Imo Monitor

Imo Charter of Equity: Why Ikedi Ohakim is the most balanced choice
By : Bishop C. Johnson
Date: 24 May 2025

Across Nigeria, at both national and subnational levels, the call for balanced representation in leadership that reflects the various demographics of the people has become a moral imperative.
Nowhere is this cry louder—or more just—than in Imo State, where the long-standing demand for a binding and inclusive Charter of Equity continues to resonate powerfully.
This Charter, long overdue, is premised on a simple truth: that for peace to endure and democracy to flourish, leadership must reflect justice, fairness, and equitable distribution of power among all components of the state.
Specifically, in Imo State, this means the fair rotation of the governorship and other key political positions among its three senatorial zones—Orlu (Imo West), Owerri (Imo East), and Okigwe (Imo North).
As the political climate intensifies ahead of the 2028 gubernatorial election, calls for this long-sought equity have once again come to the fore. But troublingly, some self-appointed individuals—operating under the ambiguous banner of the “Imo Elders Council”—have taken it upon themselves to unilaterally determine the course of this Charter.

Predominantly comprised of persons from Owerri Zone, this council neither reflects the demographic breadth nor carries the moral legitimacy and authority required to speak on behalf of all Ndi Imo. Their decision, like that of every other stakeholder in the state, is at best a recommendation to Ndi Imo; therefore, it can’t be taken as a collective decision.
Most Imo people are for a Charter of Equity—a true Charter of Equity that will endure the test of time. A true Charter of Equity, therefore, cannot—and must not—be the product of exclusivity, back-door arrangements, or sectional interests.
It must be a product of deliberate, inclusive, and transparent consultation, involving all zones, all ethnic and religious constituencies, and all socio-political stakeholders in the state.
It must address not only the governorship but also extend to the deputy governorship, the speakership of the House of Assembly, and other key political appointments such as commissioners, ministers, and board chairmen.
A Charter of Equity that will be passed down from one generation of Ndi Imo to another without disruptions. A Charter of Equity that’s deliberate, holistic, just, and fair, and above all, a Charter of Equity that is based on principles of freedom, equality, and justice, while consolidating the peace and unity of the people.

History Must Be Remembered, Not Rewritten– the story of the Imo Charter of Equity must be grounded in truth, not revisionism. Any Charter of Equity that ignores the proverbial rain in which Ndi Imo forget where the rain began beating them will ultimately fail.
In 1999, Chief Achike Udenwa of Orlu Zone emerged as governor and served two full terms under the PDP. In 2007, Chief Ikedi Ohakim of Okigwe Zone disrupted the prevailing political arrogance, proved wrong political pundits, pulled off an electoral upset, and ascended to the governorship of the state under the banner of the lesser-known Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), defeating the almighty PDP—a feat few believed was possible.
With Ohakim’s emergence, Imo was set on a promising trajectory—a natural evolution towards equity. But this trajectory was violently disrupted and interrupted by a campaign of orchestrated falsehood.
The malicious and now-debunked allegation that Chief Ohakim assaulted a Catholic priest was exploited to mobilise a political and religious backlash against him, primarily led by powerful interests in Owerri Zone.
The result: Ohakim was denied a second term, and Okigwe Zone was unjustly deprived of its right to complete the customary eight-year tenure.

Instead, Rochas Okorocha, an Orlu son, was propelled into office in 2011. Backed tacitly by political interests in Owerri Zone, this shift shattered the spirit of equity.
Okorocha would go on to serve two terms, followed briefly by Chief Emeka Ihedioha of the Owerri Zone, whose tenure was truncated after just seven months by a Supreme Court ruling that installed Senator Hope Uzodinma—again, from Orlu Zone—as governor of the state. Uzodinma has since won reelection and is on track to complete another eight-year tenure.
It should be emphasised that Uzodinma’s landslide victory was guaranteed as he was the most viable option amongst the three major contenders for the position. Imo people recognised that and came out en masse to give him their support.
His groundswell victory was also a result of his mastery of Imo politics, the financial resources at his disposal, and hard work, in which he mobilised Ndi Imo behind him. It was never a result of the Imo Charter of Equity, as being peddled and advanced in some quarters.
The Question Now: What Next for Imo? As 2028 approaches, some factions from Owerri Zone, through media campaigns and dubious declarations, are attempting to foist a one-sided narrative that power must automatically return to them.

