-Laments Marginalization Of Both Zones
Chief Mike Nwachuwu (Mpi Dike) a seasoned retired banker and politician has once again stressed the need for synergy between Owerri and Okigwe zones ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election.
Nwachukwu, who repeated this while speaking when he appeared in a television programme “Issues without sentiments”, passionately appealed to the leaders of Owerri and Okigwe zones to dialogue and work together insisting that it is the only way to snatch power from Orlu zone that is from all indications poised to hold on to the governorship slot despite having been in the saddle for over 20 years.
According to him, “When you analyse issues with your head you think clearly because the head has eyes and can see, it has ears and can hear, it has nose and can smell. But when you analyse issues with your heart emotions take over,” he noted, emphasizing the need for logic over sentiment in political decisions.
He lamented the marginalization of both zones in the state’s leadership structure, calling on Owerri and Okigwe zones to synergize and speak with one voice to avoid Orlu zone remaining in power.
“One way or another, people must come together. Is Orlu willing to help produce a governor from another zone? There is a 99% chance they are not. They are on the sidelines watching and waiting for Owerri and Okigwe Zone to falter Nwachukwu stated.
He stressed that synergy between Owerri and Okigwe zones would give them a combined strength of 15 local government areas. With this, they could then strategically target three additional local government areas from Orlu to secure the necessary 25% electoral support.
Nwachukwu also praised the unwitting involvement of two leading business moguls both zones – Chief Leo Stan Ekeh and Chief Tony Chukwu into the fray describing it as a step in the right direction. “I’m happy that two business moguls from Okigwe and Owerri have, perhaps unwittingly, been drawn into this process.They both command attention and respect of the political leaders from their respect zones and should galvanize them for the much needed formal engagement between Owerri and Okigwe Zone. If they call for a meeting, people will listen,” he said.
He called for the formation of a committee to work out the modalities for the alliance, emphasizing the importance of transparency and thorough deliberation. “Let it be known that Okigwe and Owerri are in talks. Even if it takes a month or more, let the dialogue be exhaustive and sincere.”
“The Committee may well adopt the Template I had developed for such an engagement or tinker with it if and where necessary” he said.
Nwachukwu referenced past political developments, including the failed re-election bid of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim in 2011 and the loss of the APC ticket by Rochas Okorocha despite his influence while in office, to underscore the volatility of Imo politics. He warned that outgoing governors often lack the power to unilaterally install successors.
He urged Owerri and Okigwe Zones to be pragmatic in their preparations. “They should focus on finding two or three viable candidates who can win elections, secure party tickets early, and position themselves strongly whilst actively getting involved in the formal engagement of the two Zones for a parley, he advised”.
