The introduction of charter of equity into Imo State politics in 1991 by Chief Sam Mbakwe with a view to ensure the rotation of power within the 3 zones namely Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri has been abused, attempted to be destroyed at the alter of selfish interests by some leaders in the past but now must be rescued.
Indeed, Imo politics is now matured hence it has over grown the art of playing politics in every given issues rather what it needs now is men of integrity and discipline with good vision as governor for a great Imo State of our collective dreams.
According to Hon Ndubuisi Olumba from Orlu zone he said, ” It is obvious that no Orlu person is coming to be Imo State governor after Sen Hope Uzodinma. In fact, sustaining the legacies of our past leaders, particularly the noble legacy of Sen Hope Uzodinma and taking Imo State to the next level of development is more important to the entire Imo people. And obviously, the pointer clearly favours Okigwe zone as governor after Sen Hope Uzodinma “.
Interestingly, the placement of Imo State Government House in owerri zone is a big advantage to owerri zone over other zones. It also serve as a catalyst to quicken rapid development within owerri zone. It is on record that Owerri zone and Orlu zone has enjoyed beautiful partnership in the issue of emerging as Imo State governor and deputy governor. Hence, it will not be wrong if Orlu zone shift such partnership to Okigwe zone this time around. It is also acknowledged that Owerri zone has laughed and mocked Okigwe zone in the past over their political set backs, delipdated infrastructure while enjoying their rapid development and multiple slots for Imo State deputy governor within owerri zone.
In another development, the Imo State political analysts has confirmed that the manifestation of the charter of equity from 1991 till date, has clearly revealed that Okigwe zone has produced 2 governors namely Chief Sam Mbakwe and Chief Ikedi Ohakim, with no deputy governor from Okigwe zone. But Orlu zone has produced 3 governors namely Chief Achike Udenwa, Sen Rochas Okorocha and Sen Hope Uzodinma and produced 2 deputy governors namely Dr Douglas Acholonu & Hon Engr. Gerald Irona. While Owerri zone has produced 2 governors namely Chief Evan Enwerem and RT. Hon Emeka Ihedioha. And also has produced 6 deputy governors namely Sir Ebere Udeagu, Mrs Ada Okwuonu, Chief Jude Agbaso , Sir Eze Madumere, Prof. Placid Njoku and Lady Chinenye Ekomaru. The above charter of equity statistics has made the current Imo State charter of equity to favour Okigwe zone for Imo governor after Sen Hope Uzodinma.
Again, the group maintained that Owerri zone has comfortably enjoyed power more than the disadvantaged Okigwe zone since the creation of Imo State. Adding that the many failures encountered by Okigwe zone in their collective quest to produce their Imo State governor or deputy governor in the past was caused by continuous betrayal of Owerri zone , it was evident because it gave Owerri zone advantage to produce 2 governors and 6 deputy governors as well as having the seat of power in owerri zone.
Indeed, political observers has described the sudden consultation of Owerri zone stakeholders to Orlu zone and Okigwe zone as a display of desperate greed. Again, the owerri zone deliberate neglect of Okigwe zone in the Imo State power play game in the past, also not allowing Okigwe zone to produce even a deputy governor while they enjoyed 6 slots of deputy governors make their recent visit to Okigwe zone a mockery.
No doubt, charter of equity is angry to go to owerri zone at the moment and in 2027. Hence, Okigwe zone is clearly favoured for Imo governorship and God is backing them this time.
