Imo Guber: Owerri should negotiate with Okigwe Zone – Orlu Elders Council Secretary, Prof Uzoma

As political permutations collect momentum forward of the 2028 Imo governorship election, the Secretary of the Orlu Elders Council, Professor Protus Uzoma, has urged political leaders from Owerri zone to interact Okigwe zone in honest negotiations.

Uzoma, in an announcement on Wednesday, mentioned it might be a expensive mistake for Owerri zone to dismiss the issues and calls for of Okigwe zone for a good shot on the governorship seat, particularly in gentle of long-standing grievances over underdevelopment and marginalisation.

He emphasised that ignoring Okigwe’s aspirations would plunge the state into pointless rigidity and political instability, urging stakeholders to embrace trustworthy dialogue and equitable power-sharing preparations to maintain unity and peace in Imo State.

Components of the assertion learn “I’ve listened with eager curiosity and deep understanding to the conversations arising out of the weighty pronouncement made by Chief Tony Chukwu that Owerri zone ought to concede the Capital Metropolis to Okigwe zone in the event that they received’t permit an indigene of Okigwe zone to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2028.

“His immutable argument which is the equal of a political missile strike serves as a catalyst for balanced zonal growth and inclusive governance.

“Reality burns like hearth. Chief Chukwu’s competition is that greater than 80% of developmental initiatives in Imo since 1999 are concentrated in Owerri zone by the advantage of its benefit because the host of the capital metropolis. This isn’t hate however actuality baptised in chilly logic. Unapologetic fact isn’t for the weak. It’s for the sturdy. His remark is an awakening and this matter is now an ark within the flood of political discussions.

“Reality just isn’t comfy, it’s confrontational. We will’t all endure selective notion which is an instinctive cognitive bias that predisposes us to align with pre-existing prejudices. Our politics have to be tailor-made to dismantle the structure of concentrating developmental efforts principally in Owerri zone in order to keep away from future agitations. We should resolve this problem not erase it by gaslighting these with braveness to talk up.

“Isn’t it worrying to us as a those that Okigwe zone seems like an deserted area? All the things has been finished principally for the advantage of Owerri zone since 1999. In truth, our governors have maintained a convention of unequal distribution of sources, infrastructure and alternatives. Our political leaders ought to urgently handle the wants of the below represented and simulate progress in uncared for zones of the state.

“They’re laying declare to the Governorship in 2028 not with permission however with function. They’ve solid greater than an accusation of neglect, they’ve thrown down a political gauntlet not solely on the ft of Owerri zone however earlier than the conscience of the complete state.

“They’re asking for restoration. It’s not about hate or division however about restoration. Okigwe zone solely needs to be higher not bitter. Their argument is that within the analysis of the Constitution of Fairness, developments consequent upon the placement of the Capital Metropolis ought to type a part of the consideration of which zone produces a successor to Governor Hope Uzodimma. Sadly, this argument can’t be simply dismissed with a wave of hand.

“I strongly advise the folks of Owerri zone to boldly confront the brutality of the reality of underdevelopment of Okigwe zone and negotiate with their leaders inside a predictable parameter. Ignoring the issues of Okigwe zone would lead Owerri folks right into a nuclear meltdown of remorse.

“Owerri zone ought to construct bridges, construct friendships and entice help from a spot of benefit not sense of entitlement. They need to sit down with trusted leaders of Okigwe zone and collectively inform one another the reality and agree on the best way ahead. That’s the one viable possibility.

“I can even wish to place it on document that Isu Nation comprising Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Njaba and most elements of Orlu LGA is struggling the identical abject abandonment like Okigwe zone. Whereas Owerri and Okigwe persons are partaking, the collective curiosity of Isu Nation must also be mentioned and guarded.”