-Demands Equity in power sharing
A prolific writer and rights advocate, Prof. Protus Nathan Uzorma, in his article, sent to the media, has stated that Isu Clan has been intently denied Orlu Zone Senate Seat.
Uzorma said this political denial and marginalisation may cause Isu Clan to withdraw support if the Senate Seat remains in the same Clan, insisting that Deputy Governorship must be ceded to Isu Nation if pure democracy is to be strengthened.
According to him, the denial is gradually breeding palpable tention within Orlu Zone as Isu Nation has always openly expressed dissatisfaction.
“The latest agitation was stirred by a public commentary credited to Prof. Protus Nathan Uzorma, a prominent son of Isu Nation and Vice President of the Orluzurumee socio-cultural association, who strongly faulted what he called an unfair political arrangement that has continued to sideline Isu Clan in the distribution of major political opportunities in Orlu Zone.
He insisted that “while the Imo Charter of Equity was designed to promote fairness across the three senatorial zones, equity must also be applied internally within Orlu Zone, to prevent domination by a few clans at the expense of others”.
The respected academic and political commentator lamented that since the creation of Imo State, Isu Nation has remained one of the most politically excluded blocs in the state, despite its strong contribution to the growth of the state and its consistent participation in electoral processes.
According to him, the imbalance is even more glaring within Orlu Zone, where certain clans have consistently produced occupants of strategic offices while Isu Nation continues to play the role of political spectators.
He maintained that it was unjust for the same political circle to continue recycling leadership positions while a major clan like Isu is repeatedly ignored.
“SENATE SEAT CONTROVERSY SPARKS OUTRAGE
Political observers note that the agitation has intensified following reports that the current holder of the Imo West Senatorial seat, who is from Oru Clan, may be succeeded again by another aspirant from the same clan, as information has emerged that a contestant from Oru has reportedly obtained forms to contest the position.
This development, stakeholders from Isu Nation argue, is unacceptable and could trigger serious political backlash within the zone.
“It is not about hatred for any clan. It is about justice. The Senate seat is not meant to be permanently owned by one clan. If the seat remains in Oru again, then Isu Nation must be compensated with the Deputy Governorship slot. That is the only fair arrangement”, he said.
Uzorma warned that the continuous exclusion of Isu Nation from the power equation is already creating deep dissatisfaction among the people, stressing that Isu may no longer support any arrangement that continues to marginalize them.
According to him, the era where Isu Nation is remembered only during elections but forgotten during power sharing must come to an end.
He reportedly stated that political leaders must begin to acknowledge Isu Nation as a major stakeholder whose interests cannot be ignored if Orlu Zone must remain united”.
“Findings reveal that the position of Isu Nation is now becoming clearer and stronger: either the Imo West Senate seat should be ceded to Isu Clan, or the Deputy Governorship position must be zoned to Isu Nation in the next political arrangement.
“Supporters of this demand argue that it is politically insensitive for Orlu Zone to preach unity while excluding one of its major clans from the most influential offices.
“They insist that Isu Nation has the human capacity, political structure, and intellectual resources required to produce leaders that can effectively represent the zone and Imo State at large.
“Intervention has reopened the conversation on internal justice within Orlu Zone and has placed a moral burden on stakeholders to reconsider the current political distribution formula.
“Orlu Zone must be careful. Unity is not built on domination. If one clan continues to take everything, it will create division. Isu has every right to demand fairness.
“As consultations ahead of the next political season intensify, many believe that the demand by Isu Nation has become a critical issue that Orlu stakeholders cannot afford to ignore.
“Observers warn that if the agitation is not properly managed, it could alter political alliances and voting patterns within Orlu Zone.
“For Isu Nation, the message is clear: political equity must be practical, not theoretical, and the time has come for justice in the distribution of strategic positions.
The coming weeks may therefore determine whether Orlu Zone embraces inclusive leadershipor risks internal discontent capable of weakening its long-standing political strength in Imo State”, he stressed.
