Former Imo State governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ikedi Ohakim, yesterday announced his retirement from partisan politics.
At an emotional gathering at his Okohia country home in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Ohakim said he was shocked by his numerous followers who gathered for a luncheon with him on hearing the news of his retirement from politics.
The former governor said he took the decision because he could no longer condone what he called the brigandage in the stateโs politics.
Ohakim, who spoke in an emotion-laden voice, said he kept the decision away from his policy associates because he did not want to be advised otherwise.
He said: โPeopleโs ambitions have been destroying our party in the state. I have decided to take steps backwards. I have decided to withdraw from all forms of partisan politics because I am too intelligent to be involved in the ongoing brigandage. In view of the current situation, I have come to the sad conclusion that I will no longer be able to be part of this circus in the political arena for the time being. I am, therefore, by this statement, announcing my temporary withdrawal from active participation in partisan politics.
โLet me quickly hasten to emphasise that there is nothing in this decision other than the need to have time to pursue other matters of terrestrial interest, outside partisan politics.
โThis is the fourth major decision I am taking in my political journey. I want to go on sabbatical and focus on mentoring young people and my non-governmental organisation (NGO). I am not asking any of my supporters to follow me. But if anyone chooses to follow me, he is welcome.โ
Ohakim assured his supporters that he might return with a bang someday.
He added: โI will come back to play politics of ideas with those who are intelligent. I am coming back someday with a bang. But for now, I am quitting. I want to thank all of you for standing by me throughout my journey. But I can no longer continue until the system is sanitised.โ
