Three years before the next gubernatorial election in Imo State, a pressure group, Okigwe Global League, in conjunction with stakeholders from Okigwe zone, resident in Lagos, has started meeting to ensure that the Imo Charter of Equity, which ensures that the governorship seat is rotated among the three senatorial zones in the state is not flouted by any zone. The groups recently met in Lagos to map put strategy to keep respecting the gentleman?s agreement that was encapsulated in the Charter which ensures rotation of the governorship seat among the three zones of Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri.

In his welcome address, the organiser, Chief Louis Ezeigwe, lamented that the Charter was thwarted by Owerri zone when it was the turn of Okigwe zone to produce the governor.

He commended the Imo people for their unflinching support to Governor Hope Uzodimma, especially during the last governorship election when Okigwe returned over 28 percent (115.124) votes while Owerri zone returned only nine percent (98.600) votes. He said the resolutions of the key political players who were at the meeting would shape the political future of Okigwe zone.

On his part, the former Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Mark Uchendu, narrated how the Charter was truncated by the active collaboration and connivance of some prominent sons of Owerri zone.

He noted that for justice and equity, Okigwe zone should be allowed to take its turn after which it would naturally move to Owerri zone.

Sen. Patrick Ndubueze also pleaded for Okigwe to be allowed to take its turn in 2028. He also called for support to Gov Uzodimma?s ongoing transformation in the state.

Chief Tony Chukwu called for unity among the people in order to achieve a common goal, and gave assurance that he would support a credible and competent person from Okigwe zone to succeed Gov Uzodimma in 2028. ?I assure you that whoever Okigwe nominates as governorship candidate in 2028, and who is credible and competent, will have my support,? he said.

A communiqu? after the meeting, jointly signed Chief Louis Ezeigwe, Sir Chucks Okoronkwo and Sir John Eboh, resolved: ?That Okigwe stakeholders and indigenes shall continue to show unfettered support and loyalty to Gov. Hope Uzodimma.

?That Okigwe zone, having produced the highest number of votes that ensured the re-election of Gov Uzodimma in 2023, will support any candidate the governor approves to succeed him in 2028 and that Imo Charter of Equity shall start from Okigwe zone, which was shortchanged in 2011.

The Okigwe zone also resolved to fund sensitization of indigenes and Imolites across other cities in Nigeria, including those in the Diaspora like the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States of America and in other continents to get full their endorsement and collective bargain.

The dignities and leaders from Okigwe zone who attended the meeting included Senator Patrick Chukwuba Ndubueze representing Imo North in the 10th Senate, Chief Tony Chukwu, Esile Uba, member representing Onuimo LGA in the Imo State House of Assembly, former Secretaries to the State Government, Mark Uchendu and Chris Okewulonu, clerics and some traditional monarchs among others. (Daily Sun)

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