A group of concerned stakeholders from Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas of Imo State has voiced grievances over what they described as years of deliberate marginalization, despite being oil- and gas-rich areas, noting that neither area has produced a governor since the creation of the state in 1976.
At a press conference held on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the group demanded that the 2028 governorship slot be zoned to their area as a way of giving them a sense of belonging and appreciating their contributions to the growth of the state.
In a two-page communiqué released to the press and signed by Dr. John-Donald Ikegwuruka, the group stated that any charter of equity that excludes the people “who lay the golden eggs” amounts to nothing but a classroom debate, theoretical, hollow, and insulting to their people.
Recounting their many losses over the years, the group said: “We have lost countless lives and properties in our lawful struggle for recognition and repositioning. Our patience has worn thin. If Imo State is sincere about building a charter of equity that will endure for generations, then it must first adopt a charter of resources,” adding that “justice must precede rotation and contribution must precede entitlement.”
According to the stakeholders, “We demand with one voice, and in the strongest terms, that the next governor of the state must come from the oil- and gas-rich local governments of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta.”
“The stakeholders commend the excellent relationship between the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the respected leaders of our oil- and gas-rich areas. It is our earnest prayer that this time-tested partnership will now be leveraged to address our long-standing grievances and wipe the tears of our people.
“Our areas are blessed with both human and material resources to take the state and the local government areas to the next level. Governance requires men and women with God-given mission and vision to deliver. We assert boldly: the people of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta are ready, able, and willing to deliver the state to greatness,” they stated.
The stakeholders added that the two local government areas remain the mainstay of both the state and the nation, being hosts to some of the highest deposits of oil and gas in Africa, wondering why, despite their contributions, they have been systematically excluded from political power distribution.
Despite all their contributions to the nation, they said, “we lack essential amenities such as roads, hospitals, schools, and water,” stressing that “the tankers and vehicles transporting these resources routinely crash, leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties, thereby leaving our people in varying degrees of suffering.”
Ikegwuruka, therefore, appealed to the governor and other stakeholders in the state to cede the 2028 governorship slot to their area.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
