– Tony Chukwu to take message to Uzodimma
-As Senator Ndubueze calls for fresh eight years tenureÂ
By Iheanyi Enwerem
The people of Imo North, otherwise called Okigwe zone have vowed that they must work hard and reach out to their sister zones of Orlu and Owerri, to ensure that the next governor in 2027 election will be a person from Okigwe extraction.
At a meeting held at the palace of HRH , Eze Oliver ohanweh, chairman of Okigwe global Elders forum,last Sunday, which was well attended by prominent traditional rulers and political gladiators, Hon. Mark Uchendu, a former secretary to Imo State Government and leader of Okigwe global league stated that despite the social height of Okigwe people, it is regrettable that for several years in the political development of Imo State, their people have remained marginalized.
Hon. Uchendu said that for instance in the last 16 years of governance in Imo State, no OKIGWE man has been considered to occupy the position of governor or that of deputy governor.
He went further to say that consequent upon this uncommon development in our political growth in Imo State, the Okigwe people cannot boast of visible government projects as most key establishment are either sited in Orlu or Owerri zones.
In his contribution, one of the apex leaders of Okigwe zone from Ehime Mbano, Chief Tony Chukwu, an industrialist and philanthropist led gis weight behind the submission made by Okigwe Global League.
Chukwu, however posited that in their dream to pursue a governor of Okigwe extraction in 2027, the people of Okigwe should not sideline the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma since according to him, the governor made promise during his second tenure campaign bid that any zone that gives him the highest number of votes during the election is likely to produce his successor in 2027 election adding that Okigwe zone came second in cotes after Orlu in the governorship election.
Also adding his voice, Senator Patrick Ndubueze representing Imo North at the upper Chambers of the national assembly suggested that Okigwe people should go for a fresh election that will produce a governor that can serve Imo State for eight years as against completing a cheque red tenure.
The motion for adopting resolutions at the meeting was moved by Prof. O.C Nwebo, former Vice-Chabcellor of Imo State University and he was seconded by Prof. Uchenna Remy for Okigwe zone to produce the next governor in 2027.
Earlier in his speech, HRM Eze Oliver Ohanweh,former Chairman Governing Council of College of Education Ihitte-Uboma had said that there are allegations that Onuimo LGA is likely to be extracted from Okigwe and placed into the proposed Orlu State and re-iterated that his people will emphatically resist such move, as according to him it will amount to total destruction of Okigwe zone.
He further echoed that they will stand in support of any candidate of Okigwe extraction chosen by the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Other prominent personalities present include, Former Governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, Chief Longers Anyanwu,Prof. Christopher Eze, acting Vice Chancellor UAES,Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, Traditional Rulers from Okigwe zone, President Generals, Chief Charles Nzekwe, Hon. Lady Blessing Nwaoba,and other were present at the meeting.
