…Frowns At Okigwe, Owerri zones’ Disagreement
By Ikenna Orioha
Orluzurumee, the apex socio-cultural organization of Orlu Senatorial Zone, has restated its neutrality over who becomes the next governor of Imo State.
Orluzurumee said it believes firmly in social justice, political equity and good governance and hence would not interfere or dictate who succeeds Governor Hope Uzodimma even though Owerri and Okigwe Zones are yet to agree on who succeeds Uzodimma.
This position was stated by the President General of Orluzurumee Worldwide, Rt. Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe, during a press conference, held in Owerri, on Wednesday.
Nzekwe reiterated that the Charter of Equity, which he stressed was conceived as an instrument for promoting fairness, political accommodation, stability and peaceful rotation of the governorship among the three senatorial zones of Imo State, would be strictly adhered to by Orluzurumee.
According to him, in 2023, the Imo State Council of Elders adopted the Charter, while Governor Hope Uzodimma publicly expressed his commitment to its implementation.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma, being from Orlu Zone and by that identity, one of our sons and members of the larger Orluzurumee family, is presently occupying the governorship.
“Orlu Senatorial Zone therefore recognizes the historical significance of the Charter and the responsibility that comes with being the zone currently occupying the seat.
“However, recognizing the Charter does not mean that Orlu Zone has surrendered its right to exercise independent judgment on who should succeed the Uzodimma. That distinction is fundamental”, he added.
Nzekwe reflected that recent developments had brought the issue of succession into focus, saying Owerri Zone has began consultations with Okigwe Zone, seeking understanding and support for its aspiration to produce the next Governor of Imo State.
“We commend every peaceful effort aimed at dialogue, consultation and consensus. The recent engagement between representatives of Owerri and Okigwe Zones reportedly ended without an identifiable consensus or mutually acceptable resolution.
“Orluzurumee, therefore believes that it would be premature, irresponsible and politically unwise for Orlu Zone to rush into declaring support for either of the two zones while the two principal claimants have not arrived at a satisfactory understanding.
“Our position is consequently very clear. We have heard the various arguments being advanced by both Owerri and Okigwe. We have also taken note of previous pronouncements by the Imo State Council of Elders and the various interpretations that have emerged from them.
“Months ago, when certain positions favourable to Owerri Zone appeared to emerge from discussions involving prominent leaders of Okigwe, Orluzurumee cautioned that a pronouncement of that nature, by itself, should not be interpreted as an automatic transfer of the political support of the entire Orlu Zone.
“That position remains unchanged. No zone should assume that Orlu’s support is automatic. Orlu Zone will make its decision based on a totality of considerations. We will consider the credibility of the arrangement.
“We will consider the character and competence of the political leadership being proposed. We will consider the interests of Orlu Zone. We will consider the interests of Imo State as a whole. We will consider the future of political stability and equitable succession.
“And we will consider the assurances and commitments that emerge from the various consultations. There is an Igbo wisdom which aptly captures our present position:
We cannot blindly enter a room that is unfamiliar to us in darkness. We will wait until there is light. When there is light, we shall see clearly.
“When the issues become clearer, Orluzurumee will speak — and when we speak, we shall speak clearly and very loudly. Our silence today should therefore not be mistaken for weakness. Our neutrality should not be mistaken for confusion. And our patience should not be mistaken for political inactivity.
We are simply refusing to make a consequential political decision in the absence of sufficient clarity.
“We therefore appeal to the leaders of Owerri and Okigwe Zones to continue their dialogue. Let them engage in good faith. Let them put the interests of Imo State above immediate political calculations. Let them resolve their differences without rancour. Let them build consensus rather than seek to manufacture endorsement.
“And let them understand that Orlu Zone is not an appendage of either Owerri or Okigwe.
Orlu is an equal and indispensable component of the Imo political family. We will listen to everyone. We will consult our people. We will examine every proposal. And at the appropriate time, we will make our position known.
“We are not endorsing Owerri Zone. We are not endorsing Okigwe Zone. We are not closing the door to anyone. Everything remains on the table. The door of consultation remains open. The door of dialogue remains open. The door of persuasion remains open. But the door to premature endorsement is firmly closed”, Nzekwe maintained.
