Charter of Equity: Owerri Leaders Visit Governor Uzodimma but Remain Silent on Okigwe Zone’s 14-Year Exclusion From Douglas House and Their Unbroken Hold on Power Since 2007 – SIXT-MEDIA LANE
Charter of Equity: Owerri Leaders Visit Governor Uzodimma but Remain Silent on Okigwe Zone’s 14-Year Exclusion From Douglas House and Their Unbroken Hold on Power Since 2007
By Dr. Chijioke Nwachukwu
The recent courtesy visit of Owerri Zone leaders to Governor Hope Uzodimma at Government House, Owerri, has reopened debate on the unresolved contradictions surrounding Imo State’s so-called Charter of Equity.
Led by Chief Charles Amadi (Chavon), the delegation emphasized the need for power to return to Owerri Zone in 2027, framing their argument around equity and succession. Yet, one striking omission defined the visit: the failure to acknowledge Okigwe Zone’s prolonged exclusion from Douglas House, despite Owerri’s sustained presence in the state’s executive leadership since 2007.
Owerri Zone’s Sustained Presence in Douglas House
Since 2007, Owerri Zone has maintained an unbroken presence in the state’s executive leadership:
2007–2011: Lady Ada Okwuonu (Owerri) served as Deputy Governor to Dr. Ikedi Ohakim (Okigwe).
2011–2013: Sir Jude Agbaso (Owerri) was Deputy Governor under Rochas Okorocha.
2013–2019: Prince Eze Madumere (Owerri) served as Deputy Governor until his impeachment.
2019 (May–Jan 2020): Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (Owerri) was Governor before the Supreme Court’s judgment brought Uzodimma to power.
2020–2023: Prof. Placid Njoku (Owerri) was Deputy Governor under Governor Uzodimma.
2024–Present: Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru (Owerri) is the current Deputy Governor.
By 2027, this continuity will amount to over 20 years of uninterrupted executive representation for Owerri Zone—a record unmatched by any other senatorial district in Imo State.
Okigwe Zone’s Extended Exclusion
In sharp contrast, Okigwe Zone has had no Executive presence in Imo State government since the end of Dr. Ikedi Ohakim’s administration in 2011. Before then, Engr. Ebere Udeagu from Okigwe served as Deputy Governor between 1999 and 2007.
Thus, in Imo’s democratic history since 1999, Okigwe has had only 12 years of executive presence, compared to Owerri’s 20 years and Orlu’s repeated governorships. Since 2011, Okigwe has effectively remained without representation in Douglas House—a 14-year exclusion that underscores the imbalance in the state’s power rotation.
The Silence of Owerri Leaders
Against this background, the silence of Owerri leaders during their courtesy visit to Governor Uzodimma becomes significant. While they praised his efforts in initiating the Charter of Equity and pledged support for his eventual decision on succession, they avoided any reference to Okigwe Zone’s exclusion.
This omission raises a critical question: can Owerri Zone genuinely claim marginalization when it has enjoyed consistent executive representation since 2007, while Okigwe has been entirely excluded for over a decade?
Uzodimma’s Counsel and Its Implications
Governor Uzodimma himself has warned that the Charter of Equity cannot be driven by one senatorial zone at the exclusion of others. He even suggested that neglecting any zone could lead to sabotage of the arrangement.
This advice carries deep political implications, particularly for Owerri Zone, considering its present approach of framing 2027 as an exclusive birthright—almost an “emilokan” (it is our turn) mentality. By ignoring Okigwe’s legitimate claims, Owerri risks provoking an unintended protest alliance between Okigwe and Orlu, which could pave the way for yet another Orlu governor in 2027.
Equity as a Principle, Not a Slogan
Electoral statistics from the 2023 governorship election also deepen the debate. Okigwe Zone contributed 115,124 votes (28%) to Governor Uzodimma’s reelection, while Owerri Zone—despite its nine LGAs compared to Okigwe’s six and an extended presence in Douglas House—delivered only 98,600 votes (9%). This result shows a brutal fact – Okigwe’s unwavering loyalty, patience and commitment to Imo and Gov Uzodinma.
The broader reality is even clearer: Owerri has had its turn, Orlu has enjoyed multiple turns, while Okigwe has patiently waited the longest. Therefore, if the Charter of Equity is to hold any true meaning, it must reflect justice and inclusiveness, and Okigwe Zone’s case for 2027 deserves the most careful and fair consideration.
The Path to Harmonization
For a peaceful transition in 2027, three urgent steps are required:
- Government Action: Governor Uzodimma should play the role of an honest umpire by ensuring that all three zones are carried along. He must make equity a state policy, not a sectional demand, and resist pressure from groups attempting to monopolize the Charter of Equity. To guarantee a peaceful transition, Uzodimma should summon a meeting of critical stakeholders across the three senatorial districts for an honest dialogue—not only on equity but also on justice and fairness.
- Owerri Zone’s Responsibility: Rather than adopting a bunker mentality, Owerri leaders must engage Okigwe Zone in open and sincere consultation, as advocated by respected elder statesmen such as Chief Paddy Obinna and Chief Bob Njemanze. Many Owerri elders have advised that Okigwe should be allowed to take another four years in 2027 and thereafter Owerri would enjoy an undisputed and uninterrupted eight full years. Anything short of this will mean endless trips to Government House even after 2027 to seek anointment. Justice requires dialogue. Without it, Owerri risks alienating Okigwe further and losing moral credibility in its claim to equity. The result could be Okigwe’s revolt and possible sabotage—leading to yet another Orlu Zone governor in 2027.
- The People’s Role: If harmonization fails, Imo people must insist on justice before equity. The betrayal of 2011—when Okigwe’s natural turn under the evolving charter was truncated—should serve as a reminder that political shortcuts breed instability. Justice demands that Imo returns to Okigwe Zone in 2027. Imo people, particularly from Orlu and Okigwe, should form an alliance to restore the natural rhythm of equity, allowing Okigwe to complete just one more term (2028–2032) before rotation proceeds.
Conclusion: A Clarion Call for Justice
The current debate surrounding the Charter of Equity goes beyond mere political competition—it speaks to fairness, justice, and the future of inclusive governance in Imo State.
Owerri is hurting; Okigwe is hurting too. But equity cannot mean satisfying one child by taking away another’s portion because the other is crying. A just and fair balance must be struck.
Governor Uzodimma must rise as a statesman and umpire, Owerri leaders must temper ambition with honesty, and the people of Imo must stand firm that justice precedes equity.
If equity is to have meaning, it must be built on justice. Otherwise, it will collapse under the weight of sectional advantage.
The time has come for Imo to choose justice over slogans, fairness over sentiment, and unity over exclusion. History, as always, will record the choices made.
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