicians ahead of the 2015 general elections.
The minister of state for foreign affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, who attended the event, blamed Governor Okorocha for not controlling his security aides, who according to her displayed raw power during the clash that nearly, disrupted the event.
Governor Okorocha allegedly stormed out of the venue of the event immediately after the fight abated, an action described by Prof. Onwuliri as disrespectful to the Mbaise ethnic group.
She said, “From the conduct of the governor, it was obvious that he was not interested in the festival, but just came there to create confusion and derail the event.
“Since Okorocha assumed office in 2011, he has never attended the Iri ji Mbaise (new yam festival), until this one that precedes the 2015 general elections. This is not the ground for venting personal animosity.
“He (governor) even left before the actual ceremony began. He just brought trouble to the event. and this is an embarrassment to the state and its people. I am positive that by 2015, we will all have a chance to redress this anomaly”.