From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Chief Jerry Alagbaoso, former National Assembly member for Orlu/Orsu and Oru East, has stated that creating the proposed Anim/Orlu State will ensure Owerri or Okigwe zones produce Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor in 2028.
Alagbaoso, founder of the Triple “O” (Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe) Initiative, responded to the recent dispute between Zinox Group CEO Chief Leo Stan Ekeh and business mogul Chief Tony Chukwu.
Alagbaoso urged both leaders to collaborate on realising Anim/Orlu State, which he believes will facilitate equitable power rotation.
He said, “You must have been aware of the request by Chief Leo Stan Ekeh… who asked the Governor Hope Uzodimma to leave the governorship seat for Owerri, wherein an Okigwe business mogul, Chief Tony Chukwu, countered it by saying Owerri people should transfer Imo capital to Okigwe.”
He added, “I know Chief Leo Stan Ekeh as a high-tech guru and Tony Chukwu as a successful businessman too, and I hope they were not quoted out of context.”
He noted that Uzodimma and lawmakers, including himself (2011–2019) and Senator Osita Izunaso, previously championed the state’s creation. Alagbaoso explained: “For Orlu as a major part of the scalene triangle to give way to the other two sides, it means that… Chief Leo Stan and Chief Tony Chukwu must work hard in facilitating the realisation and actualisation of the Anim State before 2027.”
He urged Owerri and Okigwe to support Orlu’s statehood to balance Imo’s political equation.