Two key socio political groups in Owerri zone, the Owerri Zone Patriots, OZP and Ala Owerri United Front, AOUF, have vowed to close ranks to ensure that Owerri zone elect a credible and competent Senator to represent the zone at the Senate in 2023.
The groups also vowed to come up with “a roadmap on how to ensure the zone produce Imo State governor in due time”
In a Joint resolution signed by leaders of the groups, shortly after its meeting in Owerri, they resolved “they have decided to work as a team on the basis that they are bonded by their aims and objectives, to ensure that the people of Owerri zone elect a Senator whose mandate is derived from the people and not from any tiny few or cabal”
“Such a Senator shall be the overall choice of the generality of the people of Owerri zone who will be propelled by the desire to give the zone effective and qualitative representation.
“A Senator is the highest political office holder of a zone. He is like the governor of the zone. This makes it imperative to ensure we elect a broad minded, open, accessible, dependable and visible Senator, who will shun clannish tendencies and see the entire zone as his constituency” part of the resolution stated
The resolution signed by Bernard Uba for AOUF, and John Igwe, OZP, stated that “gone are the days no one cares to assess the character, qualities and antecedents of those who go to the senate to represent Owerri zone. We had quality Senators in the past. .
“We will focus on competence and capacity of those who intend to vie for Owerri zone seat irrespective of the political party they come from. Any of them who fit our criteria will earn our support. We will drum support for the most acceptable and winnable candidate who will place Owerri zone first above other considerations.
The groups stated that “though we are not affiliated to any of the political parties, we will encourage all the political parties to present senatorial candidates acceptable to the people of Owerri zone
“We will beam our searchlight on them and we do have the vast network in the zone to decide and influence who wins the next senatorial election in Owerri zone.
“Modalities to achieve this mission are in top gear and at our next meeting, we will reach out to other socio political groups in the zone to also close ranks with us to ensure we work together for the betterment of our people.
The groups said competence rather than zoning will influence the choice of the next senator.
“Zoning will not be criteria. There are three sub zones or blocs in Owerri zone. All the blocs have produced Senators. The Oratta, Mbaike and Mbaise blocs have all produced Senators at one time or the other. This makes it an open contest.
The groups were however silent on the 2024 governorship election, stating that “at the appropriate time we will unveil our stance on the matter”
“An Owerri zone governor is a priority. We will embark on constructive engagement on how to realize the task” the resolution stated.