Owerri, Okigwe Zones Share Four Slots
In what may stir controversy and raise questions about equity and fairness, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s newly constituted cabinet has Orlu zone emerging as the dominant force, securing eight out of twelve commissioner positions, while Owerri and Okigwe zones collectively share the remaining four slots.
Notably, Owerri Federal Constituency, a major component of Owerri Zone, is completely sidelined in the latest appointments, marking a departure from the policy of previous administrations which upheld the principles of equity and inclusivity, in making such appointments.
The glaring imbalance in zonal representation in the new cabinet has sparked concerns among observers, particularly against the backdrop of the Imo Charter of Equity, which advocates for a fair distribution of political appointments across the state’s three geopolitical zones of Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu.
Recall that Governor Uzodimma’s predecessor, Rochas Okorocha had at one time appointed a Commissioner each from the 27 local governments in the State.
However, the current cabinet composition by Uzodimma and approved by the State House of Assembly without raising eyebrows, signals a significant deviation from this precedent, confering Orlu Zone as the undisputed beneficiary of the cabinet reconstitution.
The Commissioner designate from Orlu zone are: Emelumba Declan Mbadiwe ( Oru East), Ralph Nwosu (Oru West), Amadi Chimezie Paulinus (Nwangele), Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha (Orlu), Ejikeme Chuks (Onuimo), Chika Abazu (Ideato North), Cosmos Maduba and Modestus Osakwe, both from Isu LGA. Mrs Nkechi Ugwu, hails from Ideato North LGA.
Of the scant representation allotted to Owerri Zone, Hon. Bede Eke and Eze Chinyere Anyanwu emerge as the two commissioner designates from the zone.
They hail from Ngor Okpala and Ahiazu Mbaise local government areas respectively.
The absence of nominees from Owerri Federal Constituency, encompassing Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, and Owerri West local governments, underscores the glaring disparity in the latest appointment of Commissioners by the Governor.
The lopsided nature of the appointments of Commissioners has elicited criticism from political analysts and stakeholders in the State, who decry the glaring disregard for the principles of equity and inclusivity.
Chief Donald Anyasodor, a prominent political commentator from Owerri Zone, lambast the appointments, describing it as a glaring affront to the ideals of federal character and equitable distribution of political patronage.
“In a democratic dispensation, it is imperative to uphold the principles of fairness and inclusivity at all times, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Anyasodor asserts.
He continued “The glaring disparity in zonal representation as seen in these appointments, undermines the spirit of unity and cohesion essential for effective governance in the State”