By Hon Emma Nnadi
The adage penned by the illustrious American writer, Mark Twain, “a lie can travel halfway across the world, while the truth is putting on its shoes,” has never been more pertinent than in today’s social media-dominated era. The rapidity with which falsehoods can spread has become a formidable challenge, allowing malicious narratives to gain traction and inflict harm before the truth can even be articulated. A recent example of this phenomenon is the suggestion that one block in Owerri zone should be chosen to produce the next gubernatorial candidate in 2027. This proposition is nothing short of a calculated ploy by those who seek to undermine the progress and unity that Owerri zone has worked tirelessly to achieve.
Ostensibly, the insidious nature of this strategy is evident in its potential to sow discord and undermine the fabric of unity that has been carefully constructed among the political blocks. The blocks had previously adopted a template of unity in diversity, recognizing that the bigger picture is to support any qualified son or daughter who can lead the zone to greater heights. This template was designed to foster a sense of collective purpose and solidarity, ensuring that the zone presents a united front in its pursuit of progress.
Unfortunately, recent contrived narrative, however, seeks to disrupt this unity and create divisions that would ultimately benefit competing zones. It is a cynical attempt to exploit the zone’s internal dynamics and create an advantage for others. The people of Owerri zone are not oblivious to this strategy, and they have made it clear that they will not be swayed by such divisive tactics.
Commendably, Owerri Zone collectively have firmly and irrevocably decided that any son or daughter with a proven track record of capacity deliveries, focus, and acceptance by other zones will be welcomed and supported by all, irrespective of their block of origin. This decision underscores the zone’s commitment to meritocracy and its determination to ensure that the best candidate emerges to lead the zone.
In light of this, the people of Owerri zone have also placed a curse on any son or daughter who would seek to create disunity within the blocks or suggest that one block should be favored over others. This decisive action demonstrates the zone’s resolve to protect its unity and ensure that its pursuit of the Douglas House is not hindered by internal squabbles or external manipulation.
However, Owerri zone’s stance is clear: unity and meritocracy will guide its decision-making process, and any attempts to undermine these principles will be met with severe consequences. As the zone looks to the future, it remains committed to its values of unity, solidarity, and collective progress.
In conclusion, the Owerri zone’s determination to protect its unity and ensure a merit-based selection process for the next gubernatorial candidate is a testament to its commitment to progress and development. The zone’s people will not be swayed by divisive narratives or tactics, and they will work tirelessly to ensure that their zone emerges stronger and more united than ever.
Hon Emma Nnadi, writer, editor and political affairs analyst, hails from Inyishi in Ikeduru Imo State. He can be reached on Mail: nalx37@yahoo.com +2348033991729
