BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
As quest for who governs Imo State, come 2027, continues to gather momentum, Okigwe zone has been identified as best suited to occupy the government house after Hope Uzodimma, in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.
This is even as political gladiators from Owerri zone have been advised to jettison their governorship aspirations for 2027 as “it is bound to end as a mirage.”
A political leader in the state and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Beaton Investments, Prof. Vitalis Orikaeze Ajumbe, made this known while addressing newsmen in Owerri, Imo State.
Prof. Ajumbe stressed that former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, whose second tenure reelection bid was truncated in 2011, remains “Owerri zone’s easiest route to ascending Imo’s governorship position in 2031.”
He said, “if there is anything called Charter of Equity, it must go back to Okigwe zone, where it stopped in 2011. Former Governor Achike Udenwa from Orlu zone where the so-called Charter of Equity began (though under PDP arrangement), governed for two terms. Afterwards, it went to Okigwe zone through former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, but Owerri zone people conspired to truncate the flow in 2011.” He submitted that “Owerri zone should have supported Okigwe zone and allow Ohakim to complete his second tenure and now hand over to us in Owerri zone. So, if they want Charter of Equity, it must go back to Okigwe zone to complete their remaining four years,making it eight years. And Ohakim is the only Okigwe zone person who can constitutionally not exceed four years in Office as Governor.”
Prof. Ajumbe indicated that Ohakim bears no grudges against anyone despite the enormity of the blackmail unleashed on him in 2011. “Some of those who blindly ganged up against him in 2011, including the Catholic Church, are regretting their reckless actions that they made a terrible mistake. Many people today are regretting Ohakim’s exit in 2011. By now, we in Owerri zone, should have completed our tenure. But for the injustice and injury done to Ohakim, this argument about who succeeds who today in Imo would have been averted,” he submitted.
The Imo political stalwart berated Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Senator Chris Anyanwu, and late Chief Patrick Onuoha for their various roles which aided the ouster of Ohakim and the annihilation of democracy in 2011.
“All these people and others are from Owerri zone. Archbishop Obinna started it with the false accusation of Ohakim beating a Catholic Reverend Father, which has been proven to be a big lie. That was because he wanted to bring in as governor, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate from Orlu zone, Rochas Okorocha who had an Owerri zone man as deputy. Chief P.C. Onuoha recruited Okorocha, who had wanted to contest for the Federal House of Representatives. Unfortunately, Chief Onuoha regretted his actions before he died. May his soul rest in peace.
“Then, a two term Senator, Chris Anyanwu,admitted recruiting and organizing security personnel in conjunction with the federal government’s backing under President Jonathan to circumvent democracy in Imo State in 2011. When I read her memoir ‘Bold Leap,’ I was shocked,” he stated.
Ajumbe submitted that Owerri zone political leaders fought Ohakim for no just cause. “They wanted Ohakim out at all cost, yet they have now turned around to tell us that they believe in Charter of Equity. Which equity? How can you destroy somebody’s future in order to get your own? It is not possible,” he elaborated.
Prof. Ajumbe, however, gave panacea to the looming political logjam in the state. He advised that Owerri political leaders “should marry Okigwe zone and agree on terms. To underrate Okigwe zone will be a huge mistake. If Owerri zone thinks it is about flaunting wealth and relying on a non-existent promise, which Governor Uzodinma has even shattered, they are not going anywhere,” he warned.
He elaborated that as an Owerri zone political leader, he will, definitely, oppose any attempt by Okigwe zone to present a candidate who will exceed four years in Office. “That will be unfair to us in Owerri zone. We can only allow for four years from Okigwe zone. Ohakim possesses all qualities, including the accum and dexterity to move the state to greater heights.”
He said, ”Uzodinma needs a person with vision and strong will to govern Imo and sustain his legacies. Ohakim performed excellently in his first tenure, and i don’t think anyone will say Ohakim should not come back. Anybody with contrary view must give us his reasons backed with empirical facts.Besides,Ohakim, if he declares to run again, will be coming back as an experienced technocrat, administrator and not a starter for experimentation”.