Twenty-four hours after some Imo elders purportedly endorsed Hope Uzodinma for a second term, a foremost nationalist and elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) has faulted the decision, insisting that the Imo Charter of Equity favours Owerri Zone In 2023.

Chief Iwuanyanwu, while answering questions on Channel television described those claiming to have endorsed an Orlu person for a second term as ignorant of the principles of the controversial Imo Charter of Equity.

Tracing the history of the Charter, Iwuanyanwu said that the late Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe from Okigwe zone governed the old Imo state for over five years, a few years before Ikedi Ohakim from the same zone ruled for another four years thereby giving the zone nine years and some months in the state’s leadership.

Chief Iwuanyanwu further revealed that Achike Udenwa, an Orlu man was elected Governor of the state in line with the charter of Equity from 1999 to 2007, Rochas Okorocha, another Orlu man got elected into office as Governor in 2011 and stayed till 2019, before the present Governor, Hope Uzodinma also an Orlu son took over and he is completing his first four years in office.

The elder statesman expressed annoyance that Orlu zone alone has Governed the state for twenty years put together while the Owerri zone’s chances to retain power through the nine and seven months of Senator Evans Enwerem and Hon Emeka Ihedioha respectively were truncated.

According to him, those suggesting an Orlu person continue after 20 years in office do not have the interest of the state at heart and urged the entire Imo people to unanimously vote for an Owerri man to justify the potency of the Imo Charter of Equity.

He said that If the right thing was not done now that the few leaders that conceived and signed the Charter are still alive, the abuse of the arrangement would continue to hunt and divide the state and children yet unborn.

Chief Iwuanyanwu further advised Governor Uzodinma to step aside after completing his tenure. He added that the massive support garnered from Owerri zone should encourage him not to stretch his ambition beyond 2023. (The Guardian)