Injustice Against Okigwe Zone Must Be Readdressed In Order To Return To The True Charter Of Equity

By: Comr K. IWUCHUKWU

Imo State was founded on the ideals of fairness, inclusiveness, and balanced representation among its three geopolitical zones—Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe. To ensure this balance, the political fathers of the state adopted an unwritten understanding known as the Charter of Equity. This charter was designed to rotate political power among the three zones, giving every part of Imo State a sense of belonging and equal opportunity in governance.

Sadly, over the years, this noble agreement has been grossly abused, with Okigwe Zone being the greatest victim of marginalization. While Orlu Zone has enjoyed long dominance in the leadership of the state, Okigwe has been left behind, denied its rightful and equitable turn in governance.

Historical Overview of the Injustice

The late Chief Sam Mbakwe, fondly remembered as the “Weeping Governor,” gave Okigwe Zone its first moment of pride during the Second Republic. His administration set a standard for visionary leadership and infrastructural development. Unfortunately, since the return of democracy in 1999, Okigwe has only had brief and unfairly interrupted opportunities at the governorship seat.

Chief Ikedi Ohakim, who emerged as governor in 2007, represented the hopes and aspirations of the people of Okigwe Zone. However, despite the Charter of Equity which supported his continuation for a second term, his tenure was cut short in 2011. Since then, Okigwe has been deliberately sidelined in the rotation of power, while Orlu Zone has enjoyed extended dominance.

When and How the Charter Was Truncated

The truncation of equity in Imo politics did not occur by chance. It was the outcome of several political intrigues, propaganda, and power struggles that derailed the spirit of fairness.

At that time, certain political interests from Owerri Zone played a significant role in this derailment. Instead of supporting Okigwe Zone to complete its rightful two terms in line with the Charter of Equity, Owerri aligned with other forces to tilt the balance. In the heat of the contest, damaging propaganda—such as the infamous allegation that Governor Ikedi Ohakim had “assaulted a Reverend Father”—was widely circulated. Though later discredited, the story shaped public perception and provided justification for abandoning equity.

The truth remains that had Owerri Zone stood firmly in support of Okigwe to complete its mandate, the Charter of Equity would have remained intact. By failing to do the needful at that critical moment, Owerri contributed to the truncation of the process, leaving Okigwe shortchanged.

Unless this imbalance is corrected, the status quo will continue, and the injustice will remain a stumbling block to unity and fairness in Imo politics.

Why This Must Be Corrected

The injustice against Okigwe Zone is not just a political imbalance—it is a breach of trust, fairness, and the very foundation of unity in Imo State. The Charter of Equity was not designed for one zone to dominate indefinitely while others remain spectators. Equity demands reciprocity, fairness, and respect for every zone’s right to leadership.

Okigwe Zone has always played a stabilizing role in the politics of Imo State. The people have remained loyal to the ideals of unity, consistently supporting candidates from other zones in the interest of peace and progress. Yet, this goodwill has not been reciprocated. Instead, Okigwe has been made to look like an afterthought in the political arrangement of the state.

The Man Whom the Cap Fits

At this critical point in our history, it is clear that Dr. Sir Ikedi Ohakim is the man whom the cap fits to lead Imo State back to equity, unity, and progress. There are several strong reasons for this:

1. Experience and Proven Capacity – As a former governor, Dr. Ohakim has practical experience in governance, with a clear understanding of the state’s challenges and workable solutions. His past administration demonstrated focus on development, peace, and stability.

2. Symbol of Justice for Okigwe – He represents the unfulfilled mandate of Okigwe Zone. Denied a second term in 2011, his return would correct the injustice against his people and restore the credibility of the Charter of Equity.

3. Bridge Builder – Dr. Ohakim has maintained relationships across political divides and zones. He is widely respected as a statesman who can unite the three zones of Imo State rather than deepen division.

4. Integrity and Maturity – With his age, wisdom, and exposure, Dr. Ohakim is not coming to learn on the job. He is coming with maturity, vision, and an undying commitment to serve the people.

5. A Limited Mandate with Clear Focus – Unlike newcomers seeking long political careers, Ohakim represents equity with a finite, focused mandate. He is not seeking power for power’s sake but to restore balance, fairness, and unity in the governance of Imo State.

The Way Forward

For Imo State to move forward as one united entity, the Charter of Equity must be restored in its true spirit. This requires more than rhetoric—it calls for collective responsibility and courage from all stakeholders.

Above all, Owerri Zone has a moral obligation to correct the historical misstep of 2011. Having played a significant role in the truncation of Okigwe’s mandate, it is only just and fair that Owerri now rises to the occasion by supporting Okigwe Zone to finish what was left unfinished. This is not a matter of sentiment but of justice, unity, and fidelity to the Charter of Equity.

Orlu Zone, having already enjoyed extended dominance, must also demonstrate statesmanship by supporting the restoration of balance. The electorate must insist on fairness and resist propaganda or alliances that undermine equity. And the political leadership of Imo State must treat the Charter of Equity not as a tool of convenience, but as a binding principle that guarantees stability and inclusiveness.

Only by taking these deliberate steps—especially with Owerri Zone leading the way in correcting the past—can Imo State rebuild trust among the three zones and restore confidence in the political process.

Conclusion

The demand of Okigwe Zone today is not for sympathy or pity. It is a demand for justice, fairness, and the restoration of balance in the governance of Imo State. No zone should be treated as inferior or less deserving. If equity must remain the guiding principle of our politics, then Okigwe Zone must be given its rightful place in the leadership equation.

And in the spirit of true equity, justice, and unity, Dr. Sir Ikedi Ohakim remains the man whom the cap fits to complete the mandate of Okigwe Zone and return Imo State to the path of fairness and sustainable development.

Comrade Kelechi IWUCHUKWU
Director, ICT, Data & Digital Media BBO-2027