The relationship between Senator Rochas Okorocha and his successor, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, appears to have improved significantly.
Both men have been at war, following sharp differences that trailed the issue of who should govern Imo State.
But the two were spotted embracing one another, much to the surprise of photo journalists who covered a function in Abuja attended by movers and shakers from the APC.
In attendance at the occasion were the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan as well as APC State Governors.
What seems like a first step towards reconciliation between the combatants is being hailed, particularly in APC circles.
But tension still exists among core supporters of the two heavyweights, the Port Harcourt Telegraph learnt last night through impeccable sources.
Okorocha, a presidential hopeful, recently took his complaint over what he sees as the excesses of the Uzodimma administration and
his constant harassment to the Presidency.
Making Of A Deal:
Although the Presidency hasn’t said anything in the open, there are strong indications that the APC has been working behind the scene to end the crisis in its midst.
That effort, which has not been totally successful, going by the situation on ground, seems to have yielded a little fruit in Imo.
Given the atmosphere of camaraderie witnessed when Uzodimma and Okorocha met, there are chances the APC may be getting somewhere.
Across the country, many within and outside the APC are wondering how the deal was reached.
What were the terms agreed upon which paved the way for what looks like a reunion?
Would Okorocha get back property seized from him by the Imo State Government?
Will Okorocha let go the ambition to place a governor in the Imo State Government House?
Nigerians are waiting to see what will happen after bouts of hilarious laughter, backslapping and hugs in public.
What Next?
It is however, Imolites who are really anxious. They want the entire episode to blow over.
Several conspiracy theories have been spurn among the people since the clashes began.
An atmosphere of great distrust, growing hostility between camps loyal to the Governor and the Senator and worsening instability capable of bringing down the APC in that Southern state have been the consequence.
“The quarrel between Okorocha and Uzodimma has been worrying most of us in the South East”, one of our sources explained.
“We have been praying both men would forget their differences and team up. Those efforts could pay off from what we are seeing”, the source noted.
“Well people are talking about peace and we welcome the peace”, an Okorocha supporter in the National Assembly who did not want his name in print remarked, “Imolites want this (reconciliation) to happen, and Rochas Okorocha has demonstrated peace can be achieved.”
“They say pictures do not lie, so we are relieved the Governor and the Senator have met in the open.
“Uzodimma did not escalate the crisis in Imo. Okorocha and his supporters did. We are hoping that they will give peace a chance.
“All cards should be placed face up on the table. We need to stand together as Imolites.
“Okorocha has to work with Uzodimma. That is the way to reduce the friction; the way to restore the confidence of all Imolites”, a pro-Uzodimma supporter told our Correspondent.
APC chieftains who are preparing for the party’s National Convention are hoping what seems like the start of a truce will hold out.
In the meantime, the picture scenes are all over social media, with Nigerians and Imolites posting reactions.