The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has declared that he would not handpick his successor, as the person must emerge through a rigorous democratic process.
He also noted that although he authored the Charter of Equity as a means of ensuring inclusivity and justice in power rotation among the three zones of the state, it would also be subjected to democratic norms.
Uzodimma was responding to the demands of the people of Owerri zone, who paid him a courtesy call at the Government House on Wednesday.
The people had declared that they would support any candidate chosen by Uzodimma from Owerri zone as his successor.
But he replied that while the Charter of Equity is there as a guide, it is not an automatic right because any zone that wants to produce the next governor must have to work with the other zones to realize their aspirations.
The governor explained that the Charter of Equity, established in Imo State, was borne out of clear intention to restore moral order, eliminate confusion, and check imbalance in the governance of the state.
In his words, “Charter of Equity is not a slogan for confusion, it is a document to let us know and remember the imbalance in the system and see how best to correct it; but not for people to enter social media and circulate fake news. We cannot continue like this every time,” the governor stressed.
He commended Owerri zone leaders for their sense of unity and cooperation among stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Senator Uzodimma, however, stressed that the process of selecting a candidate must follow a purely democratic process; while urging Owerri zone to carry other zones along in their desires for the governorship and allow the will of God in all things.
“You must join me now for us to cure this confusion, because if we don’t cure this confusion under my watch, the man coming after me may not be as religious and God-fearing as I am,” Senator Uzodimma cautioned.
He maintained that Imo State is desirous of creative thinkers who are committed to serving the people and making strong and informed leadership decisions that encourage development.
The governor further encouraged the leaders and those who may be aspiring for governorship position in the state to slow down on campaigns but rather channel their energies to helping improve security, health, and economic well-being of people in their various communities, emphasizing that “Health Insurance Scheme of this administration is real and effective.”
Earlier, the Leader of the delegation, Chief Charles Amadi, said the visit was to express solidarity to the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma and commended him for his ingenuity in establishing the Imo Charter of Equity which he said will check imbalance, injustice, and foster peace in the state.
He disclosed the resolve of the leaders and the people of Owerri zone to lend their absolute support to the Charter of Equity and assured the governor that the zone is really united now to work in harmony as a group.
Other speakers at the event include the immediate past Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, Barr. Livinus Alozie, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, and Chief Henry Njoku, among others, who all noted that Owerri zone now has a common front with a resolve to support any candidate that is adopted.
They commended the governor for the numerous infrastructural projects in the zone and other zones alike and appealed that the promise as enshrined in the Charter of Equity be kept.
The delegation of the leaders of Owerri zone cut across party lines, elected office holders, political appointees, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders from the zone.
