By: Com. Obioma Calistus Onwuegbucha.
The Imo East Senatorial contest is indeed generating deep-rooted concern and shields of interests. It is a contest that shall be predicated on the solid principle of equity, justiciable fairness, and “enye ndi ebee, enye ndi ebee.” . Today, politics in the state is no longer a game played in the field of acrimony, rancour, and injustice. It is now guided by the noble ideals of the charter of equity, a concept conceptualised and propagated by Governor Hope Uzodimma to address perceived political imbalances and injustices and promote inclusivity, fairness. Indeed, injustice and marginalization breed unrest. Therefore, the need for proactive correction of systemic disparities has become necessary, especially as it concerns Imo East Senatorial seat, which has remained a defined product of Injustice against some sections of Owerri Zone.
In Owerri zone ,which comprises different blocs, namely: Mbaise bloc, Mbaike bloc, Owerre bloc and Ngor-Okpala bloc, marginalization, injustice and imbalance have taken a deep root in the distribution of senatorial power within the zone.
*The Mbaise Bloc.*
Mbaise political bloc is made up of Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihite Mbaise, and Ahiazu Mbaise. The bloc had been supported to produce three senators; Senator Casmir Anyanwu, Senator Bright Nwanne,and Senator Chris Anyanwu, who was on the saddle for 8 solid years. Besides that, Mbaise bloc has also produced speakers of the Imo House of Assembly, Chief Godfrey Dikeocha, and Hon. Neul Chukwukadibia Agwocha. The bloc has also produced three ministers, namely , Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Syvester Ugoh, and Prof. Fabian Osuji. The bloc has also produced deputy governor Ada Okwuonu and former governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
*Owerri Bloc.*
Owerri bloc is made up of three local governments; Owerri West, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal. The bloc had been supported to produce two senators; senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who stayed for 8 solid years, and senator Darlington Eze Ajoku. Outside that, the bloc has also produced two ministers of the federal Republic, namely, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho and Amb. Kema Chikwe. The bloc has also produced Deputy Governor; Sir Jude Agbaso, and Ambassador, Dr Jema Chikwe.
*Mbaike bloc*
This bloc is made up of mbaitoli and Ikeduru. The bloc has been supported to produce three senators; Senator Evan Enwerem, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Senator Amah Iwuagwu. The bloc has also produced a minister, Chinwe Obaji, a governor, Sen. Evan Enwerem and three deputy governors, Prince Eze Madumere, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, and Prof. Placid Njoku.
*Ngor-Okpala Bloc.*
It is only Ngor-Okpala bloc that has not been supported to produce either a senator, minister, deputy Governor or Governor , even Ambassador.
Like Ndigbo in Nigerian politics, Ngor Okpala has continued to remain relegated and totally cut-off from political power bargaining. It is worrisome and totally appalling that the said injustice has remained entrenched and deep-rooted without any genuine and conscientious consideration of changing the narrative. On a periodic basis, the injustice seems to be taking a bad colouration , making it look like a consciously calculated and predetermined plot to undermine the people of Ngor-Okpala. This is so disheartening to the extent that this ugly narrative keeps rearing its head on every power bargaining cycle.
The noble idles of the Imo Charter of Equity, which is anchored on engendering political stability, power balancing, and democratic consolidation is a consolidation for those thst believe in justice and equity, especially as it concerns Ngor-Okpala.
The charter of equity is a commitment to peace, equity, justice, fairness, democratic consolidation, political stability, and harmonious inclusion. There is no doubt that in all consideration, Ngor Okpala should be mostly considered for Owerri Senatorial seat. As the Senatorial primary election is around the corner, it is a golden opportunity to bring the charter of equity into reality.
In the whole picture, Dr Chima Mathew Amadi stands prominent among few others who have the character conduct and vision to change the narrative and set the zone on the track of sustainable development. His life, no doubt, has been defined by vision, enterprise, courage, sincerity, and uncommon commitment to public service. For many years, Dr Chima Amadi has embodied the rare fusion of technocratic excellence, service distinction, administrative ingenuity, and philanthropic compassion. As a technocrat, he stands out as one of the most influential and respected public figures in Imo State, an enigma whose quiet strength and strategic mindset have shaped the system, institutions, and leadership governance. Unlike the conventional Nigerian politicians, Dr Chima Amadi had earlier carved a blue niche for himself as a medical expert, combining technocratic skills and technical expertise with political leadership and managerial acumen. His leadership philosophy emphasised institutional strengthening and long-term planning principles that have influenced developmental trajectory.
He is indeed the best candidate that will give the people of Owerri zone quality and transparent representation.
Indeed, the destiny of the people of Owerri zone can be promoted by the likes of Dr. Chima Amadi who believes in our potential and is committed to building a prosperous future. Unfortunately, some individuals are clandestinely moving around to truncate the spirit of fairness and justice as encapsulated in the Imo charter of equity. An Ngor-Okpala man should be supported by ndi Owerri zone, this is to give credence to fairness and justice which everyone is shouting. We can not be promoting Owerri zone for Governor on the basis of equity and at the same time masterminding a coup against the same equity when it comes to the Senatorial election.
That is hypocrisy. Our people should ignore such mindset and remain undistracted in achieving equity in a senatorial election for the sake of Ofor-na-Ogu by supporting Dr Chima Amadi.
Ngor-Okpala deserves to be treated with all aense of justice and fairness.Taking a leap from this, there is only one person who Okpala deserves to be supported to produce the next senator of Owerri Zone for the sake of Ofor-na-Ogu.
*Com. Obioma Calistus is the state Coordinator of TMO.*
