There are strong indications that Governor Rochas Okorocha would be Owerri Zones stumbling block to their dream of producing governor in 2015 election, even as a PDP Chieftain, Chief Elvis Agukwe has blasted the governor for working against the established Charter of Equity for the number one seat in the state.
Indications that the governor would be Owerri Zones stumbling block emerged during the week when he reportedly requested politicians in the state to jettison zoning in electing the next governor of the state.
Okorocha at a recent stakeholders meeting at the Government House, Owerri opined that zoning normally presents mediocre who may not respond to the wishes and expectations of the people.
Speaking at the event, Okorocha said, “Let he that can deliver the dividends of democracy rule, irrespective of his zone, it is only a man with great vision that can bring about the needed change and development needed in the state and not zoning.
“When you zone the governorship to a particular area, we are inadvertently promoting mediocrity because those who are more qualified and have the ability to deliver the goods will not participate in the contest and in the process, you deny the people of the state their choice of who should govern them”, he said.
By this development, Okorocha may have deemphasized the quest by Owerri Zone people to produce his successor in 2015.
In apparent reaction to the position of Okorocha, Agukwe lampooned the governor for truncating the charter of equity in 2011 to contest the governorship after several attempts to win elective polls in the past.
Agukwe who addressed himself as an apostle and advocate of zoning, enumerated on the importance of sticking to the zoning arrangement which he states fosters peace, unity and cohesion among the groups and zones in the state.
The former commissioner enjoined the three zones in Imo State to coordinate themselves and allow Owerri zone to take what rightfully belongs to them without any debacle or sentiments come 2015 general elections.
He further highlighted that it is the constitutional right of Owerri zone to produce the next governor as their rights have for long been trampled upon and called for synerdgy among party members.
Similarly, he solicited to the PDP family to unite together and support President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2nd tenure as it is his constitutional right to vie for the position and be the flag bearer of the party.
Chief Agukwe also pleaded to Senator Uzodimma and Araraume to withdraw any ambition of a guber race come 2015 and instead should come together and make positive plans of moving the party to a greater height of glory in 2015 adding that PDP must occupy the positions in both the Federal and State levels.
He maintained that what the masses expect from the present administration turned out to be a ruse because of ineffective leadership and abortion of true democracy. Agukwe further said that Okorocha has rendered the economy of Imo state impotent with floppy achievements. Chief Agukwe further maintained that the clandestine affairs started since 1998 to 1999 when Okorocha first contested for the senate down to the presidency which all proved abortive.
However, he pointed that if nothing is done fast to curb the reoccurrence of what happened in 2011, Imo will totally disintegrate to a pitiable state.