They claim Governor Uzodinma has endorsed this agenda. This is not only false but a dangerous distortion of facts. It is a brazen attempt at political blackmail, aimed at hoodwinking and stampeding the governor and the people of Imo into validating a flawed process and decision that excluded critical voices.
This cacophony of voices must be stopped—and stopped now—to save Imo from an imminent political downward spiral.
Governor Uzodinma, whose leadership has so far brought notable transformation and political stability to the state, must not lend credence to such a scheme. To do so would compromise the legacy of his administration and risk plunging the state into a vortex of sectional conflict.
Equity Must Be Built on Justice, Not Entitlement – for too long, state resources—over 80% of which are reportedly spent annually developing Owerri—have been disproportionately deployed at the expense of other areas of the state that have been historically neglected.
Equity must consider not just geography but resource contribution, historical marginalisation, and developmental imbalances.

The people of Okigwe Zone, having had their legitimate turn denied, deserve a fair and unprejudiced consideration. Any attempt to dismiss the aspirations of Okigwe and other very important blocs in the state will deepen the rifts in Imo’s political and communal fabric.
A Way Forward: Institutionalising Equity – to enshrine justice, Governor Uzodinma should immediately transmit to the Imo State House of Assembly an executive bill for the establishment of a statutory body of whatever name.
This body should have clearly defined and natural membership criteria rooted in merit, service, and representation. Its membership composition clause should state unequivocally and unambiguously that its membership shall be open to all former Presidents and Vice Presidents of Imo State origin, former Governors and Deputy Governors, former Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, former Ministers and Federal Commissioners of Imo State origin, former Members of Imo State House of Assembly, retired Generals, Police Commissioners, and senior security officers of Imo State origin, former Local Government Chairmen, former academic leaders—Vice Chancellors, Provosts and Rectors, government-recognized traditional rulers and respected clergy, retired Justices and retired top civil servants of the rank of Permanent Secretary, all of whom shall be within a specific age bracket of, say, 65 to 85 years old.
This legally constituted and reformed body should have a six-month mandate to produce a binding, comprehensive, and widely accepted Imo Charter of Equity that reflects the yearnings, contributions, and interests of every segment of Imo society.
Conclusion: Equity Must Be Earned, Not Claimed– Imo must not allow the future to be dictated by political expediency, sectional arrogance, or emotional blackmail. The next chapter must be written by a coalition of justice, not conspiracy, of dialogue, not deception.

Chief Ikedi Ohakim, a man unjustly denied, a voice of moderation and seasoned leadership and administrator, represents the fairest and most unifying choice in 2028. His return would not only restore justice but also symbolise Imo’s collective maturity in placing fairness above faction, and equity above ego.
He should do one term to complete eight years for Okigwe Zone, after which power should be returned to Owerri Zone for eight years, and then to Orlu Zone for eight years. Power shall then continue to rotate amongst the three senatorial districts in alphabetical order of names – Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri.
Let all stakeholders, therefore, rise to the moment. Let justice speak louder than ambition. And let a new dawn of unity and true equity break upon the land of Ndi Imo.
Such an inclusive society, I must emphasise, must be one based on the principles of embracing, not coercing or forcing. It is one in which diversity and participatory processes that involve all stakeholders in the decision-making that affects their lives are employed.
Johnson, a retired United States Army Captain and a social commentator, continues to scrutinise Nigeria’s political landscape from his rural agricultural village in Egbema, Imo State. You can reach him at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Your January salary is not first fruit, and it's completely your money. Don't give it to anyone asking for it in whatever guise.

I agree with Dr. Abel Damina, nobody has a picture of Christ.

