Recently, the media space has been agog with several publications sponsored by overzealous political players who want to heat up the polity to achieve their selfish ambitions. These publications have been presenting half-truths from an uninformed angle, warranting us to set the records straight before they hoodwink the gullible.

It is worthy of note to understand that the zoning arrangement, which is not constitutionally supported, is a gentleman’s agreement for the equal distribution of political powers amongst different participating communities and local governments. In Okigwe North, the 2023 elections were heated up in a manner that Onuimo, having been the first to represent Okigwe North, argued that it was their turn to represent, while Isiala Mbano, who was representing, argued that since Onuimo took the first turn in the first phase of the zoning, which was a privilege granted to them in 1999.

This privilege was granted because Dist. Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume, who hails from Isiala Mbano, was in the senate then, and His Excellency, the late Sir Ebere Udeagu, who hailed from Okigwe local government, was the deputy governor of Imo State. The House of Representatives slot fell on them, and the late Hon. Maurice Ibekwe and Hon. Dr. Micheal Ohia represented Okigwe North for eight good years. Hon. Mathew Omegara took the Okigwe Local Government slot for eight years, and Hon. Obinna Onwubuariri took the first tenure of Isiala Mbano LGA, which was completed by Hon. Miriam Onuoha.

The political leaders of thought agreed that the second phase of the House of Representatives would start from Isiala Mbano, followed closely by Onuimo, and then Okigwe, who currently occupies the senatorial position. Okigwe North’s leadership rotation arrangement has just entered its second phase.

The leadership rotation arrangement involving Onuimo, Isiala Mbano, and Okigwe local governments in Imo State has completed its first 8-year phase for each area. In accordance with the agreed-upon zoning formula, the second phase commenced with Isiala Mbano taking the first turn. Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha has begun the first term of the second phase, representing Isiala Mbano. The zoning formula ensures fairness and equal representation among the local governments.

Once Isiala Mbano completes its first and second terms, leadership will rotate to another local government, following a similar pattern for the senate and other positions. We are confident that this arrangement will continue to promote peace, stability, and development in the three local governments.

We advise selfish political players to stop heating up the political space and allow governance to reign supreme. God bless Okigwe North.

Mazi Uchechukwu Uba writes from Umucheke Okwe Onuimo.