Re: THE FINAL DEATH SENTENCE ON THE IMO CHARTER OF EQUITY
By Ezinwa Kingsley Ononuju Esq , (Ekwedashike)
Mike Nwachukwu’s article, “The Final Death Sentence on the Imo Charter of Equity”, would have resonated more with readers had he chosen a more appropriate caption and avoided statements that hinged at a hidden agenda. The Charter of Equity is not merely a document; it embodies a moral obligation designed to foster unity, brotherhood, and love among the three zones that constitute our beloved Imo State: Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s endorsement of the charter demonstrates his commitment to peace, equity and sustainable development across the state. To dismiss the charter as meaningless is not just a critique of the document but also a veiled attack on Governor Uzodimma’s sincerity and vision for a united Imo State.
The Moral and Historical Basis for Equity in Imo State
Equity in leadership is not a novel concept in Imo State. It was through a semi-verbal agreement on equity that Dr. Achike Udenwa (from Orlu Zone) and Dr. Ikedi Ohakim (from Okigwe Zone) emerged as governors in 1999 and 2007, respectively. This gentleman’s agreement was disrupted by the machinations of a few who prioritized personal interests over communal harmony, leading to the political upheavals that brought Rochas Okorocha to power.
Okorocha’s tenure, which many perceived as an attempt to transform Imo into a family-controlled entity, created deep divisions. It was in this climate of distrust and disenfranchisement that Senator Hope Uzodimma stepped in—not out of personal ambition but to rescue the state from further decline.
Had Okorocha upheld the spirit of equity and selected a credible successor from Owerri Zone— like Sir Jude Ejiogu— or Prince Eze Madumere, George Eche, Home base amongst others from Owerri zone, Governor Uzodimma, known for his fairness, would likely have supported such a candidate. I was there as the Secretary of the Coalition. His subsequent push for the Charter of Equity is a testament to his desire to institutionalize fairness, ensuring that power rotates across all zones for the benefit of the state.
The Charter of Equity, as seen in states like Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta, Rivers, and even at the national level, is a powerful tool for fostering unity and inclusivity. Without a similar agreement at the federal level, Muhammadu Buhari might have handed over to another northerner, and President Bola Tinubu would not have emerged. If such arrangements can succeed in these regions, why should Imo State be an exception? What is so complex in Imo State that we cannot achieve it if Rivers State with all these diverse tribes could?
The benefits of adhering to the Charter of Equity are manifold:
- Fosters Unity: By ensuring that leadership rotates among the zones, the charter reduces feelings of marginalization and fosters a sense of belonging.
- Promotes Stability: Equitable power-sharing mitigates political tensions and prevents crises arising from perceived injustices.
- Encourages Development: When all zones have a stake in governance, resources and development projects are more evenly distributed, ensuring balanced growth.
- Strengthens Democracy: The charter reinforces democratic principles by emphasizing fairness and inclusivity over domination by any single zone.
- Builds Trust Among Citizens: When leaders emerge through a transparent and equitable process, it strengthens trust between the government and the governed.
Mike Nwachukwu’s reliance on local government elections as a yardstick for equity is flawed. I don’t know how the people of Owerri North did their thing, but in Mbaitoli where I come from, I spearhead the charge and with a few leaders, insisted that Mbieri block to get the chairman, and it was so, even to the councilors starting from my ward. Equity played a critical role in the emergence of both the chairman and councillors. Other areas, like Ikeduru, also adhered to principles of fairness in their selection processes. This demonstrates that equity is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can be successfully implemented. So why should any leader declare war against the Governor over the LGA election?
Instead of attacking the charter, leaders like Mike Nwachukwu should spearhead efforts to unite Owerri and Okigwe zones under a common purpose. The charter is not the problem—it is the solution. Governor Hope Uzodimma, in the spirit of fairness, has thrown his weight behind Ndi Owerri to produce his successor. However, this opportunity comes with a challenge: Owerri Zone must present a candidate with the competence, reach, and vision to unite the state and drive it forward.
As much as Governor Hope Uzodimma is supporting us, it is still a challenge because as you rightly said, if we don’t present somebody who can go the extra mile, with the resources and the reach, Owerri zone may yet again miss it and that is what you should have come to help us find rather than attack the Charter of Equity.
It is counterproductive to attack a noble initiative designed to address historical injustices and promote unity. As leaders, we must rise above personal biases and work collaboratively to ensure that the vision of the Charter of Equity is realized.
I am not opposed to the idea of rubbing minds with our brothers and leaders of Okigwe zone if you think we haven’t started and I agree with Mike Nwachukwu that it is very critical to achieve our objective but attacking the charter agreement drawn up by our elders, who sat and thought out this noble document to help foster unity and love in our dear state isn’t the way to pass your message across.
I would have expected you as a leader in the zone, to, if you think nothing is being done to bring the leaders of Owerri and Okigwe together under one roof, to spearhead that charge and start consultations, rather than attacking the charter of equity and indirectly attacking H.E. Governor Hope Uzodimma.
We cannot do this without Orlu neither can we do it without Okigwe and we need everybody to come together in agreement as brothers to think as one for the good of the entire state.
Imo State’s greatness lies in its diversity, but that diversity can only become a strength if it is managed equitably. The Charter of Equity provides the framework for achieving this. Let us not undermine its importance with divisive rhetoric. Instead, let us embrace it as a vehicle for unity, progress, and the betterment of our dear state.
As the saying goes, “United we stand, divided we fall.” The choice is ours to make.
My name is Ezinwa Kingsley Ononuju Esq (Ekwedashike) writing from Isi-Ogwa, Mbaitoli LGA.