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By Emma Njoku
Governor Hope Uzodimma has vowed to resist any form of “hostile takeover” of power in Imo politics, stressing that justice, inclusion, and consensus remain key to sustaining peace in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku, in a press release, yesterday, said the governor made the vow during a meeting with the Imo Elders Council, at the Government House Banquet Hall in Owerri.
Governor Uzodimma said that lessons from the 2020 crisis, when he came into office, underscored the dangers of political exclusion. He noted that a panel led by Emeritus Catholic Archbishop, Anthony Obinna, found marginalisation to be a major trigger of instability.
“Anyone denied justice may not be committed to peace. We will eliminate any type of hostile takeover by building consensus among ourselves,” Uzodimma maintained.
While receiving the report of the Imo Elders Council on “Charter of Equity”, he described the Elders Council as “the conscience of the state,” explaining that it was established by law to guide governance beyond any administration.
The governor disclosed plans to amend the law, to strengthen the Council’s authority, including sanctioning members who resort to deliberate misconduct.
In respect of the Imo Charter of Equity report, Uzodimma reiterated that it takes into consideration fair distribution of key political offices across the three senatorial zones, urging stakeholders to respect zoning arrangements and avoid divisive politics.
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He also reaffirmed the state’s alignment with the Federal Government, acknowledging the support of President BolaTinubu. The governor expressed optimism that adherence to equity and justice would guarantee stability and a smooth political transition in Imo State. “Charter of Equity has come to stay. Listen to the voice of reason and believe in the Charter of Equity. Work with the Federal Government and support the President. And go home and pray and allow God to do the remaining,” Uzodimma said.
The governor promised to consult further with the leadership of all the three zones that comprise Imo – Okigwe, Owerri, and Orlu -to deepen the consensus that will lead to the political stability that has eluded Imo State over the years.
He assured the Elders Council that their job will not end with his administration as the body will continue to advise future governors in Imo State.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Imo Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, commended Governor Uzodimma for promoting unity in the state. He noted that sustainable development can only be achieved when all regions progress together.
Ilomuanya urged that the Imo Charter of Equity should go beyond rhetoric and be implemented through fair appointments, balanced project distribution, and equal opportunities across the state’s zones. He described the Charter as a commitment to building an inclusive Imo where no area feels marginalised and every citizen can aspire to leadership without discrimination.
He further advised the governor to remain guided by the principles of fairness, justice, and peace embedded in the Charter.
The meeting ended with prayers for continued peace, unity, and progress in Imo State, alongside a renewed call for collective responsibility in advancing the state’s development agenda.
Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of the State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and her husband, Barr. Chukwuma Ekomaru; former Deputy Governor, Lady Ada Okwuonu, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, some stakeholders and opinion leaders of the state and members of the State Executive Council.
