BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
Groups, political stalwarts from Owerri zone extraction have once again cried out over what they described as a long-standing marginalization of the zone in Imo State political equation and insisted that the governorship must shift to Owerri zone, come 2027.
Speaking at a town hall meeting held in Owerri and jointly organized by Olu Owerri, Owerri zone Indigenous Town Union, Ogbako Ndi Nze, and Owerri Zone Youth Forum, Barrister Sorronnandi Njoku stressed
that Owerri zone’s right to govern is both constitutional and moral.
Barr. Njoku, who delivered the keynote lecture with the theme” Equity and Justice, Panacea For Peace and Good Governance, highlighted that section 14 of the Nigerian constitution guarantees the right of all zones to aspire to govern, stressing that no legal or political justification exists for excluding Owerri zone from producing the next governor of the state.
The legal luminary lamented that unfairness and injustice have been meted out to Owerri Zone for decades, pointing out that Orlu zone has held power for more than 20 years since the return of democracy in 1999, while Okigwe zone has also had its fair share.
Barr. Njoku noted that the much-publicized Imo Charter of Equity, which came into effect before the November, 2023 governorship election, was designed to rotate power among the three geo political zones.
He submitted that Hope Uzodimma from Orlu Zone has already benefitted from the Charter, and equity demands that Owerri zone should take over in 2027.
He said, “The Charter of Equity is binding on all of us. Orlu has had its turn. Owerri Zone must take its rightful place in 2027. Anything less is injustice”.
Barr. Njoku explained that Nigeria’s Constitution and even the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights emphasize fairness and inclusivity, adding that Owerri Zone’s exclusion would be a direct violation of these principles.
He observed that even within a single four-year term, past leaders like Chief Sam Mbakwe and Dr. Ikedi Ohakim recorded giant strides, proving that performance is not tied to tenure elongation but to vision, commitment, and leadership capacity.
Barr. Njoku recalled how Owerri Zone’s chance was thwarted in 2007 when the victory of Chief Martin Agbaso was nullified, stressing that the injustice of that period must not be repeated in 2027.
“Governorship aspirations must rest on merit, integrity, and competence, not manipulation.”.
In his comment, the President of Owerri Zone Indigenous Town Union, Chief Samson Ogbos, stressed the need for unity, urging communities to rally behind credible candidates from the Owerri zone.
Contributing, Olu Owerri President, Chief Martins Opara, emphasized this sentiment, cautioning that unless Owerri zone speaks with one voice, it risks being sidelined.
His words, “We need to come together and work for the success of this project. Division is our greatest enemy, and we must fight against same” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of Owerri zone Ndi Eze, Charles Nkwocha, commended Barr. Njoku’s presentation, while highlighting that 2027 is non-negotiable for Owerri zone governorship.
The event was attended by notable stakeholders from Owerri zone, such as Prof. Jude Njoku, Chief Henry Onwukwe, Director General, The Mazi Organization, among other prominent citizens.