Imo Guber: Madumere urges Okigwe, Orlu to back Owerri zone
By Ndukaku Ihe
People of Orlu and Okigwe zones in Imo State have been urged to support Owerri zone for the 2027 gubernatorial election in the spirit of the equity and justice. Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, also applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma, the council of Traditional Rulers, and Imo council of Elders for initiating the new charter of equity which zoned the 2027 governorship seat to Owerri zone.
In a statement issued on yesterday in Owerri, Madumere said that the appeal for support from other zones becomes necessary as it will bring about balance in the equitable distribution of rights and privileges for peace and progress to reign.
“A family where one child is favoured while other children watch in silence can not thrive in peace and unity”, he cautioned
Madumere observed that a state where the leadership is concentrated in one zone while others remain marginalized and neglected cannot truly triumph in prosperity and development.
His words: “I most humbly appeal to my brothers and sisters from Orlu and Okigwe zones to support Owerri zone as a member of the Imo family by extending their hands of brotherhood and support to Owerri Zone for the next governorship of Imo State.
“It is not about zonal interest but about fairness. It is not about Owerri zone alone, but about a better and more united Imo State where no zone will feel marginalised or neglected. Let us take a moment to reflect on our journey as a state”.
The former deputy governor recalled that since the return of democracy in 1999, the governorship seat of Imo State has not been evenly shared among the three zones.
He noted that Orlu Zone has had the longest rule, producing three governors—Chief Achike Udenwa (1999–2007), Senator Rochas Okorocha (2011–2019), and the incumbent governor, Senator Uzodimma (2020–present) totalling 20 years power has been with Orlu.
Madumere said Okigwe zone had its turn twice through the late Sam Mbakwe and Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
He said Owerri Zone, despite its contributions to the development of Imo State, has had only a short-lived opportunity under the late Chief Evan Enwerem and Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
Madumere pointed out that for a state that prides itself on unity and brotherhood, the imbalance is so glaring , even to a blind man.
He said: “A state that prides itself not just as the epitome but the epicentre of knowledge and justice in the Eastern heartland, it is not only sad but most unfortunate”.
Madumere called for a change of the narrative, insisting that Owerri zone has to be part of history in making peace, justice, and equity to reign in our state.
“The most expedient and auspicious time to correct this is the next governorship election. It is the time for Orlu and Okigwe zones to extend the same support and trust that Owerri zone has always given to them”, he said.
He said that Owerri zone has always supported others, adding that now the people are asking for their support
He reminded other zones that Owerri people have stood by them in their own times of need, voted for leaders, and worked with them to build Imo State, adding that they have never been selfish or sectional in their political choices because of their belief in the unity of Imo State.
He said: “we come to you not as beggars but as brothers and sisters, asking for justice and equity.
It is time for Owerri zone to be given the opportunity to govern Imo state”.
He applauded the initiatives of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Elders Council in adding fillip to the clarion call for the unity of Imo State by supporting Owerri zone to produce the next governor of Imo State.
