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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Elder statesman and former council chairman of the old Owerri Local Government Area of Imo State, Amaugo Ugorji, has reiterated his support for former governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, to succeed Governor Hope Uzodinma in 2027.
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri on Tuesday, Ugorji acknowledged the elders’ proposed charter of equity, which favours the Owerri zone, but emphasized that his primary concern is good governance for the people of the state. He believes Ohakim can provide that.
Ugorji, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and former chairman of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who hails from the Owerri zone, recalled the days of the Ohakim “clean and green revolution” while discussing good governance.
“During Ohakim’s time, Imo State almost regained its excellence in being the cleanest environment because the man was focused on that, and he drove it with gusto,” he said.
As a native of the Owerri zone, Ugorji admitted his inherent bias towards his homeland and expressed support for the moral agreement of the Charter of Equity as proposed by the Imo State Elders Council. This charter suggests that the successor to the incumbent governor should come from Owerri.
However, he emphasized that his ultimate goal is to see good governance, regardless of the governor’s origin.
“The only reason I even propagated it was because of the level of our development. I made the distinction that if we were right in our attitudes and moral levels, I don’t care who rules me.”
“I have nothing against Ohakim. If he becomes the governor, that’s okay because I have seen part of the good things he has done. Everybody has areas that need to be cleaned up and straightened, but I acknowledge the good ones he did.
“So, if, by some circumstance, he becomes governor again, I’m not going to be angry, I wouldn’t mind. At least one area I’m sure the state will benefit is coming back as one of the cleanest cities in the country.”
“Having served a full term as governor, Ohakim is constitutionally limited to only one more term,” Ugorji said.
It is worth noting that another elder statesman from the Owerri zone, Bob Njemanze, had previously expressed support for Ohakim to succeed Uzodinma.