GLOBAL ASSOCIATION OF CONCERNED IMO YOUTHS (GACIY)

PRESS RELEASE

DECLAN EMELUMBA IS THE CONSUMATE COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND STRATEGY AND DESERVES REAPPOINTMENT

RE: "REAPPOINTMENT OF DECLAN EMELUMBA AS INFORMATION COMMISSIONER: A PERILOUS MOVE FOR GOVERNMENT IMAGE", BY PRINCE MADUBA CHUKWUDI (OLUIMO)

We have become aware of a shoddy piece of disinformation authored by a certain Prince Maduba Chukwudi calling himself “OluImo”. We find it imperative to address the tissue of lies only because of unsuspecting members of the public and for history’s sake.

As far as they come, Hon. Declan Emelumba remains the consummate Commissioner for Information and Strategy, an asset to the quintessential Hope Uzodimma brand, and he deserves reappointment and even elevation.

Hon. Emelumba's tenure as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Imo State was marked by a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective communication. The assertion that his actions cast shadows on the administration is not only unfounded but overlooks the significant achievements and advancements made in the state's information dissemination during his tenure, to the extent that the governor's first four years in office is without a scandal. This is the first in history.

Regarding the alleged animosity with Imo state-based journalists and meddling in the affairs of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, these claims are unsubstantiated. Hon. Emelumba has always maintained a professional and respectful relationship with the media. Any allegations of entitlement diversion are not only false but are a disservice to his integrity and dedication to serving the people of Imo State.

The claim of a "feeble approach" to responsibilities is a misrepresentation of Hon. Emelumba's robust and proactive engagement with the media. His interactions with television presenters and journalists have consistently been conducted with the utmost respect and professionalism. Any instances of misunderstanding should not be misconstrued as an inability to perform his duties effectively.

We urge the public and the media to consider the facts and achievements of Hon. Emelumba's tenure rather than base opinions on unfounded allegations. It is crucial to focus on constructive dialogue and factual reporting to ensure that the government's efforts in advancing the state's development are accurately communicated.

We understand that persons envious of his rising profile who covet the office and are therefore intimidated by his indelible achievements within the last four years are desperate to tarnish his image before His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma. We also know those behind that pitiful “article” and their motives. But they ought to know that Governor Hope Uzodimma is not so naive as to substitute a golden boot for presumptuous and overrated wannabes. As right thinking and discerning youths of Imo State, we reject this with every energy we can muster.

Finally, as discussions about reappointments continue, it is crucial to recognize the value of experienced and committed individuals like Hon. Emelumba in shaping a positive and progressive narrative for Imo State.

May fake news and media blackmail not resurface in Imo.

Signed:

Hon. Collins Ughalaa KSC
(Convener)

Haluchi Ikemefuna
(Director of Press)
January 17, 2024

GOODLUCK NANAH OPIAH: A TRAILBLAZER IN LEADERSHIP AND HUMANITARIANISM

By Collins Ughalaa KSC

Goodluck Nanah Opiah, the immediate past Minister of State for Education, former Commissioner for Petroleum, former Special Adviser/Coordinator on Oil and Gas Matters, former member of the House of Representatives for Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State, former member of the Imo State House of Assembly representing Ohaji-Egbema State Constituency and former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, is a remarkable individual whose leadership skills, passion for community development, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes have made him a figure to admire. In his careers in the public and private sectors, Opiah has consistently demonstrated his dedication to improving the lives of others, making significant contributions to various sectors of the economy. His public and private sector records announce his sterling achievements and qualities that distinguish him as an exemplary leader and advocate for positive change.

While he served as a member of the State Assembly, Opiah's conduct, correct reading of the legislative environment, and his commitment to using the opportunity to serve his people is well noted by the people. He went further to demaobrtate his mastery of the legislative environment by using his office as the Speaker of the State Assembly between 2007 and 2011 to build capacity not only among his colleagues but building capacities amongst the people of his constituency as well. It is to his credit that we now have the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), which is saddled with the management of the 40% share of the 13% Oil Derivation Fund that comes to Imo State as an oil producing state to serve the interests of the oil producing communities who suffer a lot of environmental degradation, neglect and underdevelopment. In a recent interaction with newsmen in Owerri, Opiah recalled with nostalgia how he midwived ISOPADEC and how the agency has improved the plights of the oil producing communities, especially under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Another quality that stands Opiah out among the crowd is his inspiring leadership. You cannot be around Opiah for a long time without being inspired by his leadership qualities. His humility, candour, accessibility, intellectual sagacity, etcetera, are infectious. If you are genuine and committed, you are sure that you cannot be the same if you are around him. He will extend to you any opportunity that comes his way, and you are sure to take a leaf from his commitment to the development of his Ohaji-Egbema LGA and Imo State at large.

