By Ebenezer Ojor
Orluzurumee, the apex socio-cultural organization for the twelve local government areas of Orlu Zone, says its support for any candidate from Owerri Zone who will succeed Governor Hope Uzodinma, will be anchored on competence and ability of such a candidate to sustain the developmental strides of the governor across the three zones of Imo State.
In a press statement issued at its meeting yesterday, the President General ,PG of Orluzurumee Worldwide, Rt Hon Ugochukwu Nzekwe noted that Okigwe Zone has demonstrated a disposition to support Owerri Zone to produce the next Imo governor come 2027, adding that while Orluzurumee has has no problem with Owerri Zone taking over from Uzodinma, but such a person must be competent and ready to continue with Uzodinma’s projects as well as factor in Orlu interest.
Nzekwe insisted that government remains a continuum.
“Today, we address a matter of profound significance to the future of Imo State – the evolving conversation around the Imo Charter of Equity and the political outlook toward the 2027 governorship.
“Orluzurumee firmly aligns with the principles of fairness, inclusiveness and balanced representation in governance. The Charter of Equity, as conceived, reflects a noble aspiration to foster a sense of belonging amongst all zones of Imo State and guarantee equitable access to leadership opportunities.
“We have taken due note of the recent disposition of Okigwe Zone, which has demonstrated commendable statesmanship by expressing readiness to support the emergence of the next governor from Owerri Zone. This gesture exemplifies political maturity and a collective commitment to unity,” the organization submitted.
On the issue of Owerri Zone for Imo governorship in 2027, the Orluzurumee helmsman said:
“Let it be unequivocally stated: Orluzurumee is not opposed to Owerri Zone producing the next governor of Imo State, in line with the ethos of equity and justice.
However, equity must not be misconstrued as a mere rotational arrangement devoid of merit.
“True equity must be anchored not only on geography but also on competence, credibility, preparedness and character.”
He thumbed up Governor Uzodinma for the high standard he has already set in the governance of Imo since taking over the mantle of leadership in Imo, emphasising that the governor has so far spread developmental projects across all the zones of the state without being sectional or sentimental.
“Owerri Zone must not only seek the governorship it must justify it. The zone must present a candidate who has undergone the necessary tutelage in leadership, understands the complexíties of governance and is fully prepared to meet the expectations of Imo people.
“Imo State cannot afford a regression. Performance must not be sacrificed on the altar of sentiment or expediency,” Orluzurumee stated.
Orluzurumee listed other qualties expected from Uzodinma’s successor to include proven competence and administrative capacity, a coherent and forward-looking development vision,
integrity and sincerity of purpose, commítment to fairness and inclusivity across all zones, capacity to safeguard peace, security, and unity, and the determiration to sustain and deepen ongoing developmental strides.
Orluzurunee reiterated its steadfast and cornmitrnent to peace, justice, unity and sustainable development.
It reminded that while the organization supports equity, it also places premium on quality leadership as the ultimate goal.
The organization thanked the media in Imo for their continued support and professionalísm, especially, since the inauguratíon of its present executive, and urged them to remain resolute “in
promoting truth and fostering unity.
It also thanked Orlu Zone traditional rulers for their guidance, wisdom and unwavering support.
