Introduction: A Controversial Resurgence

The much-discussed Imo Charter of Equity was once again thrust into the political limelight following a high-profile visit by Owerri Zone political stakeholders across party lines to Governor Hope Uzodimma at Douglas House, Owerri. This visit, marked by intense deliberations, was largely centered around a critical question: “Is Owerri Zone still in the hands of Man?”

While proponents of the Imo Charter of Equity present it as a long-standing principle of political fairness, its origins and legitimacy remain highly debatable. It has been repackaged in different simplistic and politically convenient narratives, tailored to fit the interests of those in power at different times.

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The 1998 Myth: A Political Convenience?

One version of its origin traces back to 1998 at the Iwuanyanwu Glass House (Oriental Plaza), where chieftains of the All People’s Party (APP) allegedly met to “allocate” the governorship to Orlu Zone ahead of the 1999 elections.

According to this account, political heavyweights of the time agreed that an Orlu indigene should lead Imo State, prompting figures like Evan Enwerem and Ifeanyi Ararume to switch to the PDP, thus clearing the path for Orlu’s emergence.

However, this narrative conveniently ignores the absence of any documented agreement on power rotation beyond that singular arrangement. It was not an equity charter but a political strategy driven by the interests of the moment.

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The 2013 Colloquium: The First Attempt at Formalization

Contrary to the claims that the Charter of Equity has deep historical roots, there was no formalized discussion or consensus on the matter until the 2013 Colloquium held at All Seasons Hotel, Owerri.

At this event, business mogul and Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, presided over discussions where Prof. Nathan Uzoma, as the guest speaker, extensively elaborated on the concept. The colloquium issued a communiqué advocating for a structured power-sharing arrangement, with Owerri Zone pushing for an opportunity to produce the next governor.

Prominent figures such as:

✅ Amb. Chief Kema Chikwe

✅ Prof. Mrs. Chinwe Onwuliri

✅ H.E Ikedi Ohakim

✅ Sen. Chris Anyanwu

✅ Chief Engr. Charles Ugwu

✅ Ukanacho and other notable leaders

were in attendance.

This event marked the first concrete effort to create a structured discussion around equity in Imo politics. However, it lacked formal legislative backing or widespread political buy-in, making it a noble idea rather than an established political doctrine.

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2023: The Charter of Convenience and the Imo Elders Council

Fast forward to 2023, on the eve of the Imo off-season gubernatorial election, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration formalized the Imo Elders Council through a law passed by the Imo State House of Assembly.

However, this law was deeply flawed and undemocratic for several reasons:

1. Lack of Transparent Selection: No clear nomination, selection, or electoral process for council members.
2. No Community Representation: No input from LGAs, communities, or relevant associations.
3. Undefined Criteria for Membership: No basis for inclusion based on age, pedigree, public service, or leadership experience.

Instead, the APC-led government handpicked the entire Elders Council, turning it into a rubber-stamp body to push a pre-determined political agenda.

The question remains: Will Imo embrace true equity or continue the cycle of politically motivated power manipulation?

The first and only major resolution from this Elders Council was the sudden endorsement of an Imo Charter of Equity, conveniently proposing a “Turn-by-Turn, Zone-by-Zone” power-sharing model—just in time for Governor Uzodimma’s re-election bid.

This politically motivated and hurriedly crafted document failed to pass the basic tests of equity, fairness, and inclusivity, raising major concerns about its legitimacy.

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The Fatal Flaws of the Imo Charter of Equity (2023 Version)

Unlike the 2013 colloquium, which at least sought consensus and intellectual justification, the 2023 version of the Imo Charter of Equity was:

❌ Politically Engineered: Designed solely to secure Uzodimma’s re-election rather than uphold true equity.

❌ Lacking Broad Consultation: Imo people were never consulted before it was adopted.

❌ Myopic and Exclusionary: Failed to holistically define equity and justice, leading to resentment and controversy.

❌ Dead on Arrival: With no clear framework for enforcement or broad acceptance across political and ethnic lines, it lacks the weight to be implemented effectively.

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The Verdict: A Charter of Manipulation, Not Equity

The 2023 Imo Charter of Equity, as drafted by the partisan and handpicked Elders Council, is dead on arrival. It serves no greater purpose than to legitimize political convenience and maintain the status quo of power domination.

If the Imo State Government truly wishes to implement equity and justice, it must:

✅ Engage in genuine dialogue with all zones, political groups, and community leaders.

✅ Establish a transparent, inclusive, and democratic process for power rotation discussions.

✅ Ensure that any charter or agreement is binding, constitutional, and beneficial to all zones—not just a political gimmick.

Without these fundamental changes, any attempt to enforce the current flawed document will collapse under its contradictions, inequalities, and lack of legitimacy.

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