Imo Guber Race: FUTO Ex-VC, Njoku Eyes Douglas House

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – With the battle to replace Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the Imo State Government House in full gear, former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, Professor Jude Ejike Njoku is set to throw his hat into the gubernatorial contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’ umbrella.

Barring any last minute change in plans, Njoku will this weekend, publicly declare his intention to be the next occupant of Douglas House, Owerri, the seat of government in Imo State.

A statement made available to Forefront, said the University Don’s expected formal declaration will climax the series of consultations across the state that began since September last year.

The Prof had last September at his country home in Eziala Obiangwu, Ngor Okpala local council of Imo State, informed a select audience, comprising party leaders and other stakeholders of his intention to seek election to the office of Governor of Imo State.

Signed by his Media aide, Val Igwebuike, the statement further explained that his consultations received wide spread acceptance across the three major power blocks in the state namely; Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe zones, hence his decision to actualise his quest to govern Imo on the PDP’s platform.

Billed to hold at the PDP State Secretariat, along Okigwe Road, Owerri, Njoku’s declaration is expected to draw a large crowd to the state capital as the aspirant, who is campaigning on Restoration Agenda, will be unfolding his policy document on how he intends to restore the State’s lost glory.

Njoku was the Vice Chancellor of FUTO between 2000 and 2005, a period many still consider as the institution’s golden age. Following the University’s rapid transformation in that era, he won the Best Vice-Chancellor award for Nigerian Universities.

Also, he was a two-time Commissioner in Imo State; first as Commissioner for Education and later, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Planning.