My phone has continued to buzz since the publicity blitz on “Uzodinma’s successor: Owerri zone at crossroads” appeared on Monday. I was already prepared and expecting reactions in every form.
Surprisingly, a majority of callers agreed with me that the issues which I raised are the fears in Owerri zone while some are of the opinion that I should not have exposed our weaknesses.
However, it amazed me when Ralph Ejimkonye jumped into the fray in an attempt to fault the issues at stake. Unfortunately, while prevaricating over the matter, he still ended up agreeing with me without knowing it.
For example, is Ejimkonye not with me where he said: “What it (Owerri zone) needs is the resolve, unity of purpose, and the courage to resist the toxic propaganda designed to weaken its case”?Are these not the same weaknesses that I raised?
Again, I don’t know how Ejimkonye sees discordant voices in Owerri as “evidence of vibrant political consciousness, not failure”. Where has it happened that a people succeeded with discordant voices?
It is also laughable where he makes strenuous attempts to persuade us about leadership in Owerri. He mentioned about “about collective bargaining, coalition building, and strategic alliances ” adding that the people Owerri people are “demanding equity, fairness, and justice in line with the Imo Charter of Equity”. Can these be realized without leadership? How can someone who supports Owerri zone tell us that ‘the people are wiser now. They know the cost of of disunity in 2015 and 2019, and they are not about to repeat the same mistake”? What has changed between 2019 and today? Is it not the same people, the same interest and the same environment?
I believe that Ejimkonye is merely expressing sentiments probably because of the level at which he has so far been involved in Owerri zone and Imo governorship quest. Sentiments are destitutes of politics and are therefore of no political relevance. Many of us have been neckdeep in this project but got our fingers burnt and became victims.
In any case, I am only acting the devil’s advocate for Owerri zone to see the wisdom inherent in my essay. Our people will miss the point if what they can read from me is just Okigwe and Ohakim. I am only saying that Owerri zone should use them to rebuild in full preparation for the battles ahead –
Okenze George Nkwoji.
