The debate over whether Okigwe or Owerri will produce the next Governor of Imo State after Orlu Zone has intensified with the formation of a new political group, Owerri Zone Peoples Mandate (OWZOPEM), over the weekend.
The group is led by Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, Capt. David Mbamara, who has been named Chairman, and Chief Mike Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Strategic Committee.
In a communiqué issued after their inaugural meeting in Owerri on Saturday, June 29, the group announced the establishment of a high-powered committee to engage with Okigwe Zone through the Okigwe Global Elders Forum and Orlu Zone via the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA).
The primary goal of this outreach is to prevent conflicts of interest in their respective ambitions to produce the next Governor of Imo State.
The communiqué also mentioned plans to communicate with the people of Ohaji/Egbema regarding their decision to remain in Imo State amid the agitation for creating Orlu State.
The group commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for his developmental efforts and support for Owerri Zone’s bid to produce the next Governor.
Capt. Mbamara, addressing the gathering, highlighted the historical marginalization of Owerri Zone in securing the Governorship since the inception of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.
He emphasized the need for a united front to achieve this objective.
Prof. Ajumbe, in his remarks, noted that the group is still in its formative stage and open to ideas that would aid the zone in its quest for the Governorship.
He stressed the importance of seeking support from other zones to avoid actions that could jeopardize their political future.
The meeting saw significant attendance from political stakeholders across Owerri Zone.
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