Dr. Collins Osuagwu is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Zeus Marina Oil And Gas LTD, and the 2019 Imo Governorship Candidate. In this interview, the German-based Oil Magnet speaks on why Owerri and Orlu zones, respectively, should allow the Okigwe zone to do another four years. He calls on the present crop of leaders to support the Imo governor of Okigwe extraction in 2027, saying equity and fairness demand that the Okigwe Zone produce the next governor of the State come 2027.
Question:
There is this growing debate about zoning agreements and the Imo Charter of Equity; what do you make of this debate?
Dr Collins Osuagwu: The call for the Okigwe zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2027 can not be overemphasized and stems from the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusivity in political representation. And I’m strongly of the opinion that Okigwe’s turn was truncated midway in 2011, so allowing the zone to produce the next governor of Imo State, would uphold the tenet of political equity.
Recall that since the return to constitutional democracy in 1999, the Orlu zone, where the incumbent governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, comes from, has produced three governors, all running two terms, while the Okigwe zone only had one truncated term. Believe it or not, it is now the turn of the Okigwe zone to produce an Imo governor of Okigwe extraction in 2027, as they have not had adequate representation in the governorship role compared to the other zones.
Question: If eventually, power does not shift to Okigwe Zone, what could be the consequences?
Dr Collins Osuagwu: Look, let’s not forget that equity in governance is crucial for fostering trust and unity among different council areas and groups within the state. For me I think allowing the Okigwe zone to produce a governor would symbolize a commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring that all parts of the state feel represented and valued. If Okigwe and Owerri zones refuse to do the needful by allowing Okigwe to take just another four years, both zones will join the fray, and Orlu, being the largest in terms of numbers, has more advantage. I hereby seize this opportunity to call on the Imo elders to rally around the Okigwe zone in its bid to complete the remaining four years in 2027.
We can’t be accusing Nigerian leaders of marginalizing the Igbos while we are doing the same to ourselves in Imo State.
Question: Do you think your call for the Okigwe zone to produce the next governor is justifiable?
Dr Collins Osuagwu: The argument for Okigwe zone to produce the next governor in 2027 is built on a foundation of equity, historical context, and the pursuit of inclusive governance that reflects the diverse makeup of Imo State. This, to me, will foster unity and cohesion. In a diverse state like Imo, rotating the governorship can promote unity and reduce ethnic tensions by ensuring that no particular zone feels marginalized or excluded from the political landscape.
So, what do you advise the people in Owerri and Orlu zones to do?
Dr Collins Osuagwu: I wish to use this platform to make a passionate appeal to all well-meaning indigenes of Owerri and Orlu Zones respectively to allow us to start on a clean slate, throw their weight behind the quest for an Imo governor of Okigwe extraction in 2027 after which, power will shift seamlessly to Owerri zone and stay there for eight years.
Question: Why do you think so?
Dr Collins Osuagwu:
I say this because if Okigwe Zone is not allowed to succeed Senator Hope Uzodinma in 2027, the issue of the Imo charter of equity will be jettisoned and buried completely in the State.
Question:
What is your word of advice to Okigwe people?
Dr. Collins Osuagwu: I will admonish my people to support and throw their weight behind the quest for an Imo governor of Okigwe extraction in 2027. and do everything to avoid internal rancor and form a common front toward actualizing its aims. I’m also beckoning on Owerri and Orlu zones, respectively, to join hands with Okigwe zone to produce the next Governor of Imo State in 2027.