The much hyped Okigwe Elders Forum meeting, which was scheduled for Sunday, June 16, 2024 and scheduled to be held at Eze Ohanwe’s palace in Isiala Mbano has been met with rebuff.

The meeting, which was specifically convened for Okigwe zone to decide on the 2027 Imo State governorship slot suffered a big lapse as most of the invited bigwigs boycotted the event.

Prominent among the invited stakeholders who stayed away from the meeting were former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Maurice Iwu, all the members of Imo State House of Assembly from Okigwe zone – Imo North senatorial district, the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, most government officials from the zone, the Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Anglican Bishop Godwin Onuoha and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigerian, Rev. Eches Eches.

Others absentees include Chief Barr. Chris Okewulonu, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Chief Chikwem Onuoha, Chiefs Emma Okewulonu, Sankod Okoro, Alex Mbakwe George Egu and Dr. Fabian Ihekweme.

Sources, who are in the know, but pleaded anonymity, because they were not authorised to speak on the issue informed South-East PUNCH that those who boycotted the event, especially appointed and elected government officials did so because they did not want to confront or incur the wrath of the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who has decided to zone the governorship to Okigwe zone in fulfillment of his commitment to Imo Charter of Equity, which he promised Imo people.

A source from the meeting said that a prominent billionaire from Isiala Mbano, who is sponsoring an aspirant for the 2027 poll was seen calling invitees, begging them to attend the meeting.

It was further learnt that the billionaire has sworn that no other candidate will emerge from Okigwe zone, except with his endorsement. (The PUNCH)

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