The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) notes with interest the remarks reportedly made by Governor Hope Uzodimma regarding the Imo Charter of Equity.
The Governor was quoted as saying, “What matters to me is not where the next governor comes from but who can sustain and expand the progress we have made. Anyone focused on zoning or Charter of Equity is not aligned with my vision.”
As a citizen of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma is entitled to his opinion. We respect his right to freely express his views on matters concerning the state, including the Charter of Equity.
OZAC has consistently maintained that the actualization of Owerri Zone’s governorship ambition does not solely rest on the Governor or any individual. Power, as history has shown, is never given on a platter of gold but must be earned through strategic engagement, unity, and proactive action.
We remain steadfast in our belief that it is the turn of Owerri Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2027, in alignment with the principles of the Charter of Equity. This belief is anchored in good conscience, fairness, and justice.
However, we are also mindful that at no time in Imo’s history has any zone completely refrained from fielding governorship aspirants, even when zoning seemed to be in effect.
We, again call on the people of Owerri Zone to drop any entitlement mentality about the governorship seat and focus on engaging other sister zones in building alliances and fostering mutual understanding.
Our relentless pursuit of the governorship must remain unwavering because Owerri Zone is not an onlooker in Imo politics. We are one of the indispensable tripods upon which Imo State stands.
Owerri Zone must move beyond the narratives of marginalization and pleading for political inclusion. No zone will yield the governorship to us simply because we claim to have been sidelined. Instead, we must articulate our vision, demonstrate our capability, and show that we are prepared to lead Imo State to greater heights.
We urge the good people of Owerri Zone to retool its strategies and abandon the approach of parading a begging bowl in the guise of seeking the governorship of our dear State.
Leadership is earned, and we must present ourselves as capable contenders who are ready to provide transformational leadership for Imo State.
There is no shortcut to power. Our quest for the Imo governorship is just, and we are confident that the God of justice and the spirit of our forefathers will aid us in making this journey a realistic and achievable task.
Finally, we urge our people to remember that our collective success lies not in the will of man but in God’s divine plan. With faith, strategy, and determination, Owerri Zone will achieve its rightful place in Imo’s political landscape.
Signed:
Emmanuel Okwu, President
Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC)
