Imo Charter of Equity:Ohakim, A Unity Governorship Material

■ He”s Owerri zone’s shortest route to governorship

By Elder Chijioke Ndukwe,
Mbaitoli ,Imo State.

As things stand now and considering the political algibera in Imo State, Nigeria, ahead of the 2027 governorshipelection, the only sustainable path to political harmony, progress, and development is the seamless implementation of the Imo Charter of Equity in accordance with Governor Hope Uzodinma’s promise to back whichever zone between Okigwe and Owerri zones, that produces the higher number of votes for his party, All Progressives Congress (APC)during the 2023 governorship election. Despite the skewed nature of the Charter occasioned by the alleged compromise of the leadership of Imo State Council of Elders at the point of its enactment, the fact remains that wisdom, good conscience and the need to maintain political harmony and balance in Imo State, are all favorably disposed to not just Okigwe zone’s governorship in 2027, but particularly, a governorship anchored on the return of Ikedi Ohakim as the most viable option.

Again, this is by no way insinuating that the Imo Charter of Equity is a party affair. No. To say so would amount to throwing the baby away with the bath water.

The fact, however, remains that the APC is the only true populist party in Imo State today.Other political parties in Imo State, based on incontrovertible facts on the ground, are in comatose.

At the 2023 governorship election, Okigwe zone, because of its organized leadership structure, did the unimaginable. They lived up to expectations and, in unity of purpose, gave the governor the much desired backup for his re-election. Owerri zone never saw Okigwe zone’s back in the number of votes garned for Governor Uzodinma.

Gladly, my brothers from the same Owerri zone are now beginning to reason beyond selfish or parochial sentiments,that the shortest route to Owerri zone governorship is through Ikedi Ohakim. I say this without mincing words.

My brothers have come to the rather painful,but realistic option that what some elements in Owerri zone that had hitherto questioned our wisdom and rationale in pushing the Ohakim project had relied on,was mere glamour and grand standing devoid of any convincing reasons. Governorship isn’t a tea party affair. It is a serious business.

Of all those aspiring to govern Imo, it is only Ohakim that has an unassailable blueprint on how to take Imo to the next lofty height after the exit of the incumbent governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma in 2028. Only Ohakim can hit the ground running without unnecessarily setting up a time-consuming and fund wasting Transition Committee . Only Ohakim understands Imo’s political terrain. Only him knows where the booby traps and banana peels are in the governorship of Imo State.

To researchers in the field of social sciences, experience is the best teacher. And,Ohakim has that in abundance more than others. Nobody buys experience in supermarkets or market stalls. It is something acquired in the course of working. The experience could be pleasant or traumatic initially, but ultimately, it toughens the individual involved and widens his or her administrative and intellectual horizon.

This is where Ohakim holds sway as a primus inter pares ( first among “presumed” equals),having passed through the crucibles in leadership and governance. But, in the real sense of the word, none of those running about today, seeking to succeed our amiable governor, Uzodinma, is within the precincts of Ohakim on issues of governance and administration. While they are coming for experimention, Ohakim is coming to hit the ground running. At this stage in Imo’s political life and culture, experimention would be ridiculous, considering the socioeconomic and infrastructural heights Uzodinma has taken Imo to.What Imo needs now,is a consolidation of Uzodinma’s giant strides in governance, leadership and socioeconomic and infrastructural development. This is where Ohakim is key. A neophyte in governance will tantamount to reclining Imo beyond the horrific days of Okorocha’s administration.

The imperative of Ohakim’s return can not be overemphasised. As some political leaders in Imo have stated, ” Ohakim is a unity governorship material acceptable to all the three geopolitical zones in Imo. This is because he understands more than anybody else aspiring to govern Imo today, the political,and administrative intrigues and dynamics in Imo, and is best placed to ensure Imo gets to the next level after Governor Uzodinma’s meritoriously completes his tenure.”