IMO CHARTER OF EQUITY vs MAURICE IWU.
By Willie Amadi.
One unknown Sixtus Enyeribe in a recent article full of insults and innuendo, wasted so much time trying to gain attention and prominence by denigrating the character of an erudite and internationally acclaimed intellectual, our dear Prof, Maurice Maduakolam Iwu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. It is really regrettable that it is only in Imo State that miscreants boldly insult their best because of politics. From the pattern of writing and words deployed in deliberately and mischievously insulting Prof. Iwu, I have an idea of who the 65 year old ghost writer from Nkwerre LGA who scripted the trash is, and will mention his name in the future if he dares me.
However, without begging the question, let me answer the question on the lips of most Imo people on what the Imo Harmony Project IHP wants. Firstly, IHP is an umbrella body for all Imo sons and daughters who believe in the Charter of Equity and its derivatives. Secondly, it a movement specifically designed by progressive minded leaders of Owerri Zone from all political parties and the 9 local governments for re-orientation, bonding, planning, strategising and creating grassroot awareness flowing from the birth of the Charter as established by the combined efforts of the Imo State Council of Elders, Traditional Institutions, Clergy, Critical stakeholders in the State and upheld by His Excellency the Governor, for a peaceful, less rancourous and unnecessarily expensive transfer of power from one zone to the other as practiced in our sister states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu and, indeed, practically all the states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria since 1999. Remarkably, the only exceptions are Imo and Ogun States where Ogun West(Yewa axis) and Owerri Senatorial zones remain the only Senatorial zones out of the 109 across the 36 states that is yet to occupy the governorship seat for a full term of 4years and more. IHP, therefore, is in the vanguard of a historic movement to address this unfortunate shortcoming.
The IHP has no plans to foist any particular agenda and / or candidate on Imo people as it has no capacity to do such alone. IHP is populated by members from APC, LABOR, SDP, APGA, PDP, AA, NNPP and other parties with membership across the nine local governments of the zone in her desire to build bridges of deeper understanding, equity and brotherhood across the State. In each of these visitations, our hosts have expectedly, invited their kit and kin to receive and listen to our message. To receive the IHP, Prof Iwu invited some of his brothers resident in Abuja and a handful of those available attended. Those who attended include Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume, Amb. Eddie Onuoha, Amb Humphrey Orjiako, High Chief Okonkwo, leader of Okigwe Zone in Abuja. HRH, Eze Oliver Ohanwe also attended the meeting from Imo State. The preceding week, IHP met with HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu and Chairman, Imo State Council of Elders and Prof, Francis Dike (SAN), Chairman, Orlu Elders Council. At the meeting with Prof Dike, were other respected Orlu sons including Prof, Ukachukwu Anwuzie, Chief Chime Nzeribe, Prof, Protus, President and Secretary of Orlu Zurumee Youth Council and several others to receive the IHP delegation.
For the records, last week’s visit to Prof, Iwu in Abuja was part of the series of consultations to critical stakeholders in the State with a view to preaching the gospel of fair, just and inclusive governance in Imo State ahead of 2027.
The visits were open, genuine and constructive. There was no deceitful arrangement and all those who attended to receive the IHP delegation were duly invited by the hosts.
So, to objective and discerning minds, Prof, Iwu who was recognized as a leader in this country who served meritoriously without blemish in both public and private life for the visit. For, Iwu, a professor of repute with undoubted integrity, it is quite unfortunate that a ghost writer could be deployed by some unscrupulous individuals to tarnish his image. On behalf of all these group of politicians, I offer an apology to our dear Prof.
Going forward, the conscious blackmail that IHP is basically an Owerri Federal Constituency project derives from lack of information and deep knowledge of the operational model, template and philosophy of IHP since it came into existence. The delegation that visited Prof Iwu included prominent sons of Owerri zone such as High Chief Engr(Dr) Johnny Chukwu, retired Federal Permanent Secretary from Ahiazu Mbaise, A.I.G(Rtd) Charles Ugomuo from Aboh Mbaise, Ichie Ken Agbim, former member of Imo State House of Assembly representing Ahiazu Mbaise, Chief Gordian Ihuoma from Ezinihitte Mbaise, Chief Anselm Okorie of Ansell Computers from Ngor Okpalla and Chairman of Ike Ngor Okpalla Abuja, Dr Joe Chibundu from Ikeduru, amongst others. Regrettably, Maj Gen(Rtd) C.R.U Ihekire, the respected and accomplished military officer from Ikeduru who serves as the 1st Vice-Chairman of IHP, missed his flight to Abuja. This blackmail usually deployed in the past to divide Owerri Zone is an old trick and can no longer sustained as IHP is now a spiritual movement in Owerri Zone operating on a non-partisan basis and never committed to any particular individual’s funding and quest for power but first for the collective interest of zone and the need to forge mutual alliances with our brothers and sisters from orlu and Okigwe zones.
Finally, the “unknown” writer’s struggle to raise non-existent and irrelevant issues of erudite Prof. Sam Amadi on contemporary political issues and mobilization of of our twin brother, OZOPOLF are part of the series of misrepresentations and instigattions that have fallen flat like the ones earlier discussed and clarified in this piece and elsewhere. IHP is committed to working with all sister organizations of like-minds who mean well for our people, as we strive for justice and inclusive governance in imo state come 2027, 28.
In summary, the courtesy call to witt; Prof, Iwu was an asset politically and otherwise, and only legends know, the Imo State Council of Elders is golden, Prof. Dike’s Orlu Council of Elders is key, Orlu Zurume Youth Council is a voice.
In all, IHP is on a mission to harmonize Imo State for peace and brotherhood amongst the three senatorial zones as we approach 2027 with HOPE.
In 2027, God wins.
Willie Amadi
Chairman,
Social Media, IHP.
