The Imo Elders Council has come under sharp criticism for entertaining a petition from the Okigwe Global Forum calling for a review of the Imo Charter of Equity, the foundational agreement that ensures rotational governorship among the state’s three senatorial zones
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Okwu, President, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), it described Charter as a “finalized and binding agreement” whose implementation began with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s re-election for a second term.
OZAC emphasized that with Uzodimma’s eight-year tenure nearing completion, it is non-negotiable that the governorship shifts to Owerri Zone, which has only held the position for seven months, compared to Okigwe Zone’s four years.
The coalition said the Elders Council’s decision to review the Charter is a a deliberate attempt to sow discord and subvert justice.
“A review of a concluded matter is both illogical and unacceptable.” OZAC alleged
Full Press Statement
The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) categorically condemns the decision of the Elders Council to entertain the baseless petition from Okigwe Global Forum regarding the Imo Charter of Equity.
This Charter is not a subject for negotiation, debate, or review—it is a binding covenant that has already been implemented with the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodimma for a second term.
It must be stated unequivocally that the Imo Charter of Equity is the cornerstone of fairness and balance in our state’s political landscape. Governor Uzodimma’s tenure fulfills the eight-year rotation for Orlu Zone, and it is non-negotiable that the governorship naturally shifts to the Owerri Zone.
To date, Owerri Zone has only held this office for a paltry seven months—a gross injustice compared to Okigwe’s four years.
The promise by the Elders Council to set up a review committee is a deliberate affront to justice and equity. What exactly is there to review? The Charter is a settled agreement, and any attempt to revisit it is a calculated ploy to destabilize the state and deny Owerri Zone its rightful turn in 2027.
This development confirms our long-standing fears of a grand conspiracy orchestrated by forces outside Owerri Zone to derail its rightful claim to the governorship. Such a blatant disregard for equity is a dangerous precedent that threatens the unity and stability of Imo State.
We have consistently raised the alarm about this plot in our previous statements, and recent developments only validate our concerns. The ongoing efforts to downplay the significance of the Charter and weaken its implementation are a deliberate strategy to favour certain interests at the expense of justice and fairness.
Particularly concerning are the comments of state government officials, including Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, C.O.C Akaolisa, which stated that the Charter’s implementation is not guaranteed. Such statements undermine the credibility of this agreement and cast doubt on the state government’s commitment to equitable governance.
Owerri Zone will not tolerate any further attempts to trample on its rights. We have shown patience, maturity, and unwavering commitment to unity and fairness.
However, this patience must not be misconstrued as weakness. The people of Owerri Zone will mobilize and resist any plot to deny them their rightful place in 2027.
The Elders Council, a body entrusted with upholding justice, risks irrelevance and loss of credibility if it allows itself to be used as a tool for division. Its decision to entertain such petitions is deeply disappointing and unacceptable.
We call on all Imolites and well-meaning stakeholders to rise in defense of equity and justice. The Charter of Equity is the backbone of peace and stability in our state, and any attempt to undermine it is a direct assault on the unity of Imo State.
OZAC remains resolute in its mission to ensure that Owerri Zone receives its fair share of governance. The time for half-measures and excuses is over. We demand justice, and we demand it now.
Signed,
Emmanuel Okwu
President, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC)
