A rights advocate group, the Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to closely monitor and sack aides allegedly working against the Imo Charter of Equity.
In a statement in Owerri, the group’s national president, Emmanuel Okewu raised concerns that these aides may jeopardise Uzodimma’s commitment to handing over the governorship to Owerri zone in accordance with the charter.
Governor Uzodimma’s assurance of power-transfer to Owerri zone in 2027 is facing opposition from the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), particularly its president, Rex Anunobi.
OPOCA openly opposed the Imo Charter of Equity, which outlines a seamless transfer of the governorship of Imo State among the three geopolitical zones.
OZAC accused Barr Rex Anunobi of going against the principles of the Imo Charter of Equity.
The group expressed concern about Anunobi’s contradictory stance, considering his role as the state commissioner for Transport within the same government advocating for the charter’s realisation.
“We view Anunobi and his OPOCA group as self-serving and opposed to the core principles of the Imo Charter of Equity.
“We are concerned that Anunobi is a serving member of the Imo State Executive Council, where he holds the position of commissioner for Transport.”
The group emphasized the need for Governor Uzodimma to address this dissonance within his administration, suggesting that Anunobi should either align with the governor’s commitment to the charter or resign if his views and that of his group are contrary.
They urged the governor to be vigilant about the overbearing influence of certain powerful elements from Orlu zone within his administration.
They advised the governor to take decisive action, including the possible removal of Anunobi, to ensure the unwavering commitment to the realisation of the Imo Charter of Equity and to maintain harmony within his administration.
“This situation underscores the delicate balance Uzodimma must maintain to navigate the political landscape and uphold his promise of a smooth power transition to Owerri zone in 2027,” he submitted.
In his reaction, the commissioner for Transport, Barr Anunobi advised Owerri zone to put their house in order and avoid internal wrangling if they intend to achieve their ambition in 2027.
He called on OZAC to look inwards and find out where the opposition of Owerri zone is coming from and arrest same.
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