Owerri – Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said he will not handpick a successor at the end of his tenure, insisting that the next governor must emerge through a credible and transparent democratic process.
Speaking on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of leaders from the Owerri Zone at the Government House, Owerri, the governor emphasized that the process of choosing his successor must respect both fairness and democracy.
Uzodimma explained that although his administration initiated the Imo Charter of Equity to encourage inclusiveness and fairness in the rotation of power among the state’s three geopolitical zones, the charter should not be mistaken for an automatic ticket.
> “The Charter of Equity is not a slogan for confusion. It is a reminder of the imbalance in the system and a guide on how best to correct it. But it must go hand in hand with democratic processes,” he said.
Reacting to calls by Owerri leaders to allow him anoint a successor from their zone, the governor cautioned that no single zone can produce the next governor without building strong alliances across other parts of the state.
> “You must join me now in curing this confusion. If we fail, the person coming after me may not be as religious or God-fearing as I am,” Uzodimma stated, while stressing the need for leaders who are creative, visionary, and capable of driving development through informed leadership.
He also warned politicians against early campaigns, urging them instead to channel energy into addressing the state’s pressing needs such as security, healthcare, and economic stability. He pointed out that his administration’s Health Insurance Scheme is still functional and effective, serving the needs of citizens.
Earlier, Chief Charles Amadi, who led the Owerri Zone delegation, praised Uzodimma for introducing the Charter of Equity, describing it as a lasting framework for justice, peace, and political stability in Imo. He pledged the zone’s unity and commitment to uphold the principle.
Other prominent leaders, including former Deputy Governor Prof. Placid Njoku, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chief Henry Njoku, and Barr. Lious Alozie, commended the governor’s infrastructural projects and expressed support for the equity charter.
The delegation also included traditional rulers, women leaders, youth representatives, and political stakeholders drawn from different parties across the Owerri Zone.
