The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has reaffirmed its support for the Imo Charter of Equity, describing it as a vital tool for ensuring the fair rotation of the governorship among the three geopolitical zones of Imo State: Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu.
OZAC’s reaction follows recent criticisms of the charter.
In a statement signed by its President, Emmanuel Okwu, and made available to INNONEWS, the coalition emphasized that the charter remains relevant and essential for fostering inclusivity and reducing political tensions in the state.
“The Imo Charter of Equity was not designed to serve as a mere political expedient but as a guiding framework rooted in equity, fairness, and balance,” the group stated.
They argued that dismissing the charter as “dead” undermines the aspirations of marginalized zones and jeopardizes the collective progress of Imo State, pointing out that the charter’s misuse during local government election, especially in the APC, where candidates were selected in total regard of zoning, should not be mistaken for its invalidity.
“The problem lies in leadership failures at the local level, not in the principles the charter embodies. We should focus on strengthening the implementation of the Charter,” the group asserted.
OZAC also highlighted Owerri Zone’s quest for the governorship in 2027, stating that it not as an act of entitlement but a call for adherence to the rotational agreement among the zones as embodied in the Charter.
The coalition noted that Orlu Zone has already held the governorship for over 20 years, leaving Owerri and Okigwe zones underrepresented.
“Discarding the charter would perpetuate a cycle of dominance by Orlu Zone. This scenario risks deepening political divisions and marginalizing the zones. “An enforceable Imo Charter of Equity would provide a predictable roadmap for leadership transitions, fostering trust and cooperation among the three zones in the state,” the statement read
The coalition criticized the argument that challenges faced by the charter at the local government level render it ineffective at the state level.
“Local arrangements may face hurdles, but these should not overshadow the broader benefits of equity at the state level,” the statement stated.
The coalition stressed the need for collaboration between Owerri and Okigwe zones, stressing that the charter provides the moral and structural backbone for collaborations to succeed without undermining fairness.
OZAC called on political leaders in Imo State to prioritize enforcing the charter which has the backing of the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
“The citizens of Imo State, especially those from marginalized zones, view the Charter of Equity as a beacon of hope for fair representation,” “Dismissing it would betray their trust and further alienate them from governance”.
“The charter is a vital tool for promoting fairness and inclusivity in governance. Stakeholders must work collectively to enforce it, ensuring it fulfills its purpose of equitable power distribution. Disregarding it would perpetuate inequality and deepen divisions, which the state can ill afford,” the statement concluded.