– Setting the Records Straight on Ikedi Ohakim and Why Owerri Zone Must Stand with Him in 2027
By Comr. Kelechi Iwuchukwu
The recent article written under the pseudonym Paradox titled “Re : Still on the Noisy Emekuku/Egbu Cabals in Owerri Zone” seeks to misrepresent history and unfairly malign Dr. Ikedi Ohakim. Ordinarily, such publications could be ignored, but for the sake of truth, fairness, and unity, it is important to set the record straight.
The so-called writer, “Paradox,” just like his clandestine name implies, is obviously confused and full of self- contradictions. A few instances will suffice here.
Firstly, he built his ludicrous, infantile and beer-parlour article on falsehood and self-contradictions – thus, confirming that he lacks tact and decency in public discourse. He said that the author of the article for which he is now peeing on his trousers is a member of Bring Back Ohakim (BBO 2027). This is pure balderdash – nobody by that name is a member of BBO or has ever associated with such a highly decent organisation.
Secondly, he identified the said Gregory Aharanwa as an “obscure” person. How then can Aharanwa be obscure and at same time be a known member of BBO?
Thirdly, Mr Paradox again makes a U-turn and admits that this same Aharanwa is “our prodigal son” – implying that Gregory Aharanwa is indeed from Owerri zone. Habaaaa – what a bundle of irreconcilable contradictions!
Before proceeding to address other reckless issues Mr Paradox raised in his jaundiced and attention-seeking article, let me help him define what “Paradox” means either as an English word or name – at least for free education sake.
Paradox literally means contradiction. According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary(2000) – 6th Edition, paradox means – (1) A person, thing or situation that has two opposite features and therefore,seems strange. (2) A statement with two opposite ideas that make them seem impossible or unlikely.
To shock Mr Paradox, we have unmasked the multiple identities with which he works with for any highest bidder as a media hireling. His first known name is “Prince Okey Okoro” with “Kapi Ghana” as his alias sobriquet. When the public discovered the dirty hatchet job he was doing with such a fake name – Kapi Ghana, he swiftly adopted another curious name “Fact-File” which more unsuspecting victims mistakenly fell for,thinking that they were dealing with a reasonable and responsible fellow. Now, and solely for the purpose of insulting His Excellency, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, he has again, like a chameleon, rebaptized himself with an even more ludicrous name “Paradox.”
In the coming days, we shall upload his dossier for the public to secrutinize. Nothing is ever hidden under the sun.
Ladies and gentlemen, the above explanations define the character and personality of Mr Paradox who penned down this disjointed article for public consumption. A Paradox indeed and a great disservice to educational growth !
However,permit me to clarify that this is not about trading insults with our brothers and sisters from Owerri zone. Rather, it is about reminding ourselves of the values of equity, fairness, and truth—and why we must close ranks as one Imo family,and ignore the vain antics of the likes of “Paradox” if we truly desire progress in 2027.
1. Ohakim’s Emergence Was Merit, Not Luck
To describe Ohakim’s rise in 2007 as “luck” is to diminish the will and wisdom of Imo people. Long before his election, he had proven himself as a capable technocrat, administrator, and patriotic son of Imo State. His Clean and Green Initiative turned Owerri into one of the cleanest and most admired cities in Nigeria at that time—a legacy that particularly uplifted Owerri zone.
This was not luck; it was vision in action, and Owerri people were direct beneficiaries.
2. On Local Government Administration
It is important to correct the false claim that Ohakim “killed” the local government system. What he did was to confront corruption that had eaten deep into the councils. Instead of rushing into sham elections that would empower godfathers, he prioritized reforms and ensured that state resources were directed into visible community projects across all zones, including Owerri.
Many of the community infrastructure enjoyed today in parts of Owerri were initiated or supported during his time.
3. Standing with President Goodluck Jonathan
Far from “spiting Jonathan,” Ohakim was among the very first leaders who stood behind President Goodluck Jonathan at a time when powerful forces wanted him sidelined. His loyalty to the South-East and South-South cause was never in doubt.
The real lesson here is that Ohakim has always stood for justice and fairness, even when it cost him politically. Such a leader deserves encouragement, not vilification.
4. His Personal Integrity
Much has been said to malign his person. But those who know Dr. Ikedi Ohakim can testify that he is approachable, straightforward, and principled. His openness is often misinterpreted as arrogance, but in truth, it is integrity. In public and private life, he remains a man who values his word.
5. Equity and Owerri Zone’s Role in History
It is not our intention to reopen old wounds. What happened in 2011 belongs to history. However, for equity to truly return in Imo politics, all zones—including Owerri—must work together to heal past mistakes and build a fairer tomorrow.
Owerri zone has always been central to the destiny of Imo. That is why we appeal for reflection and unity. Let us not fight each other, but join hands to ensure that the dreams of Dee Sam Mbakwe and our founding fathers are realized.
6. Why Owerri Should Stand with Ohakim in 2027
If there is one leader who has consistently invested in the development and upliftment of Owerri zone, it is Dr. Ikedi Ohakim. From his environmental policies to infrastructure projects, his fingerprints remain visible across the zone.
As 2027 approaches, Owerri has a golden opportunity—not to fight a son of Imo who has always stood by them, but to embrace him as a partner for progress. Supporting Ohakim is not about Okigwe zone alone; it is about restoring equity, stability, and unity in Imo politics.
7. The Path Forward
Dr. Ikedi Ohakim is not at war with any zone. He is a man of principle, a friend to all, and a leader who believes that Imo’s greatness lies in fairness, truth, and togetherness. His team, BBO–2027, is not an enemy of Owerri; it is a platform to unite all zones for the common good.
In Conclusion: A Call for Unity
Paradox’s article may have sought to divide us, but let us use it as an opportunity to unite. Imo does not need propaganda. Imo does not need bitterness. What we need is truth, reconciliation, and leadership rooted in equity.
Owerri zone has always been at the heart of Imo. By standing with Ohakim in 2027, Owerri will not just be supporting an individual—they will be reaffirming their place as the moral compass and unifier of our dear state.
Lies may fly for a moment, but truth endures forever. And in that truth, Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu must come together again for the future of Imo.
✍️ By Comr. Kelechi Iwuchukwu
Director ICT, Data & Digital Media, BBO–2027
