Johnkennedy Uzoma, Author at Sporting Tribune

The Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has appealed to the people of Orlu and Okigwe geo-political zones to support the Owerri zone for the 2027 governorship election in the state. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Owerri, Madumere said that the appeal for support is necessary as it will bring about balance in the equitable distribution of rights and privileges for peace and progress to reign. He said: "A family where one child is favoured while other children watch in silence cannot thrive in peace and unity." He observed that a situation where the leadership is concentrated in one zone while others remain marginalised and neglected cannot truly triumph in prosperity and development. He said: "I most humbly appeal to my brothers and sisters from Orlu and Okigwe zones to consider the Owerri zone as a member of the Imo family by extending their hands of brotherhood and support to the Owerri zone for the next governorship of Imo State." Describing it as not only a call for disunity but rather an effort to unite all for more progress and development in our dear Imo State. He said: "It is not about zonal interest but about fairness. It is not about the Owerri zone alone, but about a better and more united Imo State where no zone will feel marginalised or neglected. Let us take a moment to reflect on our journey as a state." The ex-deputy governor recalled that since the return of democracy in 1999, the governorship of Imo State has not been evenly shared among the three zones: According to him, the Orlu zone has had the longest rule, producing three governors—Chief Achike Udenwa (1999–2007), Senator Rochas Okorocha (2011–2019), and the incumbent governor, Senator Uzodimma (2020–present), totalling 20 years of power with Orlu. He said the Okigwe zone had its turn twice through His Excellency, the late Great Dee Sam Mbakwe and Chief Ikedi Ohakim. While the Owerri zone, despite its contributions to the development of Imo State, has had only a short-lived opportunity under the late Chief Evan Enwerem and Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. He pointed out that for a state that prides itself on unity and brotherhood, this imbalance is so glaring, even to a blind man. He said: "A state that prides itself not just as the epitome but the epicentre of knowledge and justice in the Eastern heartland, it is not only sad but most unfortunate." Madumere called for a change of the narrative, insisting that the Owerri zone has to be part of history in making peace, justice, and equity reign in our state. He said: "The most expedient and auspicious time to correct this is the next governorship election. It is the time for Orlu and Okigwe zones to extend the same support and trust that the Owerri zone has always given to them." He said that the Owerri zone has always supported others, adding that now Owerri people are asking for their support. He reminded other zones that the Owerri zone has stood by them in their own times of need, voted for leaders, and worked with them to build Imo State, adding that they have never been selfish or sectional in their political choices because of their belief in the unity of Imo State. He said: "We come to you not as beggars but as brothers and sisters, asking for justice and equity. It is time for the Owerri zone to be given the opportunity to govern Imo State." Prince Madumere declared that the Owerri zone is ready to produce a governor for Imo people, a governor that they can trust, who will consider and treat Imo State as a united family. Madumere applauded the initiatives of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Elders Council in adding fillip to this clarion call for the unity of Imo State by supporting the Owerri zone in their efforts to produce the next governor of Imo State. He beckons on the town union leaders, religious associations, youths, men and women of goodwill, the people of Orlu and Okigwe zones to join hands with the Owerri zone to build the new Imo united family. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE