Imo leaders, monarchs insist on zoning
Urge gov’ship candidates to step down for Ohakim

Political leaders and traditional rulers in Imo State Tuesday took a definitive stand on zoning, insisting that it must be allowed to prevail particularly in respect of the governorship seat. The leaders and monarchs stated that not only would Okigwe zone retain the seat for another four years, the incumbent governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim is the most appropriate Okigwe son to complete Okigwe’s turn.

The stand of the leaders and monarchs is contained in a communiqué which they issued after a one-day meeting at the palace of Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The communiqué which was endorsed by Eze Ilomuanya, Eze Chijioke Okwara, Hon. Justice L.C. Alinnor (Orlu Zone), Eze Emmanuel Njemanze, Eze Julius Amaefule, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Owerri Zone), and Eze Eddy Njoku, Eze Dennis Ogwuegbu and Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu (Okigwe Zone) stated that no Orlu Zone indigene should aspire to be governor till 2023 since the zone had taken its turn of eight years between 1999 and 2007.
The leaders and natural rulers maintained that Okigwe zone which is currently taking its turn should be allowed to enjoy another four years which terminates by 2015 for Owerri zone to mount the saddle.

The turn of Owerri zone, the communiqué stated, would end in 2023, asserting that nothing would thwart this arrangement.
The leaders and monarchs submitted that this being the case, it is only the re-election of Gov.  Ohakim that will guarantee Owerri  zone taking its turn in 2015.
While noting that any other Okigwe Zone indigene is qualified to contest the governorship seat this year, they noted that it is only Ohakim that is under compulsion to vacate office in 2015 to make room for Owerri zone.

According to them, any other Okigwe Zone indigene that emerges governor this year cannot be prevailed upon not to gun for a second term.
They said they cannot trust all those promising to serve a single term and enjoined them to step down and join hands with other well-meaning Imo people to re-elect Gov. Ohakim for a second term.
The leaders called on the Imo electorate to overwhelmingly vote for Gov. Ohakim on April 16 in order to guarantee the political stability of the state.
http://www.nigerianewspoint.com/news/153-step-down-for-ohakim-leaders-tell-other-candidates