REDISCOVERING THE IMO CHARTER OF EQUITY. Indeed, if there is any one subject that has generated much heat in the capricious Imo polity, in the countdown to 2015 general election, especially among the members of the dominant People’s Democratic Party, it is the Imo Charter of Equity. The Imo Charter of Equity is a pact made by Imo leaders from the three Senatorial Zones for the choice of State Governor to operate on rotational basis so that no zone is marginalized. However, the attitude of politicians from Orlu zone has made it uncertain as to whether the charter is real or imaginary. Its promoters have been unable to provide evidence of its existence in form of a document, but rather convention. The need for the zoning of elective political offices is also raging war in various electoral constituencies and senatorial districts, as politicians are at each other’s jugular, over which bloc or community produces members of the National and State Assemblies in the spirit of equity, Justice and fairness, which is encapsulated in the expression “Emenyere Nwogwugwu, emenyere Nwanosike”. That is why it baffles me some times when politicians discard zoning Imo Governorship, whereas in their various political blocs they are also agitating for the zoning of other elective positions, such Senatorial seat, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats. With Governor Okorocha’s emergence against the principles of zoning, stringent campaign for the restoration of status quo is coming mostly from Owerri zone, and lately there has been agitations from Okigwe zone with political pugilists from the zone laying claims to the 2015 Imo governorship on the ground that Okigwe zone was denied second term to which it was entitled, because of the perceived “sabotage” from owerri and Orlu zones. Whether or not the sabotage suffered by Chief Ikedi Ohakim in 2011 only came from Owerri zone is also an issue, when his brother Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and in all fairness, and some other political leaders in Okigwe zone played crucial role in the bringing down of the Ohakim administration. Just recently, specifically at the Okigwe Zone Youth Delegate Conference, the Leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) Chief Uwazuruike told the world how he took Okorocha to the late Ikemba Ojukwu who instructed that APGA governorship ticket be given to Rochas Okorocha, and being the Supreme Leader of APGA, the late Ojukwu’s instruction were obeyed.2 Chief Uwazurike stated “Okigwe Zone as loved by God is ahead of others in the Country. We have the best educated people , and that is why Imo experienced Ohakim who I will say is among the best brilliant Governors Nigeria ever produced . Sabotaging him was based on uniformed choices which today I have regretted….Ohakim was the most brilliant Governor we had but I had a problem with him because I was misdirected and I brought Rochas and gave him APGA ticket”. The truth of the matter is that Chief Martin Agbaso had no choice in accepting Okorocha’s APGA candidacy in 2011, because Ojukwu has spoken and Chief Victor Ume being the National Chairman, vis-à-vis Governor Obi’s respect for the late Ikemba, Rochas Okorocha got the APGA ticket on a platter of gold. The only consolation Agbaso had was to accept the Deputy Governorship position for which he chose his brother as Okorocha’s running mate. Ararume’s role that brought down his brother as the Governor of Imo State was further strengthened by former Governor Achike Udenwa whose political dynasty cannot be under estimated, being a former governor of Imo State. The Ararume – Udenwa Alliance for Good Governance that championed the propaganda that saw Ohakim out of office cannot be attributed to Owerri zone alone. Neither of the duo are from Owerri zone. The truth about how Ohakim was voted out of office in a complicated gang-up must be told for the sake of posterity and future political reference. Another factor that saw Ohakim out of office in 2011 was his estrange relationship with President GoodLuck Jonathan the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who was uncomfortable with Ohakim’s role and closeness with late President Musa Yar’Adua. At a point, it was believed that if not for the sudden demise of Late President Yar’Adua, GoodLuck Jonathan wouldn’t have been Vice President in 2011, as late Yar’Adua was said to favour Ohakim’s Vice Presidency in 2011. Politics being a game of intrigues, the Presidency pretended as if all was well, even after Imo State under Ohakim’s governorship delivered the highest vote for the President at the 2011 presidential election, and there was allegedly said to be a Presidential order to the military to work against Ohakim is re-election. The men of the Armed Forces who were posted to Imo during the 2011 election were placed on specific instructions to ensure that Ohakim is voted out of office. Another school of thought also has described the gang up against Ohakim’s re-election in 2011 as a national conspiracy. Ohakim was seen as an emerging star from the Southeast, who is vocal in ensuring that Ndigbo get their due in the political scheme of things. The Igboenweze syndrome has indeed caused Ndigbo great disadvantages in the sharing of the national cake. For instance, between 1999-2007, many political leaders have emerged from the various zones, among who are former Governors, such as Bola Tinubu from South West, who is now using his position as a former Governor to unite and galvanize the southwest for a collective national agenda in the interest of the zone. In the North many leaders have also emerged for a common National