OWERRI —- Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, has said that he will not handpick anybody to succeed him in office, stressing that all adpirants must follow democratic processes to emerge.
He also urged Owerri zone to prioritize collective interest of other zones, as the Imo State Charter of Equity should not be reduced to a slogan for confusion.
Uzodimma, who stated this when he received leaders from Owerri zone, who paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Owerri.
His words: “I must emphasize the importance of unity and collective interest in achieving progress, development and in addressing common challenges.
“It is important to also say that the person who must emerge as the governorship candidate in 2027, must follow democratic process and not handpicked by the Governor.”
He reiterated that the Charter of Equity, and the conversation around it, is his product, and “borne out of clear intention to restore moral order, eliminate confusion and check imbalance in the governance of the state”.
His words: “ The Charter of Equity is not a slogan for confusion. It is a document to let us know and remember the imbalance in the system and see how best to correct it, but not for people to enter social media and circulate fake news. We cannot continue like this every time.”
While inviting leaders from Owerri zone to join him “cure this confusion”, Uzodimma however, commended them and other stakeholders from the zone, for their sense of unity and cooperation to achieve common goals.
Uzodimma stressed that “the process of selecting a governorship candidate must follow a purely democratic process,” and urged Owerri zone to carry other zones in the State along in their quest and desire for the governorship slot and “allow the will of God in all things.”
He said:”You must join me now for us to cure this confusion, because if we don’t cure this confusion under my watch, the man coming after me may not be as religious, disciplined and God-fearing as I am. Charter of Equity is real, but it is not only about election.
“Imo State is desirous of selfless leaders and creative thinkers who are “committed to serving the people and making strong and informed leadership decisions that encourage development.
“I am happy to hear that Owerri zone is united. You should remain united, get serious,be tolerant and resist the temptation to be confrontational.
“I encourage the leaders from Owerri zone, and particularly those who may be aspiring for governorship position in the State, to slow down on early campaigns, since the election they are craving for is still far.
“I must remind everyone that only God can make the aspirations of human beings possible. I advice that people should rather divert their energies and resources to helping improve security, healthcare and economic well-being of people in their various communities.
“The ongoing national campaign on Health Insurance Scheme is real and effective and should be a major area of concern to all of us.”
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Chief Charles Amadi, said the visit was to express solidarity to the leadership of Governor Uzodimma, and commended him for his ingenuity in establishing the Imo Charter of Equity, which he said, “will check imbalance, injustice and foster peace in the State.”
Amadi disclosed the resolve of the leaders and the people of Owerri zone to lend their absolute support to the Charter of Equity, and assured the Governor that the zone is really united and now work in harmony as a group.
Other speakers noted that Owerri zone now has a common front, with a resolve to support any candidate from the zone who is adopted.
Vanguard recalls that the delegation of the leaders of Owerri zone cut across party lines, elected office holders, political appointees, business people, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders from the zone.
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