EQUITY DEMANDS JUSTICE – OHAKIM 2027/28 IS THE ANSWER
By: COMR. KELECHI IWUCHUKWU
In the heated build-up to the 2011 gubernatorial election in Imo State, the political atmosphere was charged with intrigue, alliances, and deep-rooted sentiment. At the centre of it all was Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, then the sitting governor, whose administration had rolled out significant reforms in infrastructure, environmental sanitation, rural development, and governance. By all objective measures, he had laid a foundation for continuity and sustainable growth.
Yet, rather than consolidate on his remarkable performance, a wave of political maneuvering swept across the state. It was what many later described as a gang-up—a coalition of strange bedfellows united by vested interests, personal ambitions, and misinterpretation of the Charter of Equity.
The Charter of Equity, conceived to ensure fairness and inclusiveness among the three zones of Imo State—Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri—had already suffered distortion. Owerri zone, in particular, had contributed immensely to this disruption, by shifting allegiances at critical junctures and breaking the unwritten understanding of balance in power rotation. Instead of defending the spirit of the charter, many actors from Owerri zone joined forces with external interests to truncate Ohakim’s tenure in 2011.
This was ironic. For by undermining Ohakim, who hailed from Okigwe zone and was yet to complete the traditional second term accorded to his predecessors, Owerri unwittingly deepened the very imbalance they often complained about. The political miscalculation of 2011 thus created an anomaly: Orlu zone went on to dominate the governorship for an extended period, leaving both Okigwe and Owerri marginalized.
Today, with the benefit of hindsight, history is calling on the people of Owerri zone to retrace their steps. The needful must be done—not out of pity or sentiment, but in the true spirit of justice and the Charter of Equity. If Owerri sincerely desires fairness and inclusion, it must correct the wrong of 2011 by supporting the return of Dr. Ikedi Ohakim to complete the tenure unjustly denied him.
Ohakim’s record speaks for itself. He governed with vision, foresight, and courage, leaving behind achievements that are still being referenced in Imo State’s developmental history. He is not merely seeking office; he is seeking justice—for himself, for Okigwe, and for the integrity of the Charter of Equity.
In truth, the 2011 gang-up may have succeeded politically, but it failed morally. The correction of that anomaly lies in allowing Ohakim to return and complete his mandate. Only then will equity be restored, and only then will Imo State truly reaffirm the values of fairness, balance, and brotherhood upon which the Charter of Equity was built.
Looking ahead, 2027/28 presents a golden opportunity for all true believers in the Charter of Equity to rise above past mistakes and support Dr. Ikedi Ohakim for the governorship. By doing so, Okigwe will rightfully complete its tenure, and thereafter, Owerri zone will naturally and honorably take its own rightful slot. That is the only path to restoring balance, unity, and fairness in Imo’s political journey.
Kelechi IWUCHUKWU writes from Owerri
