A United States-based Imo born philanthropist and public affairs commentator from Owerri Zone , Prof. Augustine Anuforo, has cautioned political leaders and stakeholders from Owerri Zone in Imo State against relying solely on Governor Hope Uzodimma or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to hand over power to the zone in 2028.
Speaking from Atlanta, Georgia, Anuforo said he and other concerned indigenes of Owerri Zone are closely monitoring political developments as the battle for Uzodimma’s successor in 2028 begins to take shape.
“From all indications, Owerri Zone is long overdue to produce the governor of Imo State,”
“This is a fact so glaring that even the blind and the deaf know it. In 26 years of unbroken democracy, Owerri Zone has held the position for only seven months, Okigwe Zone for four years, while Orlu Zone will have enjoyed it for 24 years by the time Uzodimma completes his tenure.” he said.
The U.S.-based professor warned that Governor Uzodimma might be under political pressure not to concede power to the zone, citing utterances from some of the governor’s allies.
He pointed specifically to recent remarks by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, and even the governor himself.
“When people in the governor’s camp openly question the Charter of Equity, and the governor himself hesitates to make a clear commitment, it should be a wake-up call for Owerri Zone,” he said.
According to Anuforo, this political atmosphere calls for urgent strategic thinking by Owerri leaders.
“We must not put all our eggs in one basket. Much as we crave that Uzodimma hands over to us, we should look at other credible platforms and options to actualize our political aspiration.”he said
He stressed that power is never given but taken, urging political actors from the zone to “stop waiting for manna from heaven” and begin aggressive political mobilization.
“Politics is about strategy, alliances, and numbers,”
“If we continue to pin all our hopes on one political party or one political leader, we may end up being disappointed again in 2028.” Anuforo noted.
He argued that while the Charter of Equity, as proposed by the Imo State Council of Elders, is commendable in theory, its enforcement depends on political will.
“The sad truth is that if those in power choose to ignore it, there is little anyone can do unless the people are prepared to fight politically and democratically for what is rightfully theirs,” he said.
He also called on Owerri sons and daughters in the diaspora to get involved, stressing that financial and moral support from outside the state could be crucial in tilting the political balance.
“Our destiny is in our hands.Owerri Zone must unite, strategize, and be ready to take what belongs to it. No one will hand it to us on a platter.” Anuforo concluded.
