One of the tripods that hold Imo State together Owerri zone, has risen to lay claim to the Governorship of Imo State come 2019.
However, as the zone makes case for this elusive quest, there are major key Leaders and “Godfathers” who are solidly behind the push.
They are found in politics, Academia, Media, Business and other sectors. These people have resolved to use their various occupations to champion the course of Owerri Governorship in 2019, with the claim that Orlu and Okigwe zones have dominated the seat of Imo Government since 1999 therefore justice demands that Owerri wins the diadem in 2019.
From existing records, Okigwe zone has governed Imo State for Eight years while Orlu has done fourteen years and still counting, and Owerri zone has only spent Eighteen months on the seat.
As a result of this unbecoming situation Owerri zone found itself as regards the Governorship position of Imo State, the zone recently through a Summit held last Saturday at Egbu, Owerri North LGA, resolved to pull her resources together to pursue the office of Imo Governor, which has degenerated to a thing of insult and generational concern to the zone.
Among those seen to be have passion to provide resources for the actualization of Owerri Governor in 2019 include, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Mr Paschal Dozie, Chief Amborse Ejiogu, Chief Sam Obaji, Col Lambert Iheanacho, Commodore Luke Ochulor, Ambassador Uche Ogbuagu, Chief AUD Nwosu, Kanayo O Kanayo, Mr Frank Nneji, Sir Mike Ahamba (SAN) and others.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu needs no introduction, as he is a “Common Name” in Nigeria following his exploits in politics.
The business mogul from Atta, Ikeduru LGA is one of the agitators for “Owerri for Governor 2019”. Iwuanyanwu is a member of PDP and is channeling his cries through his party which he wants to produce Governor Rochas Okorocha’s successor.
Iwuanyanwu’s support for Owerri Governorship project is not in question as he is said to have been putting his resources and energy to the project, and therefore will be one of the “God fathers” should the dream be realized in 2019.
Mr Paschal Dozie is the chairman of MTN and Diamond Bank. A native of Egbu in Owerri North LGA, the fair complexioned business magnate has ever remained a supporter of Owerri Governorship, right from the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA days where he bank-rolled the finances of the party, backing Chief Martin Agbaso, invariably Owelle Rochas Okorocha in 2011.
However, Dozie pulled out his cash, after Okorocha jettisoned the Agbasos from APGA.
Now, the die is cast again and sources told this Newspaper that Dozie will spare no kobo in making sure that Owerri produces the next Governor of Imo State, provided the candidate is credible.
Sir Ambrose Ejiogu from Emekuku in Owerri North LGA is another heavy weight that has endorsed “Owerri Governorship 2019”. Already, his younger brother, Sir Jude Ejiogu has joined the fray, and wants to rule Imo State.
Ambrose Ejiogu is an astute business man cum politician who has paid his political dues and now wants a Governor from Owerri zone as a price for service and justice.
Chief Sam Obaji, from Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA is one of those championing Owerri Governorship. His wife was a former Minister Federal Republic of Nigeria, and now Obaji believes it is the turn of Owerri to produce a Governor, and has put his wealth and energy to this course.
There is Col Lambert Iheanacho, a veteran Biafran Soldier and Nigerian retired Colonel. He hails from Upe, Imerienwe in Ngor Okpala LGA.
This senior officer sees Owerri Governorship in 2019 as his major project as long as he lives. The Business man cum intellectual has repeated it consistently that he would be the happiest man in Imo State, should Ngor Okpala man particularly mount the position, or from any part Owerri zone.
Commodore Luke Ochulor, from Ezinihitte Mbaise, LGA is one of those bent on producing a Governor of Owerri extraction in 2019. The former Military Governor sees the project as feasible, provided Owerri zone pools her resources together.
Ambassador Uche Ogbuagu, a man with many parts, is one of the prominent sons of Owerri zone fighting to enthrone a Governor of Owerri zone in 2019. The chairman of “My Radio FM” hails from Akabo in Ikeduru LGA.
An entrepreneur and media guru, Ogbuagu, was at Egbu Summit and endorsed Owerri Governorship.
Chief AUD Nwosu, from Eziobodo in Owerri West LGA, wants a Governor of Owerri extraction in 2019. He was a Commissioner during the Chief Achike Udenwa era.
Mr Frank Nneji, Chairman of ABC Transport is a big supporter of Owerri Governorship and has been spending his resources towards the realization of this project.
Chief Mike Ahamba, (Senior Advocate of Nigeria) SAN has ever been a champion of Owerri Governorship. Ugo Loji of Aboh Mbaise LGA has thrown his weight behind the project.
Kanayo O Kanayo, a Nollywood star is part of the project, showing that every sector of Owerri zone takes the matter of Owerri Governorship 2019 seriously.
The question many ask is if Owerri will sustain the fight till the end, or will the zone cave in at the last minute when Orlu and Okigwe brandish the “Big Envelop”? Time, they say, will tell.
