The Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, has described the loss of the governorship of the State by Owerri zone as further confirmation of the fact that “Owerri zone has become the weeping child of the political family in Imo State”
The Supreme Court, had in its judgment Wednesday removed Hon Emeka Ihedioha, who is Owerri zone, as Governor, Imo State and declared Senator Hope Uzodinma, who is from Orlu zone, the duly elected Governor of the State.
Reacting to the judgment, the IAC expressed concern on the Imo Charter of Equity, which it said has been truncated and “nonsense made of it ” with the coming on board of Governor Hope Uzodinma, from Orlu zone as the seventh Executive Governor of Imo State
The IAC in a statement signed by its President, Emmanuel Okwu, (President) and Fidelis Echendu, (Publicity Secretary), said it is not however averse to Governor Uzodinma’s administration, but expressed worry that “ once again, that Owerri zone has been bandied out of power in the State unceremoniously”|
Part of the statement reads. “Zoning is an unseen practice in Imo State. The ouster of Governor Ihedioha from Owerri zone in questionable circumstances is a big blow to the already fragmented charter of Equity in Imo State.
“This is the second time Owerri zone has been booted out of office of the Governor of Imo State in controversial circumstances. First it was Evan Enwerem of blessed memory who was in office for 22 months and now, Emeka Ihedioha, who just spent seven months in office, the shortest tenured Governor in the history of the State
“This does not augur well for the balance of power in Imo State though we do not grudge Governor Uzodinma over this development since it is not his making
“With the ascension of Governor Uzodinma as Imo Governor, Orlu zone has had more than enough of the pie in the State. Udenwa and Okorocha from Orlu zone collectively spent sixteen years in office. By the time Uzodinma does two terms, it will amount to 24 years Orlu zone alone will stay in office
“ Owerri zone has become the weeping child of the Imo political family. The leaders must re examine the reasons why the zone has been unable to hold on to political power in the State.
The IAC said though, it is not an advocate of zoning, it believes that there is need for balance of power in the State “to ensure mutual political co operation and understanding in the State among the three zones, Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zones
INNONEWS
