By CHARLES IWUOHA

Stakeholders from Owerri Senatorial Zone of Imo State have again raised the alarm over what they described as a long-standing marginalization of their zone in the state’s politics, insisting that the governorship must shift to their area in 2028.

Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting held in Owerri on Tuesday, jointly organized by Olu Owerri, Owerri Zone Indigenous Town Union, Ogbako Ndi Nze, and Owerri Zone Youth Forum, legal luminary, Barrister Sorronnandi Njoku declared that the zone’s right to govern is both constitutional and moral.

Njoku, who delivered the keynote lecture with the theme” Equity and Justice, Panacea For Peace and Good Governance, argued 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.

He 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.

The former state Attorney general and commissioner for Justice, stated 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 zones.

According to him, Governor Hope Uzodimma from Orlu Zone has already benefitted from the Charter, and equity demands that Owerri Zone should take over in 2028

“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,” Njoku declared.

He reminded the audience 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.

Citing history, Njoku observed that even within a single four-year term, past leaders like Sam Mbakwe and Ikedi Ohakim recorded giant strides, proving that performance is not tied to tenure elongation but to vision, commitment, and leadership capacity.

He recalled how Owerri Zone’s chance was thwarted in 2007 when the victory of Martin Agbaso was nullified, stressing that the injustice of that period must not be repeated in 2028.

“Governorship aspirations must rest on merit, integrity, and competence, not manipulation,” he said.

The gathering, which attracted thousands of men, women, and youths at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, also featured voices from across the zone.

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 zone.

Olu Owerri President, Chief (Barr.) Martins Opara, echoed the sentiment, warning that unless Owerri Zone speaks with one voice, it risks being sidelined again.

“We need to come together and work for the success of this project. Division is our greatest enemy,” he said.

On his part, Charles Nkwocha, speaking for Owerri Zone Ndi Nze, commended Njoku’s position, stressing that 2028 is non-negotiable for Owerri Zone.

The Association of Village Heads, represented by Ichie Peter Okwadike, also backed the call, declaring that Owerri Zone has endured enough marginalization and must now produce the next governor of Imo State.

The event was attended by key leaders from Owerri zone such as Professor Jude Njoku, Chief Henry Onwukwe, Director General, The Mazi Organization, and many others.