BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Governor Hope Uzodimma says there is no going back on the promise of handing over power and the Imo State Government House to the Owerri Zone come the 2027 governorship election in the State.
Pointedly declaring his intention and commitment to ensure that his successor comes from the Zone, the governor, however, challenged the leaders to eschew rancour and forge a common front that would demonstrate their preparedness to provide leadership for the State.
Governor Uzodimma made the pledge when the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the Zone, led by the Imo State APC Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, paid him a congratulatory visit at the Government House over the weekend.
He emphasized that implementing the Charter of Equity would bring a contest for Owerri people, and since they know one another, the Zone is in a better position to know “those who will work for the people and those who will work for their selfish interest.”
In expressing gratitude to them for the visit, the Governor said the commitment to have the next Governor from the zone is solid but they must not disappoint the Imo people by quarreling and fighting dirty over it.
According to him; “You have to be united and if possible come up with a consensus candidate” to make this dream a reality
The Governor, who appreciated the zone for giving him maximum backing and cooperation during his first tenure and the just concluded November 11 election, said; “Any good man must reciprocate every good gesture.”
However, the Governor, who urged the leaders to close ranks and reconcile the differences that still exist among them, told the people to unite as brothers and sisters, adding; “No man or woman will do it alone, because what the State needs most is peace, stability, prosperity, fight against poverty and security.”
While regretting that insecurity has done a lot of harm to the economy of the State, Governor Uzodinma also stressed the need for all Imolites to have a united front towards putting “our house in order”, saying; “Now that everyone is together, let no one work against the agreement to achieve the Imo Charter of Equity.”
He promised that the administration would continue to work hard for the people of Imo State, noting that “the government will not be a lame duck because of the existence of the Charter of Equity”, even as he promised the leaders that working well with him, the government would reciprocate their goodwill in an atmosphere of unity, peace, and progress.
Speaking earlier, the State APC Chairman, Dr Ebere congratulated the Governor on his overwhelming victory at the just concluded Governorship election in the State, noting that “the zone saw, fought and conquered,” while acknowledging the Governor’s hard work and dedicating the victory to the glory of God.
In his remarks, one of the leaders, Chief Henry Njoku, who read a short address on behalf of the Zone, said the victory shows the love of Ndi Imo for the Governor and his general acceptability by the people, noting that the victory is an affirmation of hard work and sterling qualities and confidence on the Governor.
He thanked the Governor for the choice of the female Deputy Governor from the zone and commended him for his commitment to the Charter of Equity that guarantees Owerri zone the next Governor after his tenure.
Also, Speakers for the four Federal Constituencies – Ahiazu/Ezinihitte, Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala, Mbaitoli/Ikeduru and Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, Owerri West, who all congratulated the Governor, expressed confidence that he will surpass his first tenure achievements in this last four years.
