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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The Director General, Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) Campaign Group, Bishop C. Johnson, has reiterated that nobody can impose on Imo State a Charter of Equity without the consent of the people.
He made the remark when the coalition of groups advocating for the Imo ex-governor, Dr Ikedi Ohakim’s completion of his remaining tenure of four years come 2027, organised a birthday anniversary for him yesterday, in Owerri, Imo State capital.
Bishop, a retired Captain of the US Army, said that the issue of Charter of Equity has not been settled in the state, stressing that Imo people have not spoken on that yet.
“It’s our considered position that the Charter of Equity has not been settled and Imo people have not decided yet. You cannot impose a Charter of Equity on the people. The only charter of political equity is that of 1999 when former Governor Achike Udenwa, from Orlu zone, became the governor, and after finishing his two terms of office (eight years), it was the turn of Okigwe zone in 2007, and Ikedi Ohakim was elected. But, in 2011, that equity was truncated.
“Ohakim has the right to contest the 2027 election. This is why Governor Hope Uzodimma advised the Owerri to dialogue with Okigwe zone because he knows that the issue of Charter of Equity is far from being settled. Besides, nothing stops anybody from the Orlu zone from contesting the 2027 off-circuit governorship election in Imo state.”
Continuing, “Today, more than a decade after leaving office, an unprecedented grassroots movement continues to grow across Imo State.
The people are calling on His Excellency, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, to, once again, answer the call to serve Imo State. This call has found practical expression through a petition endorsed by over 100,000 Imolites at home and abroad.
“Supporting Dr. Ohakim is, therefore, not merely a political choice. It is a commitment to restoring justice under the naturally evolving Imo Charter of Equity, allowing Okigwe Zone to complete its rightful tenure before power rotates peacefully to Owerri Zone.”
He added: “We gather to celebrate the life and public service of His Excellency, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, a distinguished son of Imo State, visionary statesman, accomplished administrator, institution builder, and transformational leader whose record in office continues to inspire millions of Imolites.
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“His administration demonstrated that governance can be purposeful, disciplined, accountable, and people-centred. As we celebrate his birthday, we also celebrate a legacy built on integrity, innovation, environmental renewal, infrastructure, security, institutional reforms, and human capital development,” he stated.
Similarly, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Venerable (Dr) Amarachukwu Duru, said, “Today, we have gathered not only to celebrate another year of God’s grace upon the life of our celebrant, our principal, but also to appreciate his contributions to the development of Imo State and his service to humanity. His Excellency’s commitment to leadership, good governance, and the welfare of the people remains worthy of recognition and commendation.
“He is a man whose journey reflects the story of determination from the world of enterprise and administration into the demanding arena of governance. He is a symbol of leadership, resilience, and public service. Beyond politics, his story is one of perseverance.
“He represents the idea that leadership requires courage, patience, and the ability to stand firm in the face of criticism and challenges. Like every public figure, his tenure has attracted different opinions and assessments, but his contribution remains part of the indelible political history of Imo State, the Clean & Green, the 10,000 jobs, the creation of ISOPADEC, to mention a few.”
He emphasised that the group is committed to justice, inclusion, equity, and flourishing democracy.
Ex-governorship candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Dr Osmond Ukanacho, extolled the political sagacity and visionary leadership of Ohakim. He said that he has identified with him.
“We are all gathered here, today, as his faithful and loyalists to honour him. Those you don’t find here, today, are not his real faithful friends. And, we are calling on him to contest the 2027 governorship poll, we will ensure that he wins.”
The celebrant spoke to his supporters virtually from Poland, thanked the generosity and the honour done to him.
He said, “I am honoured. I couldn’t make it to Nigeria, but I said I had to thank you all through this technology (virtual) for celebrating my birthday in absentia. I thank you all for your generosity and kindness towards me”.
Earlier, his supporters had visited the Umuguma General Hospital Owerri and paid the medical bills of nine patients, totalling the sum of N2 million, on behalf of the celebrant. The ex-Imo State governor turned 69 years yesterday.
