A coalition of youths under the umbrella of Concerned Youths of Imo State, led by Comrade Obinwanne Okeke, has distanced itself from a recent publication titled “Owerri Group Demands Dissolution of Imo State Council of Ndi Eze,” describing the report as the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on creating unnecessary tension in the State.
Addressing journalists in Owerri, Comrade Okeke stated that stakeholders from Owerri Zone should concentrate their efforts on the quest to produce the next Governor of Imo State rather than engaging in actions capable of causing division and instability within the State’s traditional institution.
According to him, the publication allegedly credited to the Owerri Zone Patriots (OZP) does not represent the views of the majority of youths in the Zone and should be disregarded.
He maintained that the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Community Policing, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, is not responsible for any challenge confronting Owerri Zone.
“Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke has consistently demonstrated support for the interests of Owerri Zone. He led traditional rulers from across the State to the Government House Roundabout, Owerri, where they publicly endorsed the Imo Charter of Equity, which advocates the emergence of the next governor from Owerri Zone,” Okeke said.
He further noted that previous Chairmen of the State’s Traditional Rulers’ Council, including Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and Eze Samuel Ohiri, remained in office throughout the administrations of former governors Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, and Rochas Okorocha without any agitation for the dissolution of the Council.
Questioning the rationale behind the current demand, the youth leader warned against actions capable of creating confusion within the traditional institution, especially as the state approaches another election cycle.
“At a time when the State is preparing for crucial elections, calls for the dissolution of the Council of Traditional Rulers are unnecessary and capable of sending the wrong signal to the public,” he added.
The group therefore urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to disregard the letter reportedly signed by the Secretary of Owerri Zone Patriots (OZP), Mr. Clifford Emejuobi, insisting that the position expressed therein does not reflect the aspirations of the wider youth population in Imo State.
The youths called on political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders across the State to remain focused on promoting peace, unity, and the successful implementation of the Imo Charter of Equity.
