By Jude Opara
Governor Hope Uzodinma has reaffirmed that the governorship seat in Imo State must continue to rotate among the three senatorial zones as outlined in the Charter of Equity.
The governor stated this while receiving the report of the Imo Elders Council, constituted to review the zoning arrangement involving Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zones.
Speaking at the Government House in Owerri, Uzodinma stressed that adherence to zoning remains critical to justice, inclusion and lasting peace in the state.
He warned against any attempt at political domination, noting that exclusion often breeds instability.
According to him, lessons from the political tensions that followed his emergence in 2020 highlight the need for fairness and consensus in governance.
Uzodinma described the Elders Council as a statutory body established to provide non-partisan guidance, adding that plans are underway to strengthen its legal framework, including provisions to sanction erring members.
He reiterated that the Charter of Equity is designed to ensure balanced distribution of political offices across the three zones, urging political actors to respect the arrangement and avoid divisive tendencies.
The governor also pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government, acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Uzodinma expressed optimism that strict adherence to equity and justice would guarantee stability and a smooth transition of power in the state, assuring that further consultations would be held with stakeholders across the zones.
Earlier, Chairman of the Elders Council, Cletus Ilomuanya, commended the governor’s efforts at fostering unity, urging that the Charter of Equity be implemented through fair appointments, equitable project distribution and equal opportunities for all parts of the state.
