By Prince Eze Madumere, MFR, Former Deputy Governor of Imo State (Ike Imo)
My dear brothers and sisters Ndi Imo m’ji eme onu, I write to you today not as a noble and privileged politician, but as nwa afor Owerri Zone, saddened by the burden of deprivation, marginalisation and unfair treatment of my people of Owerri Zone.
I write with a heart full of love for our people and a deep desire to see Imo State flourish in unity, equity, and fairness.
I see us all as one big family. In every family, there must be a balance in the equitable distribution of rights and privileges for peace and progress to reign. A family where one child is favoured while other children watch in silence can not thrive in peace and unity.
In the same manner, a state where the leadership is concentrated in one zone while others remain marginalized and neglected can not truly triumph in prosperity and development.
It is in this spirit that I most humbly appeal to my brothers and sisters from Orlu and Okigwe zones to consider Owerri zone as a member of the Imo family by extending their hands of brotherhood and support to Owerri Zone for the next governorship of Imo State.
This is not a call for disunity; rather, it is an effort to unite us for more progress and development in our dear Imo State.
It is not about zonal interest but about fairness. It is not about Owerri zone alone, but about a better and more united Imo State where no zone will feel marginalised or neglected.
Let us take a moment to reflect on our journey as a state.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, the governorship of Imo State has not been evenly shared among the three zones:
* Orlu Zone has had the longest rule, producing three governors—Chief Achike Udenwa (1999–2007), Senator Rochas Okorocha (2011–2019), and the incumbent governor, Senator Uzodimma (2020–present). In total, Orlu has held power for over 20 years.
* Okigwe Zone had its turn twice. His Excellency, the late Great Dee Sam Mbakwe and Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
* Owerri Zone, despite its contributions to the development of Imo State, has had only a short-lived opportunity under the late Chief Evan Enwerem and Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
For a state that prides itself on unity and brotherhood, this imbalance is so glaring , even to a blind man. A state that prides itself not just as the epitome but the epicentre of knowledge and justice in the Eastern heartland, it is not only sad but most unfortunate. It has become so exigent and necessary to change the narrative. We have to be part of history in making peace, justice, and equity to reign in our state.
The most expedient and auspicious time to correct this is the next governorship election. It is the time for Orlu and Okigwe zones to extend the same support and trust that Owerri zone has always given to them.
Owerri Zone Has Always Supported Others—Now We Ask for Your Support.
Over the years, Ndi Owerre have been the pillar of support for our brothers from Orlu and Okigwe. We have stood by you in your times of need, voted for your leaders, and worked with you to build Imo State. We have never been selfish or sectional in our political choices because we believe in the unity of Imo State.
Now, we come to you not as beggars but as brothers and sisters, asking for justice and equity.
It is time for Owerri zone to be given the opportunity to govern Imo state.
On our own part, Owerri zone is ready to produce a Governor for Imo people, a Governor you can trust, a Governor who will consider and treat Imo State as a united family.
We warmly applaud the initiatives of our present Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodimma and the Elders Council in adding filip to this clarion call for the Unity of Imo State by supporting Owerri zone in our efforts to produce the next Governor of Imo State.
History now beckons on the Town union leaders, religious associations, youths, men and women of goodwill; our brothers and sisters from Orlu and Okigwe zones to join hands with us in Owerri zone to build the new Imo united family.
