By MBACHU GODWIN, Abuja
Former Imo state Commissioner for information and strategy, Prof Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe has backed Okigwe zone to produce the next governor of the state in 2027 gubernatorial election.
He noted that any zone can contest for the number one seat in the state , arguing that it is undemocratic to deny people from exercising their constitutional right of participation.
Ajumbe’s position has sparked criticism by many political gladiators who believed it was the turn of Owerri zone to produce the next governor in line with the principle of Charter of Equity arranged by the governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodimma in 2023 .
Speaking to journalists yesterday , Ajumbe a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state , who hails from Owerri zone said there was no written agreement on the senatorial zone to produce the next governor in the state, challenging any one to provide such agreement if there is one.
Ajumbe, a former state chairman of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP , slammed those insisting on the Charter of Equity , adding that the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma had shattered the charter of Equity been paraded by the Owerri zone, when he declared last month that he was no longer interested in the charter of Equity but anybody from any zone that will continue his legacies.
He noted that the only shortest way for Owerri zone to get to the government house is by allowing Okigwe zone to complete it’s remaining four years and hand over power seamlessly to the Owerri zone.
Ajumbe warned that if Okigwe zone is denied of completing it’s four years in 2027 , it will be difficult for Owerri zone to actualize it political dream in the nearest future.
He said , ” Is there any trust in Owerri zone. We are running a democracy,every body has right to contest , whether from Orlu, Okigwe, or Owerri, no zone should should say it is their right .
” Charter of Equity has been shattered by the governor when he declared last month that he is no longer interested in the charter of Equity but anybody from any zone that can continue his legacies . If Owerri is insisting on charter of Equity, Okigwe zone should continue and be allowed to complete it’s four years and hand over to Owerri zone, this is the only way the Owerri zone can get to the government house.
” Was there any agreement, l challenge anybody to bring it out, I have never pushed for Owerri zone, I am happy you said , complete , which means there is something uncomplicated, so let Okigwe zone complete it four years and hand over to Owerri, that is my stand”.
