Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has said that it is not within his power to determine who succeeds him when he leaves office in January 2028.
The governor made the assertion when stakeholders from Owerri Zone paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Owerri, on Thursday.
He advised that the Charter of Equity should not be used as a tool to create confusion in the state, emphasizing that what is paramount is the collective interest of the state towards achieving progressive development.
According to him, the person that will emerge as his successor must be a product of a democratic process and not chosen by him or by a few individuals.
Uzodinma stressed that the Charter of Equity was borne out of a clear intention to restore moral order, eliminate confusion and check imbalance in the governance of the state.
“It is a document to let us know and remember the imbalance in the system and see how best to correct it, but not for people to enter social media and circulate fake news.
“We cannot continue like this every time. I invite the leaders from Owerri Zone to join me cure this confusion. I commend you and other stakeholders from the zone for your sense of unity and cooperation to achieve common goals,” he said.
The governor enjoined Owerri Zone to carry other zones in the state along in their desire for the governorship position and allow the will of God and that of the electorate to prevail.
Uzodinma further implored the leaders of the zone to join him to eliminate the confusion that is surrounding the Charter of Equity, noting that if the issue is not resolved under his administration, it will be difficult for others coming after him to resolve.
He noted that the state desires a selfless leader who is committed to serving the people, making strong and informed decisions that will encourage even development.
“I’m happy to hear that you are united, therefore, I advise the leaders to remain focused and resist the temptation to be confrontational. I further encourage the leaders from the zone, particularly those aspiring for the state’s number one seat, to slow down on early campaigns since the electioneering period is still far.
“Let me re-emphazise the need for you to channel your energies and resources to help improve security, healthcare and economic well being of the state,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, the spokesperson for the delegation, Chief Charles Amadi said the visit was to express solidarity and to commend the governor for what he described as his ingenuity in establishing the Imo Charter of Equity, which according to him, will check imbalance, injustice and foster peace in the state.
Amadi said the leaders and people of Owerri Zone are resolved to lend their absolute support to the Charter of Equity, assuring the governor that the zone is united and now works in harmony as a group.
“We now have a common front with a resolve to support any candidate from the zone who is adopted. We commend you for your numerous infrastructural projects, and appeal that the promise for power shift as enshrined in the Charter of Equity be kept,” Amadi said.
