By Chima Nwuju-Okoroafor
……..”The argument that because Owerri zone is the state capital and therefore the people of Owerri zone are not entitled to aspire to be governor of IMO state, is a mere distraction and devoid of reasonable logic ” Prof. Val Obinna.
…..”the OFE OWERRI in Douglas House means; cooking up quality infrastructural development, sound educational system, human capital development, adequate power generation, healthcare, technological and human capital development and how to grow the economic value chain among others.” – Chief Jerry Chukwueke to the curious news reporters.
……”Concerning this process, it’s a done deal that Owerri zone will produce the next governor of IMO state. ” – Prince Lemmy Akakem
In what began as the Awaka declaration, Nzuko Owere, under the leadership of Hon. Dan Ikpeazu has achieved its set goals and objective of massive mobilization and votes for the reelection of governor Hope Uzodinma. This governor’s victory, especially in Owerri zone, inadvertently paved the way for Owerri zone to produce the governor of IMO state in the spirit and letters of the Imo charter of equity.
In his welcome address, the PG of Nzuko Owere, Hon. Dan ikpeazu stated unambiguously that the body has no interest in any candidate for the 2027 governorship elections. He said that although members hold divergent political views, they are united in the Owerri zone for governorship agenda. He further said that NZUKO Owere is also interested in the harmonious coexistence with sister zones of Orlu and Okigwe. This, he said, will ensure a smooth implementation of the Imo charter of equity. He used the opportunity to advise Owerri Zone political stakeholders to eschew selfishness and unite behind the common good. He further outlined the road map for action to include, among others:
* Deeper reflection
* Strategic planning
* Collective action
Hon. Ikpeazu praised Governor Hope Uzodinma’s leadership sagacity and achievements in various sectors of the Imo State economy. He assured the governor of the support of NZUKO Owere until the end of his administration.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Val Obinna, in his eloquent submissions, set the criteria for the right governorship candidate to include:
* Quality
* Qualification
* Merit
* Experience
* Inclusiveness and cooperation
* Wisdom, common sense, and tact.
He further elucidated his submission to include the need for an agreement among the various contenders, aspirants, pretenders, and contestants. He further opined that Owerri zone should endeavor to reach out to the aggrieved people of Okigwe and Orlu zones with common sense and logic, counter punch for a stronger entitlement beyond the mere assumption of enjoying the capital city of Owerri status. He debunked the argument that because the capital city is Owerri and so we are not entitled to aspire to be governor of IMO state, as a mere distraction, devoid of reasonable logic. In conclusion, the erudite professor called for the devolution of the Imo charter of equity to the micro zones to address cries of marginalization even within Owerri zone itself.
The lead discussant, Barr. Ngozi Olehi SAN, in his submission, posited that the governor of IMO state of Owerri zone extraction should be a beacon of good governance, a concept he called Owerri zone chance to serve IMO state with impactful infrastructural development.
Speaking; the deputy chairman of IMO state elders council, Prince Lemmy Akakem, said that he played a pivotal role in the conceptualization of the idea of the imo charter of equity. He reassured people of Owerri zone that the issue of the governor of IMO state from Owerri zone is a done deal.”
Chief Jerry Chukwueke, speaking, opined that Owerri zone goals and aspirations must be devoid of emotional sentiments. He posited that serious contenders must have the capacity to mobilize at least 10 to 15 billion naira to win the party ticket. He further said that in the midst of the clamoring for an Owerri zone governor in 2027, the candidate must be adequately prepared to meet the demands and challenges of the office he seeks to occupy. Chief Jerry Chukwueke, in making his summation, said that politics is not a popularity contest. He insisted that the support of the governor is essential to the success of the process.
Addressing curious news reporters, Chief Jerry Chukwueke said OFE OWERRI in Douglas House to mean cooking up quality infrastructure, sound educational system, healthcare, technological and human capital development, adequate power supply, social impact and how to create jobs and more jobs to energize the economic value chain. This, he said, is in line with the Uzodinma administration’s economic blueprint. He concluded.
The high point of the stakeholders meeting was the Honorable member representing Owerri federal constituency in the green chamber, Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere moved a motion for adoption of Nzuko Owere’s position as a governor of IMO state of Owerri zone extraction, and through a voice affirmation, the eyes heard it.
Nwuju-Okoroafor writes from Orji,. Owerri North LGA of Imo State.
