By Mike Nwachukwu
A few weeks ago I put down my thoughts on the well intentioned Imo Charter of Equity which was re-enacted and re-adopted in the run up to the November 2023 Governorship Election by The Imo State Council of Elders in concurrence with our hard working and delivering Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma.
I opined that since it is obvious that our compatriots from Orlu Zone has run the affairs of Imo State in full measure and would have headed the seat of governance in the state for twenty four (24) by the time His Excellency completes his second tenure on January 14, 2027, the contest for Governorship position in the State will rightly be between candidates from Owerri Zone and Okigwe Zone with both zones advancing very credible arguments and positions as
to why they have to take the first shot.
After exploring the issues surrounding the Charter of Equity and putting it in its proper historical perspective and context I came to the conclusion that the way forward would be for very credible stakeholders from Owerri Zone and Okigwe Zone in equal numbers regardless of the number of Local Government Areas each Zone has, to come together, rub minds, politik amongst themselves, even fight amongst themselves, present their respective arguments and positions and come up with a common position on which of the two Zones will take the first shot.
I argued that it therefore behoves the key players in Owerri Zone and Okigwe Zone to come together, lock themselves up in a room advance all the arguments they can, and come up with a unified position and formula for working together whilst carrying the leadership of Orlu Zone along.
Between the two Zones, I proposed the convocation of Bi-Partisan 30 Wise Men & Women
to x-ray the issues and come up with a position as follows:
DESCRIPTION NO.
Each of the 6 LGA’s of Okigwe Zone will send in 2 delegates -12
Each of the 9 LGA’s of Owerri Zone will send in 1 delegates -9
The 2 Federal Constituencies in Mbaise / Ngor-Okpala will send in 1 additional delegate. Since the three LGA’s of Mbaise already, it is recommended that the additional delegate should come from Ngor-Okpala to give them an added sense of belonging and recognition -1
Owerri Federal Constituency will send in 1 additional delegate -1
Mbaike Federal Constituency will send in 1 additional delegate -1
Two members of the Clergy from Okigwe Zone (One Catholic /One Anglican) -2
Two members of the Clergy from Owerri Zone (One Catholic / One Anglican) -2
Total -30
Notice that regardless of the fact that Okigwe Zone has 6 LGA’s they will have equal representation with Owerri Zone in the Committee of Wise Men / Women. This is very
deliberate and is intended to engender a feeling of inclusiveness and adequate level playing ground between the brother – zones.
After exhaustive discussions on the key question of which zone goes first they will if need be put the question to vote. I do not expect a unanimity of position but the majority will have the day.
To protect the integrity of the process, voting will be by secret ballot and will be organized and supervised by the members of Clergy there present who will not vote.
In the event that there is a tie (12-12) they will try again and again and again until there is a majority. If after four sessions there is still a tie we may avail the sitting Governor the benefit of casting the tie-breaker after each group would have exhaustively presented their arguments to the Governor. At the end of the exercise the 30 Wise Men / Women will engage our compatriots from Orlu Zone and communicate them formally on behalf of the two Zones, which Zone between Owerri and Okigwe is taking the turn to occupy our revered Douglas House come 2027!
Your Highness, Following the advice of well-meaning associates of mine who are also keen on a rancour-free political succession process in Imo State guided by Equity & Justice, I have taken the liberty of presenting my position on the Imo Charter of Equity formally to the Imo State Council of Elders so that The Council would have the full benefit of my thoughts on the matter and include it as part of her working document on the issue of Power Succession in
Imo Sate. Attached herewith for the perusal of the Imo State Council of Elders is my detailed Paper on the Imo Charter of Equity.
Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.
Mike Nwachukwu
Mpi Dike Egbelu Obube
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
