The drama that played out at burial of late Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC), Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, between the deceased son, Charly Boy, and Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has continued to generate several reactions. Charly Boy had reportedly prevented Okorocha from making a speech during the funeral service, by snatching the microphone from the governor, just before he could say anything meaningful....
The junior Oputa had insisted that no politician should speak after the presidential address delivered by the Secretary to the Federal Government (SFG), Anyim Pius Anyim.
Reacting to the incident, the Imo State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Valentine Ogbuehi, decried the action, saying honour, respect and recognition should be given to whom it is due.
The SDP boss said the governor’s presence in any function represents the presence of the whole state, stressing that any embarrassment meted on him is an embarrassment to the whole state.
PDP chieftain and Owerri-based legal practitioner, Joseph Ihemedu, said, “Charly Boy did what he did because he did not want any politician to play politics with the death of his father, based on experience.”
Ihemedu said, “You know that Oguta people have their own peculiar tradition and which must be respected by everybody who is in their community, no matter how highly placed in society.
“The burial is completely the affairs of the Oputa family, and as such, their wishes must be respected.”
National Publicity Secretary, Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Vitalis Ajumbe, on his part, said this has nothing to do with partisan politics, adding that it is very embarrassing for the governor to be treated in such a disdainful and disrespectful manner.
“What Charly Boy did to the governor is an embarrassment to the entire people of Imo State, which should be condemned by all decent minds,” he said.
Imo State chairman of the All Progressive Alliance (APGA), Chudi Onuzo, said he would not like to comment on the issue for personal reasons.
Meanwhile, another PDP chieftain, Ralph Obioha, said, “The governor got what he deserved. Remember what he did during the burial of the late Chief John Anyaehie at Nkwerre sometime ago.
“He got there and instead of talking something reasonable, he began to insult the President and probably because Charly Boy did not want a repeat performance of such, he prevented the governor from making any speech.”
Source: Daily Independent