The lame argument regarding the deputy governorship slots in Imo State highlights a low point in the political debate between the Owerri and Okigwe zones. The Owerri zone has occupied deputy governor positions, most of which were tumultuous. This relegation of the Owerri zone to the deputy governorship became necessary due to the distortion of the original charter of equity in 2007, which favored the Okigwe zone and produced HE Ada Okwuonu as deputy governor to HE Ikedi Ohakim.
Notably, figures such as HE Jude Agbaso and HE Eze Madumere served as deputy governors from 2011, and more recently In 2023, HE Lady Chinyere Ekomaru also from Owerri zone was appointed by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Shabby treatment of Owerri zone Deputy Governors:
The treatment of Jude Agbaso and Eze Madumere as Deputy Governors of Imo State underscores the argument that deputy governors in Imo State are regarded as spare tires and totally relegated by the governors for fear of their ascension to the governorship.
Jude Agbaso:
Jude Agbaso served as the Deputy Governor under Rochas Okorocha but faced serious relegation and severe political persecution. He was impeached in 2013 over false cooked up allegations of financial misconduct involving a bribery scandal. Agbaso consistently maintained his innocence, attributing his impeachment to political machinations by Governor Okorocha to remove him and install a more pliable deputy who would not challenge his authority. He was immediately replaced with Eze Madumere
Eze Madumere:
Eze Madumere’s experience was even more tumultuous. Serving as Deputy Governor from 2013 to 2019, Madumere faced impeachment in 2018. This move was largely seen as politically motivated, stemming from his falling out with Governor Okorocha, particularly over succession plans. Okorocha had intended for his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, to succeed him, a plan Madumere opposed. This disagreement led to accusations against Madumere of gross misconduct, including absenteeism. Despite his impeachment, Madumere fought back through legal and political means, challenging the legitimacy of the proceedings and maintaining his political ambitions.
These incidents highlight the fraught political environment in Imo State, where Owerri zone Deputy Governors have often found themselves at odds with their Governors, who were wary of their Owerri zone deputies succeeding them, leading to abrupt and controversial ends to their tenures.
Okigwe Zone’s Argument:
Despite this history, Okigwe zone for reasons that beat my imagination still argue that they deserve the governorship position in 2027, presenting the argument that Owerri zone has been occupying deputy governorship slots. Have they conveniently forgotten that Ebere Udeagu, from Okigwe zone, served as deputy governor for eight years? Okigwe zone has been sworn into the governorship of Imo state three times and have completed two full terms of office. This has led to the current tension as Okigwe claims priority over Owerri, which has not completed a full term compared to Orlu, which will have held power for six terms (24 years) by 2027
Okigwe leaders are pushing for their zone’s turn, citing the disruption when Governor Ikedi Ohakim from Okigwe was denied a second term, conveniently forgetting that his first term was as a result of the distortion and disruption of the earlier charter of equity by connected figures from the zone
Imo Charter of Equity:
The original Imo Charter of Equity was a power-sharing agreement supporting rotational governance among the three senatorial zones: Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe in that order. Governor Uzodinma has recently committed to adhering to this charter by endorsing an Owerri zone candidate for the 2027 governorship, aiming to correct the distortion and disruption and ensure that there is an equitable and fair realignment to the process. This commitment has been welcomed by Owerri leaders, who have been urged to present a united front and select a consensus candidate to avoid internal conflicts
The debate continues as both zones prepare to make their cases, with Owerri rightfully leveraging on its history of being totally marginalised from governance ever since 2007 with all sorts of lame arguments proffered for the unfair and unjust treatment. We are now at the point in Imo state where the best way forward is creating two new states out of Imo state. The Orlu state comprising of Orlu, Oru east and west, Isu, Njaba, Nwangele, Isiala Mbano, Ehime mbano, Onuimo, Ideato north and south and Okigwe and Owerri state, comprising Owerri federal constituency, Mbaike, Mbaise, Ngor Okpalla, Ohaji/ Egbema and Oguta.
Since it has become obvious that it will be impossible to expect fairness and equity from the rest of Imo state, Hon Chima Nnadi-Oforgu had earlier contemplated this move which has been recently complimented by the submission of a bill to the national assembly by Senator Osita Izunaso for the creation of Orashi state and Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere advocating for Orlu state in line with Hon Nnadi’s anticipated aspirations. Though pitiful and sad, it has become pertinent to act before the state descends into anarchy. Owerri zone is the only zone in the south east and in fact Nigeria that has not governed the state for one full term.
Examples from Other States:
Other Southeast states have addressed equity and social justice in their governance. Enugu State, Anambra State, Ebonyi State, and Abia State have established zoning arrangements that ensure fair representation of their zones in the governorship. These examples underscore the necessity for similar arrangements in Imo State to prevent further marginalization and ensure balanced representation and development .
Conclusion:
The unity of Imo State and the prevention of a state split, hinge on people of honor, integrity, and conscience from all zones coming together in truth and fairness to support Owerri zone (Imo East) for the governorship in 2027. This would correct the political imbalance and uphold the doctrine of equity, fairness and justice in Imo State.
Hon. Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Ihiagwa ófó asato
OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE 
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