Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Saturday, unveiled Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaro as his running mate for the forthcoming governorship election.

The Governor, during the unveiling ceremony in Owerri, defended his decision to dump his incumbent deputy, Placid Njoku.

Uzodinma, who is the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 11 election, explained that “The development is due to ecumenical and political permutations.”

He said: “Our works speak for us. We have so much to campaign with. So today, we’re here to reinforce our genuine claim to reelection.

“I have picked a female deputy in the person of Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru to add value to this ticket.

“I expect the women to appreciate this gesture as my genuine way of appreciating their innate strength to make contributions to the growth of our State.”