Receives Imo Elders Council’s Report on Charter of Equity
Governor Hope Uzodimma has vowed to resist any form of “hostile takeover” of political power in Imo State, emphasizing that justice, inclusion, and consensus are essential for sustaining peace and stability.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during a meeting with the Imo Elders Council at the Government House Banquet Hall in Owerri. He noted that lessons from the 2020 political crisis, which ushered him into office, highlighted the dangers of exclusion in governance.
In a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor referenced findings from a panel led by Emeritus Catholic Archbishop Anthony Obinna, which identified marginalisation as a major trigger of instability in the state.
“Anyone denied justice may not be committed to peace. We will eliminate any form of hostile takeover by building consensus among ourselves,” Uzodimma stated.
While receiving the Imo Elders Council’s report on the Charter of Equity, the Governor described the Council as “the conscience of the state,” noting that it was established by law to guide governance beyond any single administration.
He also disclosed plans to amend the law establishing the Council to strengthen its authority, including provisions to sanction members found guilty of deliberate misconduct.
On the Charter of Equity, Uzodimma reiterated that it promotes the fair distribution of key political offices across the state’s three senatorial zones. He urged stakeholders to respect zoning arrangements and avoid divisive politics.
The Governor reaffirmed the state’s alignment with the Federal Government and acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu.
Expressing optimism about the future, Uzodimma said adherence to equity and justice would ensure political stability and a smooth transition of power in the state.
“The Charter of Equity has come to stay. Listen to the voice of reason, believe in the Charter, work with the Federal Government, support the President, and allow God to guide the rest,” he said.
He further pledged to consult with leaders from the three senatorial zones—Okigwe, Owerri, and Orlu—to deepen consensus and foster lasting political stability in Imo State.
Uzodimma assured the Elders Council that its role would extend beyond his administration, continuing to provide guidance to future governments.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Imo Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, commended the Governor for promoting unity, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved when all regions progress together.
Ilomuanya urged that the Charter of Equity should move beyond rhetoric to practical implementation through fair appointments, balanced project distribution, and equal opportunities across the state.
He described the Charter as a commitment to building an inclusive Imo State where no group feels marginalised and every citizen has a fair chance at leadership.
The meeting concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and progress in Imo State, alongside a renewed call for collective responsibility in advancing the state’s development agenda.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and her husband, Barrister Chukwuma Ekomaru; former Deputy Governor, Lady Ada Okwuonu; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu; members of the State Executive Council; and other stakeholders.
