Politics
GOV. Hope Uzodimma, on Tuesday, received the “Imo Charter of Equity” with a vow to prevent “hostile takeover” of power at the end of his eight-year administration in 2027.
Uzodimma spoke when he received a report on the document, presented by the Elders’ Council at the Government House, Owerri.
He said that “justice, inclusion and consensus remain key to sustaining peace in the state”.
According to him, lessons from the 2020 crisis in the state when he came into office underscores the dangers of political exclusion.
He said that a panel, led by Emeritus Catholic Archbishop, Anthony Obinna, found marginalisation to be a major trigger of instability.
“Anyone denied justice may not be committed to peace.
“We will eliminate any type of hostile takeover by building consensus among ourselves,” the governor said.
He described the elders’ council as “the conscience of the state,” pointing out that it was established by law to guide governance beyond any administration.
He further disclosed plans to amend the law to strengthen the council’s authority, including sanctioning members, who resort to deliberate misconduct.
Uzodimma said the charter took into consideration fair distribution of key political offices across the three senatorial zones.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to respect zoning arrangement and avoid divisive politics.
He defended the state’s alignment with the Federal Government, acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu to the state.
Uzodimma expressed optimism that adherence to equity and justice would guarantee stability and a smooth political transition in the state.
“The Charter of Equity has come to stay,” he said.
He promised to consult further with the leaderships of Okigwe, Owerri and Orlu Senatorial Zones to deepen the consensus that would lead to political stability in the state.
The governor assured the council that their job would not end with his administration, saying that the body would continue to advise successive governors in the state.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, commended Uzodimma for promoting unity in the state.
Ilomuanya said that “sustainable development can only be achieved when all regions progress together”.
He pleaded that the charter should go beyond rhetoric and be implemented through fair appointments, balanced project distribution and equal opportunities across the senatorial zones.
The royal father described the document as a “commitment to building an inclusive Imo, where no area feels marginalised and every citizen can aspire to leadership without discrimination”.
He advised the governor to remain guided by the principles of fairness, justice and peace embedded in the charter. NAN
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APR. 22, 2026
Tags: LLOMUANYA Owerri Uzodimma