It is appalling. That’s the only word to describe how some leaders from Owerri zone have reduced the agitation for Imo governorship in 2027 to a pitiful display of political timidity.
Parading a begging bowl before other zones, especially Orlu, is not only shameful—it reeks of a deep-seated inferiority complex that should have no place in our politics.
Must we continue to beg the so-called political lords of Orlu to “gift” us the governorship as though it is their personal property?
Imo Governorship is not the exclusive inheritance of Orlu zone. For a zone that has held power for over two decades, it is unjust to expect Owerri zone to kneel and plead for what is rightfully theirs.
Let me be clear: I am not in APC, and I do not belong to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s camp. But even those Owerri politicians aligned with him should summon the courage to tell him to his face that justice and fairness demand that his successor comes from Owerri zone. Their silence is deafening, and their cowardice, disturbing.
I recently came across an article titled “Owerri Zone Must Not Put All Its Eggs in One Fragile Basket.” The author’s argument resonated deeply with me. Imo Governorship is not Orlu’s birthright. It belongs to all of us—Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu alike. Yet, some groups in Orlu and some persons from that zone speak.amd behave as though Owerri zone must prostrate before them to get a seat at the table. Is this how low we have sunk? Are we political slaves in our own state?
The approach of some Owerri leaders so far is pathetic. Endless press statements and conferences dripping with pleas and appeals only portray weakness. Is this the best strategy?
Where is the fire? Where is the resolve? Must we continue this timid, elitist approach while others like Okigwe organize, mobilize, and strategize?
Owerri zone is one of the three legs that hold Imo State. Without us, the tripod collapses. Yet, our leaders act as though we are second-class citizens. Enough is enough. 2027 is not for the faint-hearted or for those waiting for crumbs to be thrown their way.
We must stop the politics of appeasement and embrace the politics of assertion. No zone hands over power willingly; it is taken through strategy, unity, and courage. Owerri must stop waiting for Orlu, Okigwe or anyone’s endorsement. The time has come to set the tone for 2027.
Governor Uzodimma’s allies from Owerri must realize they are doing the zone no favours by their constant appeals to him. Even they know that the Governor’s achievements, commendable as they may be in road infrastructure, could pale into insignificance in the face of the economic hardship orchestrated by their party at the federal level. Yet, they pretend all is well.
Owerri zone’s moment is now or never. History favours us. Justice and equity are on our side. But they will count for nothing if our leaders continue to parade the political market square with a begging bowl.
The people of Owerri zone deserve a bold, fearless leadership that will demand—not beg—for power. Anything less is a betrayal of our people and our place in Imo’s history.
Enough of the begging. Enough of the timidity. If we don’t rise now, we may have no political relevance left to fight for in the future.
Ejimkonye writes from Owerri and can be reached: [email protected]
