Two camps have emerged in the area as a result
of the division, This Blog can authoritatively say.
One of the camps is in support of
the agitation of Owerri zone, while another said to be fiercely loyal to the
aspiration of senator Hope Uzodinma,
senator representing Orlu Zone, are backing the Senator to take join the Imo governorship
race.
The camp in support of Owerri Zone though
subtly, is said to have the backing of former Governor of Imo State, Chief
Achike Udenwa and former secretary to the Imo State Government, Nze IMO Umunna.
This group is said to have aligned
with their political brothers from Owerri Zone, though a source pointed out
that “certain unclear issues that will seal up the support is in the offing”
The source furtther said “Owerri Zone has a
legitimate case, but it is something we have to sit and discuss extensively. They have to put their house in order. There
are over 15 governorship aspirants from Owerri Zone. So, they must do some soul
searching before we align fully with their aspiration. But for now, they have
our tacit support
Those opposed to the agitation of
Owerri Zone contend that Zoning only exists in the mind of political
stakeholders in the State as governorship aspirants from the three zones do
come out to jostle for the governorship seat in every political dispensation
since 1999.
“It is a case of battle for the strong
and whoever is the strongest gets the prize. We are not opposed to Owerri Zone
but this is a free for all contest without any constitutional inhibitions, why
must we tell our sons not to contest for the governorship of the State?. On what
basis or for which reasons” said a PDP
chieftain in Orlu Zone
However, it was gathered that the intention
of Senator Hope Uzodinma from Orlu to contest for the governorship seat has
even polarized the political class in the zone which has led to political alignments
and realignments of top political players in the area. Among those on the
support roll of the senator is billionaire businessman, Tony Ezenna, who has declared
interest to replace senator Uzodinma at the senate.
Last week, Owerri zone political
stakeholders visited former governor Udenwa at his Amaifeke country home soliciting for his support and that of his Orlu Zone to back the agitation of Owerri
Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2015.
The visit led by Peoples Democratic
Party, PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyannwu and 14 governorship aspirants of Owerri Zone extraction, reminded the
former Governor that he was a product of zoning in 1999 when the PDP asked an
Owerri Zone son, Chief Humphrey Anumudu, who won the party’s governorship
primaries to step aside for him (Udenwa) from Orlu in conformity with the Imo
Charter of Equity.
The Imo Charter of Equity is an
unsigned, unbinding but sticking agreement adopted by the three zones in Imo State that guarantees
rotation of the governorship seat of the State.
Owerri Zone is yet to produce governor of Imo State since 1999 while Orlu Zone has held forte for 12 years and may increase if incumbent Governor Rochas Okorocha secures a second term in 2014 Polls.
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