Imo Rep: Forum Appeals To Tinubu, Uzodimma, APC To Ensure Justice

The Ohaji Patriotic Forum (OPF) appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma and the leadership of the Imo State APC to address the growing concerns over alleged injustice in the party’s House of Representatives ticket for the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency in Imo State.

The appeal was contained in an open letter made available to journalists in Owerri and jointly signed by the national chairman and national secretary of OPF, Mazi Bethel Nwanorim and Chief Christopher Ezeocha, respectively.

According to the forum, the current political development within the constituency appears to undermine the long-standing zoning and rotational understanding that has promoted peace, fairness, inclusion and political balance among the constituent blocs of Ohaji, Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West.

The Forum expressed concern over what it described as an alleged attempt to deny the Ohaji bloc the opportunity to produce the APC candidate for the Federal House of Representatives despite what it termed an existing mutual understanding on rotational representation within the constituency.

Part of the statement reads:“We write on behalf of the members and leadership of the Ohaji Patriotic Forum (OPF), a socio-political organization, committed to the promotion of justice, equity, fairness, unity, and peaceful coexistence within the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West Federal Constituency.

“At a well-attended meeting of our organization, members extensively deliberated on the current political situation surrounding the APC House of Representatives ticket ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Following careful consultations and reviews, the Forum resolved to respectfully appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of our great party, the APC leadership in Imo State, and Governor Hope Uzodinma not to allow the alleged injustice against the Ohaji people to prevail.

“The existing zoning and political power-sharing arrangements within the Federal Constituency has, over the years, served as a stabilizing mechanism for political inclusion, equity, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence among the constituent areas. It is therefore deeply painful and regrettable that the Ohaji bloc is allegedly being denied what many believe to be its rightful turn under the existing political understanding.”

The Forum further noted that the Ohaji people have remained steadfast supporters of Governor Hope Uzodinma and the APC over the years, demonstrating loyalty and commitment during various elections and political engagements.

“The people of Ohaji have consistently supported the political journey and leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma, from his emergence as Senator to his current position as Governor of Imo State. It is therefore disheartening that concerns of marginalization and political exclusion are now being raised by the same people who have remained loyal and supportive.”

The Forum also referenced an alleged written agreement said to have been voluntarily entered into prior to the 2023 elections, between Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu and the leadership of Ogbako Ohaji regarding rotational representation within the constituency.

According to OPF, the agreement, which has reportedly become public knowledge, reflected a shared commitment to political equity and fairness among the constituent blocs.

The Forum stated: “It is unfortunate and disappointing that a serving member of the National Assembly would allegedly seek to disregard an agreement freely entered into before respected leaders and stakeholders. Leadership must continue to be built on integrity, honour, trust, credibility, and respect for commitments made before the people.

“Any attempt to undermine such agreements weakens public confidence in political leadership and democratic values, while also sending the wrong signal to younger generations who look up to public office holders as examples of accountability and honour.”

While expressing their grievances, the Forum nevertheless commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for the developmental strides and infrastructural achievements recorded under his administration across Imo State.

“We acknowledge and commend the visible developmental efforts and infrastructural achievements of Governor Hope Uzodinma across the state. It is precisely because of the confidence and respect the Ohaji people have in his leadership that we are appealing to him to ensure that justice, fairness, and equity prevail in this matter.”

The Forum emphasised that the people of Ohaji remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to democratic processes, while urging all stakeholders to act responsibly in order to preserve unity and political stability within the constituency.

“We passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, the APC leadership in Imo State, and Governor Hope Uzodinma to urgently intervene, uphold the principles of justice and fairness, respect the established zoning understanding, and ensure that the Ohaji bloc is given the opportunity many believe rightfully belongs to it.

“We also encourage all sons and daughters of Ohaji to remain peaceful, united, law-abiding, and steadfast in the pursuit of justice through lawful and democratic means.”

The Forum expressed confidence that the leadership of the APC at both the national and state levels would act in the interest of fairness, equity, party unity, and lasting peace within the Federal Constituency.