The Owerri Zone Mandate Platform, OZMP, has dismissed reports that political leaders from Okigwe Zone rejected Owerri Zone’s proposition to produce the next governor of Imo State, describing the reports as a deliberate misrepresentation of a recent meeting between leaders of the two zones at the residence of Chief Tony Chukwu held in Ehime Mbano last week.
In a statement signed by its President, Chibuike Akujuo, and Secretary, Anselem Njoku, the forum said the meeting was convened to open discussions on political succession, equity and the state’s charter of equity, insisting that it was unreasonable to expect a final resolution from the first engagement. It said there is room for further talks between leaders of both zones.
The group said no Okigwe leader at the meeting declared that the zone had rejected Owerri’s position and accused those circulating such claims of attempting to create unnecessary tension between the two zones.
It said Owerri’s demand was supported by the political history of the state, arguing that Orlu Zone would have produced governors for about 24 years by the end of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s tenure, while Okigwe Zone had produced Governor Ikedi Ohakim for four years. The forum said Owerri leaders had demonstrated political maturity by engaging Okigwe and reaching out to stakeholders in Orlu, adding that the objective was to achieve justice and equity while ensuring that the next governor would have the capacity to consolidate the gains of the Uzodimma administration.
THE FULL STATEMENT
Owerri-Okigwe Dialogue: Stop Misrepresenting Our Meeting, Owerri Zone Mandate Platform Tells Mischief Makers
The Owerri Zone Mandate Platform has condemned attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent the outcome of the recent meeting between political leaders from Owerri and Okigwe Zones, warning that such actions could create needless tension between two brotherly zones.
The Forum’s reaction followed reports circulating on social media and some online platforms claiming that Okigwe Zone rejected the proposition by Owerri Zone to produce the next Governor of Imo State after the tenure of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Such reports are misleading and inconsistent with what transpired at the meeting.
The meeting, held at the country home of Chief Tony Chukwu, brought together political leaders from both zones to discuss the political future of Imo State, particularly the principle of equity and the question of which zone should produce the governor after Governor Uzodimma’s tenure.
It is therefore inaccurate to present the meeting as one at which a final decision was expected or at which Okigwe Zone formally rejected the position canvassed by Owerri Zone. The gathering was, fundamentally, an avenue for dialogue, consultation and exchange of perspectives on an important political question.
The meeting should instead be viewed as a significant first step towards constructive engagement between the two zones. Political leaders from Owerri and Okigwe were able to sit together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and examine the political history of the state and the need for fairness in determining its next political direction.
No responsible political engagement on an issue of such magnitude should be expected to produce an immediate resolution at a first meeting. What matters is that dialogue has commenced, and the process should be allowed to develop through further consultations.
We caution those attempting to manufacture a rejection where none was declared, describing such conduct as retrogressive and capable of undermining the spirit of brotherhood that informed the meeting.
The position of Owerri Zone is anchored on the principle of fairness and the political history of Imo State. By the time Governor Hope Uzodimma completes his tenure, Orlu Zone would have produced governors for approximately 24 years since 1999, while Okigwe Zone has had a four-year tenure through Governor Ikedi Ohakim. Against this background, Owerri Zone’s claim to the next governorship is premised on the need to correct the existing imbalance.
We stress that its advocacy is not an attempt to diminish the political interests of either Orlu or Okigwe Zones. Rather, it is a call for a fair rotation that gives every zone a reasonable opportunity to produce the governor of the state.
Owerri political leaders have demonstrated this commitment to peaceful engagement by reaching out not only to Okigwe political stakeholders but also to traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Orlu Zone. Such engagements reflect a preference for consultation over confrontation.
We appeal to political actors and youths in both Owerri and Okigwe Zones not to allow social media narratives to distort the relationship between the two zones. Political differences should be addressed through dialogue and reasoned engagement, not through inflammatory claims.
While Owerri Zone remains convinced that equity and justice support its aspiration to produce the next governor, the larger objective must also be to ensure that the eventual governor possesses the competence, character and capacity required to consolidate the gains of the Uzodimma administration and advance the state.
We therefore urge all well-meaning Imolites to allow the dialogue between the two zones to continue without unnecessary interference or sensationalism.
The meeting at Chief Tony Chukwu’s residence was a beginning, not an end. Its value lies in opening a channel through which the two zones can discuss their respective positions honestly and respectfully.
The Owerri Zone Mandate Forum consequently dismisses reports that Okigwe Zone rejected the proposition of Owerri Zone as mischievous and urges those behind such narratives to stop creating confusion where none exists.
Owerri Zone has made its position clear. It believes that, in the interest of justice, equity and fairness, the zone should produce the next Governor of Imo State. It remains confident that the matter can be resolved through continued consultation and in the spirit of brotherhood that binds the people of Imo State together.
Signed:
Mr. Chibuike Akujuo
President
Owerri Zone Mandate Forum
Mr. Anselm Njoku
Secretary
Owerri Zone Mandate Forum
