Follow Us on Google
From Promise Okoro
Public Forum
The topical discourse in Imo state now especially with the next month’s governorship election hinges on the zone that will Produce the governor that will occupy the Douglas house Owerri for the next four years.
The Imo politics with regards to the zoning arrangements is similar to the larger Nigerian politics where the three major tribes lay claims.
At the national level, the Hausa-Fulani(North) have more than any other tribes and zones dominated the political scene since independence including during the military regimes.
For all purposes and intents, the current Imo Charter Of Equity is an instrument crafted by the incumbent government to diffuse tensions that have heightened as well as polarised the Imolites.
Imo Charter Of Equity is the mandate/brainchild of Imo Council Of Elders.
The document have passed through the Imo State House Of Assembly for ratification, which inadvertently makes it binding on those that signed and sworn to it for implementation.
Like every agreement made by man, that Instrument is equally subject to corrupt influence and behavior by those who are bound to it as well as the fact that it remains subject to revocation, unfortunately….
A cursory look at other southeast states shows a well ochestrated zoning arrangements that is all inclusive and encompassing.
Other South East states with the exception of Imo have religiously kept to their sharing formulas based on EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE.
Imo State started off well in 1999 when Democracy was restored with the election of Chief Achike Udenwa from Orlu zone who completed his two terms of office totalling eight years.
Dr. Ohakim from Okigwe Zone took over from Chief Udenwa (Orlu zone) but unfortunately his tenure was trauncated not because of maladministration, non-performance or corruption but due to unfounded allegations, falsehoods and wicked but damaging propaganda engineered by Orlu political machineries that has brought Ndimo where we are now.
The Orlu political machernts ganged up with some religious leaders and the so called “Owerri Leaders/Elders” not only to deny Dr. Ohakim his deserved second term but also trauncated and ended the already established power sharing formula of the state!
Since after the exit of Chief Ohakim’s tenure, the disruption of the zoning arrangement in Imo has remained altered and batardised. Orlu zone just like the Hausa-Fulani at the national level has remained in power for 20 years and still counting!
The way forward/suggestions
Power truly is not given but can be negotiated for the sake of peace, fairness, justice and equity.
Owerri zone and Okigwe zone should unite and come together to wrestle power out of the strongholds of Orlu zone.
The incumbent governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma though from Orlu zone should be allowed to do his second term and thereafter the spirit and letters of Imo Charter Of Equity be allowed to reign in Imo polity.
After the second term of Governor Uzodimma, Okigwe Zone for the sake of same Fairness and Equity should be allowed to complete its second term which was trauncated and it will be very reasonable and in the overall interest of all to allow Chief Ohakim to complete his term on behalf of ndi Okigwe zone.
Allowing Chief Ohakim to complete his second term of office is a shorter and better route not only for ndi Owerri to occupy the Douglas House but also for the entire state to be governed by Imo Charter Of Equity just like other southeast states.
Orlu political leaders should follow the example of the northern zone at the federal level and allow a power shift to Okigwe zone so that the Imo Charter Of Equity will start all over again.
For the Imo Charter Of Equity to start all over again from Okigwe zone, Chief Ohakim remains the best option for Owerri Zone to support so as to shorten the journey to Douglas house since he would only do a single one term of four years .
• Dr. Okoro, an Associate Professor of Conflict Management and Resolution, writes from Abuja.
