Former Imo State Governor Dr. Ikedi Ohakim is urging Imo State voters to re-elect incumbent Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for a second term in the upcoming November 11 gubernatorial election. This, he believes, will ensure the fulfilment of the Imo Charter of Equity. Ohakim made these remarks during a recent interaction with journalists at his Owerri Residence, as conveyed by Sir Amby Uneze, Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media in Imo State.
Ohakim explained that the Imo Charter of Equity, initiated in 1998, was disrupted in 2011 by Senator Rochas Okorocha. He emphasized that only Governor Uzodimma has the potential to fully implement the charter, given his remaining constitutional term limit of eight years in office.
Ohakim attributed the charter’s collapse to false promises by Okorocha, who claimed he would serve only one term, as well as baseless allegations of assaulting a reverend father. These unfounded claims swayed the Catholic community without proper investigation, ultimately leading to the disruption of the charter.
The former governor voiced his agreement with the charter’s drafters, who stipulated that its implementation would commence after Governor Uzodimma completes his second term in 2028. He emphasized the importance of having a sitting governor to make the charter work effectively, citing successful examples in other states with power-sharing arrangements.
Ohakim stressed that without considering Governor Uzodimma’s interest as an incumbent, it would be impossible to implement the charter, regardless of any renewed interest in it.
Regarding insecurity, Ohakim acknowledged the troubling situation in Imo State and the South East but absolved Governor Uzodimma of deliberately instigating it. He described such claims as nonsensical, highlighting that both the governor and himself had experienced insecurity personally. Ohakim maintained that verifiable police statistics do not support the notion that Imo State has the highest crime rate in the South East.
As a private citizen who travels extensively within the South East, he emphasized that while the state should not be complacent about security concerns, it is not the worst affected. He underlined the crucial role of the federal government in addressing the insecurity crisis and reiterated his belief in the need for a governor who maintains a good rapport with federal authorities, like Governor Uzodimma.
Ohakim also called on the youth to voice their concerns through peaceful protests instead of being manipulated to disrupt their own future and destabilize society.
