– Call For Unity Of Purpose
Stakeholders and top politicians of Owerri zone extraction, irrespective of political affiliation, at a meeting hosted by the former Minister of Interior on Sunday, February, 18, 2024, insisted on producing the next, Governor of Imo State come, 2027.
At the end of the meeting which was attended by prominent politicians from the zone, it was resolved in a communiqué signed by Aboh Mbaise: Chief Austin Onwubiko, Okenze Felix Amadi, Ahiazu Mbaise: Engr. Charles Onu, High Chief (Dr) Johnny Chukwu, Ezinihitte Mbaise: Gordian Ihuoma, Prof B. Chima Onuoha, Ngor Okpalla: Barr. George Eke, Dr. Emeka Osuji, Ikeduru: Dr. Joe Chibundu, Barr (Mrs) Blessing Onugha, Mbaitoli: Barr Steve Ahaneku, Barr. Julius Onyenucheya , PHD, Owerri West: Engr Emeka Udokporo, Chief Dan Okehi, Owerri North: Nick Opara-Ndudu GC, Arc. Amaugo Ugorji, Owerri Municipal: Barr. Ndukwe Nnawuchi SAN, Engr. Frank Noel Ofoegbu , FNSE, FNIMechE , FNIProcE.
1. That since the return of democracy in 1999, no indigene of Owerri zone has served a full term of four years as governor of Imo State;
2. The Imo East(Owerri) senatorial zone is one of the two senatorial zones in the country’s 109 senatorial districts yet to occupy the exalted position of governor;
3. That the Orlu senatorial zone has produced three governors since 1999 in the persons of H.E Chief Achike Udenwa( 1999- 2007) 8years , Senator Rochas Okorocha(2011-2019) 8years and the incumbent governor Senator Hope Uzodinma (2020 – 2024 & 2024 – expected 2028) 8 years expected, with the Okigwe Senatorial zone having a shot at this coveted position once through Chief Ikedi Ohakim(2007-11) 4years;
4. That following the nullification of Hon Emeka Ihedioha’s governorship after seven months in office, the ends of equity, justice and fairness would demand that the governorship position be ceded to Owerri zone as a way of fostering inclusive politics , brotherhood and harmonious co-existence in the state;
5. There is the need to pursue the goal of realizing the Owerri governorship project in a manner devoid of rancour and recognizing the role of collaboration and cooperation with diverse stakeholders and interest groups in achieving the desired outcome;
6. Acknowledges the commitment of the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to the realization of the Owerri governorship project through his declaration of support for the Imo Charter of Equity. We urge him to remain steadfast in his unwavering commitment to the success of the Charter of Equity and his avowed determination to hand over the reins of Imo governorship to an Owerri indigene which, in our considered opinion, may end up being his greatest legacy ;
7. Realizing the need for collaboration and cooperation in pursuing this goal, the forum sues for the understanding of other senatorial zones in supporting the enthronement of the Charter of Equity starting from Owerri zone in 2027.
To prosecute this historic assignment, the forum resolved as follows:
í). That the forum embarks on a massive and invasive mobilisation of Imo indigenes, home and abroad. This mobilisation shall cut across all political parties;
ii) That membership of this organized drive shall be open to all indigenes of owerri zone across all political parties and non-aligned professionals and citizens;
iii) That the organisation so formed shall champion the pursuit of this objective through a well articulated programme of advocacy, mobilization and outreach/networking within the zone, across the state, and, indeed, the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
iv) All critical stake holders shall be consulted at personal and group levels to ensure total and comprehensive engagement and support”.