An exceptional team player, Opiah's exceptional leadership qualities have been recognized and applauded by many. He has exemplified the importance of leading by example, inspiring others through his work ethic, determination, and integrity. Whether it is in his professional roles or community engagements, Opiah shows remarkable vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to rally individuals towards achieving a common goal. His leadership style emphasizes inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration, earning him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and community members.

Opiah is a lover of education, and he is committed to the educational development of his people. He believes that education is a critical tool for both individual and community development. One of the key areas in which Goodluck Nanah Opiah has made a significant impact is education. Recognizing the power of education in transforming lives and societies, Opiah has been involved in numerous initiatives to foster educational opportunities for underprivileged communities. Through scholarships, school infrastructure development, and advocacy for quality education, Opiah has worked tirelessly to bridge the education gap and empower the next generation with knowledge and skills. Many people may not know that as a private person, Opiah has many people under his scholarship. As a public servant, he has also used his good offices to address some of the challenges that affect education in Nigeria. He also used his good offices to attract scholarship opportunities to a lot of people, and many of the beneficiaries are scattered in schools in Nigeria and abroad. Yours sincerely testify that Opiah has used him as a channel to get scholarship opportunities to many in Nigeria and abroad, as well as job opportunities. It is for the purpose of bringing educational opportunities to his people that he attracted a campus of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede to Abezi, Abacheke in Ohaji-Egbema LGA. Mention must be made of the fact that while he served as the Minister of State for Education, he collaborated with Governor Hope Uzodimma to actualize the upgrading of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri to the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Owerri, and the conversion and upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri to the Federal University of Technology Owerri Teaching Hospital (FUTOTH).

Beyond all this, Goodluck Nanah Opiah's philanthropic endeavours have touched the lives of many individuals in need. He has consistently shown compassion and empathy, dedicating his resources and time to help the less fortunate. Opiah's charitable activities range from providing essential supplies and medical assistance to partnering with various organizations to support social welfare programs. His genuine concern for the welfare of others is a testament to his altruistic nature and his commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Opiah's entrepreneurial ventures have not only contributed to his personal success but have also created employment opportunities and economic growth in various communities. Through his business endeavours, Opiah has demonstrated innovation, resilience, and the ability to identify opportunities for growth. By investing in sectors like agriculture, technology, and real estate, Opiah has not only contributed to the development of local economies but also inspired others to explore entrepreneurship as a means of socio-economic advancement.

Opiah is especially noted for his advocacy for social change. He consistently uses his platform and influence to raise awareness and advocate for social change. He actively engages in discussions on pressing issues such as gender equality, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Opiah firmly believes in the power of collective action to address social injustices and create a more equitable society. Through his advocacy efforts, Opiah has inspired others to get involved, sparking a ripple effect of positive change within communities. Opiah led the advocacy that led to the establishment of the Imo State 13% Oil Derivation Committee under the Udenwa Administration. When he realized that the committee could not realize their mandate for bureaucratic reaons, he molibilized his colleagues to pass into law the ISOPADEC Law. Today, the oil producing communities have better stories to tell, courtesy of Opiah's visionary and exceptional leadership credentials.

Aa he marks yet another birthday today, Monday, October 23, 2023, I urge all men and women of good will to rise and toast to long life, good health, and more opportunities for this quintessential leader. While clinging glasses on his birthday, it must be emphasised that Goodluck Nanah Opiah's leadership, commitment to education, humanitarian efforts, entrepreneurial spirit, and advocacy for social change have established him as an exemplary figure in society. His unwavering dedication to uplifting others and making a tangible impact on communities is truly commendable. Opiah's contributions serve as an inspiration to individuals from all walks of life, emphasizing the transformative power of leadership and collective action. As he continues to leave a lasting impact, Goodluck Nanah Opiah remains a beacon of hope and a true catalyst for positive change in our society.

Happy birthday to you, the Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah.