Okenze George Nkwoji’s piece published in several Owerri based tabloids reeks of defeatism, self-pity, and a subtle attempt to delegitimize Owerri zone’s rightful quest for the governorship in 2028.
His entire argument is a cleverly veiled campaign for Okigwe zone and Ikedi Ohakim, disguised as a sermon on leadership. But let’s be clear: Owerri zone does not need a “supreme leader” anointed by fiat to actualize its political destiny. What it needs is resolve, unity of purpose, and the courage to resist the toxic propaganda designed to weaken its case.
First, it is laughable and insulting to describe Owerri zone as a people “without leadership” and “scattered like sheep without a shepherd.” That narrative is not only false, it is malicious. Leadership in modern democratic practice is not about one strongman sitting atop everyone else; it is about collective bargaining, coalition building, and strategic alliances.
Owerri zone has more than enough leaders—former governors, former ministers, ex-lawmakers, technocrats, respected traditional rulers, and intellectuals—to drive the process. To dismiss them as “amorphous” or “selfish” is nothing but deliberate distortion.
The invocation of biblical metaphors to shame Owerri zone into surrendering its turn is manipulative at best. Comparing the zone to Israel without a king is a lazy stretch. Democracy is not monarchy, and the destiny of Owerri zone cannot be reduced to waiting for a Moses or Ojukwu to emerge. The people are not waiting for a saviour—they are demanding equity, fairness, and justice in line with the Imo Charter of Equity. No amount of scriptural scare tactics will erase that truth.
Nkwoji’s nostalgia for the Onukogu story is selective history. Yes, Onukogu displayed courage and political wisdom in securing Owerri as the capital of Imo State. But must Owerri forever be measured against the exploits of one man in the 1970s? The times have changed.
Today, no single individual can impose outcomes in a plural democratic environment. Instead, multiple leaders and groups, acting in synergy, shape collective destiny. The so-called “cacophony” of voices in Owerri is actually evidence of vibrant political consciousness, not failure.
What is most dangerous in Nkwoji’s essay is the treacherous suggestion that Owerri zone should abandon its rightful claim and hand over to Okigwe zone, particularly to Ikedi Ohakim. This is nothing but an insult and a betrayal. By what logic should Owerri zone step aside after decades of marginalization? Orlu has taken sixteen years, Okigwe has had its share, yet Nkwoji wants Owerri— the seat of the capital, and the most politically marginalized zone—to “return home” and wait? That is not strategy, that is cowardice packaged as wisdom.
If anything, 2027/8 presents Owerri zone with its best chance in decades. The Charter of Equity, which Nkwoji conveniently mentions but distorts, clearly places the moral and political weight on Owerri. For him to turn around and advocate that the zone should forfeit its turn is an act of sabotage. Owerri cannot and must not be blackmailed into political surrender.
The demonization of pressure groups like OZOPOLF, Olu Owerri, Ezuruezu Mbaise, and others is equally disingenuous. Are they perfect? No. But are they evidence of political engagement? Yes. In every democracy, groups and interests exist, they jostle, they compete, they negotiate. To call them “saboteurs” is to insult the grassroots mobilizers who keep the zone politically alive. If anything, these groups need consolidation, not condemnation.
Nkwoji’s sudden romanticization of Ohakim exposes the true motive of his essay. It is less about Owerri’s supposed lack of leadership and more about advancing a Trojan horse agenda for Okigwe. But let us remind him: Ohakim already had four years. If equity is the principle, then no one from Okigwe should be in the 2028 conversation. To smuggle Ohakim back through the backdoor is to spit on the face of justice and fairness.
Owerri zone is not at a crossroads as Nkwoji claims. Owerri zone is at a decisive moment. A moment to rise, consolidate, and insist on its rightful turn. This is not the time to romanticize biblical shepherds or recycle expired leaders from Okigwe. This is the time to assert moral authority, mobilize across party lines, and rally the people for equity.
The truth is that detractors fear Owerri’s collective will. They know that once Owerri speaks with one voice, the game is over. That is why they peddle this narrative of “no leader,” hoping to fracture the zone’s resolve. But the people are wiser now. They know the cost of disunity in 2015 and 2019, and they are not about to repeat the same mistake.
Nkwoji’s conclusion that Owerri should stand down for Okigwe is not only defeatist but also dangerous. It encourages betrayal, sows confusion, and undermines the Charter of Equity. Owerri must reject such poisonous counsel with the contempt it deserves. The time for waiting is over. The time for apologizing is over. The time for bargaining away the future is over.
Let it be clear: 2027/8 is Owerri’s turn, and no amount of manipulation, biblical analogies, or Trojan horse arguments for Okigwe will change that. The only debate left is which competent, visionary, and credible son or daughter of Owerri zone will emerge to take Douglas House. The zone must rise, unite, and fight for what is rightfully theirs. Anything less would be a historic betrayal.
Ejimkonye, writes from Lagos, can be reached @ [email protected]
“The invocation of biblical metaphors to shame Owerri zone into surrendering its turn is manipulative at best. Comparing the zone to Israel without a king is a lazy stretch. Democracy is not monarchy, and the destiny of Owerri zone cannot be reduced to waiting for a Moses or Ojukwu to emerge. The people are not waiting for a saviour—they are demanding equity, fairness, and justice in line with the Imo Charter of Equity. No amount of scriptural scare tactics will erase that truth”
