By Arthur Obi Opara
The air in Imo’s political circle has once again grown tense, as the Owerri Zone Progressives Forum (OZOPROF) has openly thrown its weight behind elder statesman, Prince Bob Njemanze, while blasting what it describes as the “Emekuku cabal.”
It all began with a live interview on Channels Television, where Prince Njemanze made a bold statement: he doubted that Owerri Zone could successfully produce Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor in 2027 without working in close alliance with Okigwe Zone. Instead, he suggested that Owerri should allow Okigwe take another four-year slot between 2027 and 2031, after which Owerri could seamlessly ascend to power.
His words, though rooted in political logic and history, sparked fury in some quarters—particularly from the Emekuku/Egbu axis. They attacked him viciously, calling him an “old adult rascal” and accusing him of being a political contractor. One former minister even claimed that Owerri’s 2027 governorship bid had been “enunciated by the Imo Elders Council, upheld by the governor, consecrated by the church, and stamped with offor by the Council of Traditional Rulers.”
But OZOPROF dismissed these claims as “spurious and fallacious.” According to them, Governor Uzodimma himself has repeatedly stated he has no power to anoint a successor, stressing instead that the confusion Imo faces today is the handiwork of the Emekuku cabal.
For OZOPROF, history is clear. They accuse this cabal of truncating Imo’s power rotation back in 2011, when the governorship mandate of Okigwe Zone was cut short halfway. That act, they argue, planted the seed of the discord that has plagued the state for fourteen years. They also blame the cabal for repeatedly deceiving Owerri Zone with phantom agreements, manipulating governors, and blackmailing leaders whenever their selfish interests are not met.
“These people once held federal power, state power, and influence in banking, telecoms, and the church. Yet, they achieved nothing for Nde Owerri Zone,” OZOPROF declared in a strongly worded statement. “Today, they cloak themselves in piety, crowding Government House chapel every Sunday, while scheming to impose one of their own as Uzodimma’s successor. But we say never again.”
OZOPROF insists that Prince Njemanze spoke nothing but the truth. To them, his call was not against Owerri’s interest but for justice, equity, and historical correction. He reminded the people that Imo’s political harmony was broken in 2011 and can only be restored by first returning to Okigwe.
“Prince Njemanze spoke the minds of millions of Imolites,” OZOPROF noted, “especially the youths, professionals, traders, clergy, elders, and the silent majority who are tired of cabal politics.”
The group warned against the dangers of silencing dissent, describing the Emekuku cabal as “enemies of free speech and democracy.” They called on the younger generation not to surrender its future to hypocrisy disguised as leadership.
Turning to Governor Uzodimma, OZOPROF urged him not to be distracted by courtesy visits and Sunday politicking. Instead, they encouraged him to continue his focus on infrastructure, economic growth, and good governance, while resisting manipulations from the cabal.
In their conclusion, the Forum reaffirmed their solidarity with Prince Bob Njemanze:
“The era of cabal politics is over. Imo people will no longer allow a privileged few to manipulate their destiny. With Prince Njemanze and other truth-telling elders, the younger generation stands ready to reclaim justice and equity. Peace must return to Imo.”
The statement was jointly signed by Chibuike Onyeoziri, National Coordinator of OZOPROF, alongside nine LGA coordinators across Owerri Zone.
