As political permutations gather momentum ahead of the 2028 Imo governorship election, the Secretary of the Orlu Elders Council, Professor Protus Uzoma, has urged political leaders from Owerri zone to engage Okigwe zone in sincere negotiations.
Uzoma, in a statement on Wednesday, said it would be a costly mistake for Owerri zone to dismiss the concerns and demands of Okigwe zone for a fair shot at the governorship seat, especially in light of long-standing grievances over underdevelopment and marginalisation.
He emphasized that ignoring Okigwe’s aspirations would plunge the state into needless tension and political instability, urging stakeholders to embrace honest dialogue and equitable power-sharing arrangements to sustain unity and peace in Imo State.
Parts of the statement read “I have listened with keen interest and deep understanding to the conversations arising out of the weighty pronouncement made by Chief Tony Chukwu that Owerri zone should concede the Capital City to Okigwe zone if they won’t allow an indigene of Okigwe zone to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2028.
“His immutable argument which is the equivalent of a political missile strike serves as a catalyst for balanced zonal development and inclusive governance.
“Truth burns like fire. Chief Chukwu’s contention is that more than 80% of developmental projects in Imo since 1999 are concentrated in Owerri zone by the virtue of its advantage as the host of the capital city. This isn’t hate but reality baptised in cold logic. Unapologetic truth isn’t for the weak. It is for the strong. His comment is an awakening and this topic is now an ark in the flood of political discussions.
“Truth is not comfortable, it is confrontational. We can’t all suffer selective perception which is an instinctive cognitive bias that predisposes us to align with pre-existing prejudices. Our politics must be tailored to dismantle the architecture of concentrating developmental efforts mostly in Owerri zone so as to avoid future agitations. We must resolve this challenge not erase it by gaslighting those with courage to speak up.
“Isn’t it worrying to us as a people that Okigwe zone looks like an abandoned space? Everything has been done mostly for the benefit of Owerri zone since 1999. Truthfully, our governors have maintained a tradition of unequal distribution of resources, infrastructure and opportunities. Our political leaders should urgently address the needs of the under represented and simulate growth in neglected zones of the state.
“They are laying claim to the Governorship in 2028 not with permission but with purpose. They have cast more than an accusation of neglect, they have thrown down a political gauntlet not only at the feet of Owerri zone but before the conscience of the entire state.
“They are asking for restoration. It is not about hate or division but about restoration. Okigwe zone only wants to be better not bitter. Their argument is that in the evaluation of the Charter of Equity, developments consequent upon the location of the Capital City should form part of the consideration of which zone produces a successor to Governor Hope Uzodimma. Unfortunately, this argument cannot be easily dismissed with a wave of hand.
“I strongly advise the people of Owerri zone to boldly confront the brutality of the truth of underdevelopment of Okigwe zone and negotiate with their leaders within a predictable parameter. Ignoring the concerns of Okigwe zone would lead Owerri people into a nuclear meltdown of regret.
“Owerri zone should build bridges, build friendships and attract support from a place of advantage not sense of entitlement. They should sit down with trusted leaders of Okigwe zone and collectively tell each other the truth and agree on the way forward. That’s the only viable option.
“I will also want to place it on record that Isu Nation comprising Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Njaba and most parts of Orlu LGA is suffering the same abject abandonment like Okigwe zone. While Owerri and Okigwe people are engaging, the collective interest of Isu Nation should also be discussed and protected.”