Joshua Chibuzom Andrew, a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC and immediate past Chairman of the National Association of Mbaitoli Journalists has cautioned political office seekers against “relying on or dealing with some over rated political associations and pressure groups including the Owerri Zonal Political Forum (OZOPOLF) led by Prince Charles Amadi, Imo Harmony Project (IHP) led by Captain Emma Ihenacho and the much orchestrated Imo Charter of Equity being championed by some people for their selfish interests”.
Chibuzom, who stated this in an interactive session with journalists recently posited that none of the aforementioned groups can claim to authoritatively speak for and on behalf of the entire Imo people with diverse interests and inclinations.
The groups, according to him, were formed by few individuals to seek relevance and actualize their political interests at the expense of the people, thereby distracting the Governor. He wondered why they are already engaged in activities that should under normal circumstances be kept in abeyance until 2027. This, according to him, is heating up the polity and doing more harm than good.
The Ogwa born Journalist who also doubles as the Organizing Secretary of the APC in Mbaitoli LGA urged leaders to stop using political pressure groups as platforms for seeking relevance and negotiating for political appointments for themselves, their relatives, associates and cronies. He threatened to expose their alleged sponsors and ordained governorship candidates in no distant time.
“Every bonafide citizen of Imo State is qualified to contest for Governorship if criteria are met. Nobody has the right to stop each other from contesting because of Charter of Equity, Ozopolf nor Imo Harmony Project.
“After Chief Achike Udenwa’s 8 years tenure as Governor from Orlu zone extraction, His successor Dr. Ikedi Ohakim (Ochinanwata) from Okigwe zone ruled for only four years before Owelle Rochas Okorocha from Orlu zone won in 2011 governorship election which disrupted the zoning arrangement.
“Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha from Owerri succeeded Okorocha was sacked from office in a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court which brought-in another Orlu man (incumbent) Governor to the Douglas House.
“There is no point crying over a spilt milk, Imo charter of Equity was violated in 2011 when Imo people unanimously voted for Rochas Okorocha against Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
“Charter of Equity was violated repeatedly in 2015 when the same Ozopolf supported the then Governor (Rochas Okorocha) second tenure against candidates from owerri zone extraction.
“Both Okigwe and Owerri zone have the right to lay claim to Douglas House in 2027, enough of this distraction and attention seeking noise making ” Chibuzom said.
He advised Governor Uzodimma to learn from history, adding that some rich men who parade themselves as leaders around him can not win election in their respective wards without government support.
Chibuzom revealed that Governor Uzodimma’s achievements would convince Imo people whether to, or not to support his preferred candidate in 2027”.