agenda. Former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State did his best to galvanize Ndigbo for a common National Agenda, using his position as a Governor to speak in support of Igbo interest in the National scheme of thing, vis-à-vis attack policies that are designed against our collective interest, as a people. His efforts and fearless criticisms of former President Obasanjo benefited the entire Southeast in many ways, such as the later inclusion of Imo and Abia States in the Niger Delta Coastal States, which was nefariously excluded by President Obasanjo. Orji Uzor Kalu’s emerging political leadership which aims at giving the Igbo nation a sense of direction came under severe attack from his fellow Igbos who are widely known for brazen application of P-H-D political apropos. The now established P-H-D political apropos, meaning Pull-Him-Down is one of bane of politics in the Southeast. The now estranged relationship existing between Chief Orji Uzor Kalu and incumbent Governor Theodor Orji when juxtapose with that of Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu of Lagos and his political son, incumbent Governor Fashola, one cannot but agree to the fact of Igbo Enweze. Every Igbo man prefers to be the Eze and not the subject. The story of how Chief Orji Uzor Kalu personally made incumbent Governor Theodor Orji governor of Abia State when he was in Krirkiri prison cannot be over emphasized. Orji Uzor Kalu was seen as a star from the east and therefore must be stopped, because a star is prohibited from the east in Nigeria’s political milieu. Chief Ikedu Ohakim has similar political characteristics with Dr. Orji Uzor kalu. His courage and advocacy for the political and economic emancipation of the Southeast was one of the major factors that led to the conspiracy against his re-election. In all permutation, Owerri and Okigwe zones must find a way of resolving the political impasse that resulted from the 2011 governorship election, especially considering the fact that Orlu zone cannot be trusted in keeping political agreement. From the result of the 2011 governorship election, Chief Ikedi Ohakim lost election in all local governments in Orlu zone, excluding Nwangele LGA, Ohaji –Egbema and Oguta LGAs. Orlu Zone voted in favour of Rochas Okorocha and his then APGA, against the understandable doctrine of equity. The result of the election held on the 26 of April 2011 and the supplementary election held on the 6 of May 2011 showed that Owerri zone, like Orlu zone provided the bulwark of votes that has now sank the ship conveying the Charter of Equity. To be frank, the combined votes of Owerri Federal Constituency made up of Owerri municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West is double over and above that of the entire Olru zones, in favour of Owelle Rochas Okorocha it was only Ikeduru LGA and the three local governments in Mbaise that voted in favour of PDP, thereby showing commitment to the charter of equity. It must however be stated pointblank that Owerri Federal Constituency is a peculiar political zone, in the sense that it is the seat of power and accommodating other Nigerians from all walks of life. The fact that PDP failed election in Owerri Federal Constituency cannot be a conclusion that Nde-Owerre voted against the Charter of Equity. The fact is that the number of non-owerri people who are residence in Owerri both as landlords and tenants out- numbers that of the core indigenes by almost 200 percent. For instance, the entire Owerri municipal is populated by people who are mostly not Nde-Owerre and whose numerical strength is far above that of Owerre nchi-ise. In Owerri North LGA, the population of non-indigenes in orji Amakohia, Akwakuma, Egbu, Emekuku, Awaka, Naze, Agbala and Ulakwo is far above that of the natives. This is also the same situation in Owerri West where places like Nekede, Ihiagwa, Ogbaku, and Obinze outnumbers that of the indigenes. Orlu zone having exhibited some element of political self-centeredness must be meant to drop the idea that Charter of Equity is a mirage. They are contending that every election in Imo State since 1979 have been keenly contested by interested aspirants from every zone. and I take exception to this position, in the sense that in 1999, 2003 and 2007 even though there were aspirants from other zones, the popular opinion that influenced election and political opinion was based on the Charter of Equity, simply referred to as zoning or equitable spread of political offices. The position of protagonist from some Orlu zone that even if there is existing Charter of Equity, then the charter favours orlu zone on the ground that Orlu zone took slot between 1999-2007, Okigwe zone between 2007-2011 and that Owerri zone traded off its turn in 2011 and therefore Orlu Zone should produce another Governor come 2015 is most irrational, senseless and stupid. The argument by protagonist of Orlu zone on the sharing formula for the equal shares of political cake-sharing table, on the basis of 12 local governments against 9 and 6 respectively for Owerri and Okigwe zones respectively is also a brazen display of political arrogance and power drunkenness by politicians. Gobbledegook and Polemics aside, the desirability of the Charter of Equity cannot be realized without accord and a consensus understanding of Imo stakeholders, otherwise the desire for equity will remain a fluke or elusive imagination. The pungent questions generated and controversies as to the authenticity of the charter and the parties to the Charter should not be eulogized more than the good intension of the leaders who in their wisdom thought of giving Imo a charter that will guarantee equality, Justice and fairness among the peoples of the states, in line with constitutional provisions of giving sense of belonging to the peoples of the Federation 4. The position purportedly taken by Imo PDP that the party would stick to an electoral process that guarantees democratic order, against the charter of equity also points to how unreasonable politicians can go in defending their self-interest. The fact remains that it is in the spirit of zoning that Orlu zone now occupies the State Chairmanship position of the PDP, with various offices zoned across the Senatorial Zones. Then if the PDP must abolish the Charter of Equity, the party should begin first by reconstituting the state executive by electing or selecting politicians from only Owerri, Okigwe or Orlu zone to occupy the entire State Executive, or probably elect all members of the state executive from one local government, then we shall know that there is nothing like zoning in political office holding. The statement accredited to the state secretary of P D P can be best described as political gimmickry that aims at gaining favour and advantage from all the aspirants. Reason being the fact that members of the state working committee of the PDP are fully aware that zoning exists and they are in fact products of political zoning. In a publication signed by the state secretary of PDP Dr. George Eguh indicated largely that the party would accept level playing ground for all aspirants as it would not accept any other arrangement not backed up by the PDP constitution. And it is my jurisprudential opinion that the said statement of Dr. George Eguh amounts to nothing but political gimmick-making. Truth will always take precedent over falsehood. 5 On a second thought, it is also understandable that the PDP cannot make open declaration that it has zoned the governorship to any zone in particular for some obvious political reasons and vested interests. However, it must be clearly stated that section 7 (2) (f) and (g) of the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) outlines the aims and objectives of the party, as among others to “(f) promote national integration and the peaceful co-existence of the diverse communities of the Country. (g) promote an egalitarian society founded on freedom, equity and justice. “ Section 7 (3) (c ) of the same PDP constitution also stated specifically that the party shall pursue its aims and objectives by “ adhering to the policy of the rotation and zoning of the party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principles of equity, justice and fairness” Jonas Omenka in his article published at the back-cover of the Nigerian Horn Newspaper of July 4 2014. Suggested that the PDP should have at best, kept quiet and allow aspirants to vent their desires and ambition, as was the case in 1999, 2003 and 2007, before the party would now intervene and use its machinery and ensure that section 7 (2) (f) and (g) of its constitution is implemented. In my jurisprudential opinion, the provisions of the above cited section of the PDP Constitution should not only be complied with, but must be seen to have been complied with. I hold the legal opinion that the effect of section 224 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria necessitated the provisions of section 7 (2) (f) and (g) of the PDP constitution; and this makes it compulsory upon every political party to comply with chapter 11 provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. Section 14 (3) and (4) of the 1999 is on the principles of justice and fairness. The above cited sections of the PDP constitution on zoning is clear and is meant to engender peaceful co-existence, and this is also the reason for establishing the Federal Character Commission of Nigeria in the Nigerian Constitution. Zoning in all sense of justice does not equate to imposition and will not entrench mediocrity as alluded by the Imo PDP. I have also made the allusion that Orlu zone is seemly becoming the Hausa/Fulani of the Eastern Heartland. Okigwe Zone’s attempt to complete equitable tenure as justifiable, vis-à-vis the fact that Owerri zone has equitable right, having been shut out completely. No matter the differences, Okigwe and Owerri zone must work together to check the unjust attempt by Orlu zone to hold power infinitum. And this is where fair-minded leaders in Orluzone, such as Chief Eze Duruiheoma SAN must be commended for speaking the truth in favour of the Charter of Equity. The PDP governorship Aspirants from owerri zone must be commended for challenging the said statement of PDP state Secretary. Also, political leaders of Owerri zone must be commended for embarking on high level consultations with leaders and political stakeholders in Orlu and Okigwe zones on the need to support Owerri governorship project 2015. Leaders of Okigwe zone are also embarking on similar political consultations, and must be commended. Some months ago, Owerri zonal PDP leaders led by Chief I D Nwoga visited Okigwe zone. Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu was their host. As part of the consultation, Chief E.C Iwuanyanwu also led another set of Owerri leaders to the political home of Chief Achike Udenwa and that of Senator Hope Uzodinma, the incumbent Senator representing the Senatorial Zone. The meetings were part of ongoing efforts by the leaders of Owerri zone to ensure that the Governorship project is made a reality. In his opening speech at the home of Chief Achike Udenwa, Chief E.C. Iwuanyanwu recalled the bound of good brotherhood that existed between Orlu and Okwerri zone, which facilitated Udenwa’s governorship in 1999, irrespective of the governorship aspiration of other aspirants from other zones. Owerri leaders maintained that the Charter of Equity must be used as a major perimeter for selecting guber candidates for the 2015 Imo governorship. Chief Iwuanyanwu also called on the leaders of the various zones to work together is most commendable. Chief Iwuanyanwu who revealed how zoning started in Imo State is the most living-legend and democratic Icon in Imo State. According to him, zoning was adopted to maintain equity, justice and fairness among the three zones. Chief Iwuanyanwu’s deposition that in all manner of truth, zoning of Imo governorship favour Owerri zone can best be described as a legitimate claim. Chief Achike Udenwa’s call for the people of Orlu zone to stand on the truth as long as the issue of zoning is concerned is also commendable. Chief Udenwa also accepted that he was part of the arrangement that finally brought about zoning of Imo governorship for which he is a beneficiary and must stand on the truth. Another strong opposition to the Charter of Equity and beyond is the now widely accepted legitimate claim by the political leaders of Okigwe Zone that they should be allowed to complete their eight year tenure, to be at parity with Orlu zone, so as to pave way for Owerri Zone. Faulting Charter of Equity recently, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu recently advocated that Owerri and Orlu zone should support Okigwe zone to complete its outstanding four years, so as to put the Charter of Equity moving. A Group of Okigwe Leaders led by Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu and Dr. Ikedi Ohakim recently visited orlu political leaders hosted by Senator Hope Uzodinma. Ozichukwu who is the Chairman of Okigwe Zone PDP Council of Elders Echoed his voice when the delegation of Owerri Political Leaders led by Chief E.C. Iwuanyanwu met their Okigwe zone counterpart. Nze Ozichukwu according to the Announcer Express Newspaper of Friday July 18 2014 stated that “the purpose of rotating and zoning is inclusiveness and sense of belonging to the various zones, so as to create socio-political condition that is conducive to peace and unity by ensuring fair and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Nze Ozichukwu stated that Okigwe zone’s demand to complete its four years outstanding tenure is a legitimate claim and must be respected. He admonished PDP leaders on the need to stop deluding themselves and using old tactics and treading beaten paths. He noted that PDP lost election in 2011 because of prevalence antagonistic and unending internal conflicts and contradiction among leaders of the party, who were split in two different cult-personalities. Nze Ozichukwu also advocated that the former Governor Ikedi Ohakim who has a constitutional limitation of only four years is only viable option towards restoring the Charter of Equity. This brings us to the fact that there are other governorship aspirants from Okigwe zone, who are also in the race to Imo Government House 2015. Top on the list of such governorship aspirants is the dogged Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, whose supporters are advocating for the abrogation of the Charter of Equity. Their only argument is that only credible and trusted candidate should be supported in the 2015 Imo governorship project. It was also these same Ararume supporters that based their 2007 and 2011 campaign on the Charter of Equity. If the truth must be told, the fact remains that equity, justice and fairness does not support any governorship candidate from either Orlu or Okigwe zone that has a constitutional right of eight years maximum tenure, the reason being that Owerri zone has most equitable cum legitimate claim and very desirous to occupy the government House. The postulation in the Trumpeta Newspaper of May 6th 2014 by one Chinyochaobi Israel that equity as the common denominator must start from Senator Ararume who keenly contested the 2007 governorship against all odds is most illogical, and absurd. The Charter of Equity is a conventional arrangement between the three Senatorial Zones in Imo State and not for a particular individual. Chief Ikedi Ohakim is not only from Okgwe zone, but also from the same LGA with Senator Ararume and therefore the equity that brought Ohakim office in 2007, which possibly support another Okigwe governorship for only four years is equity in the real sense of equitable justice for Okigwe zone, and not for any individual alone. One of the basic maxims of equity which I have treated in the preceding chapter is the maxim that equity regards the balance of convenience and equitable remedies are discretionary. Equitable balance of convenience does in any way reasonably support the emergence of a governorship candidate from either Olru or Okigwe zone with 8 years constitutional tenure; that would be most detrimental to the equitable right of Owerri zone to occupy the governorship position of Imo State. The tripod upon which Imo State stands are equal to one another; and should in the same manner have equal right to the governance of the state. The Charter of Equity must remain unchanged in so far as it will guarantee equal opportunity to the Zones to govern the state. Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe political leaders must continue to monitor political development in the state with a view to adjusting their position(s) where need be, in view of the dynamics of Imo politics through negotiations and political alignment/realignment where necessary, and collaboration. This is what I call “beyond the Charter of Equity” in this chapter. ENDNOTES TO CHAPTER FOUR: 1. Chief Asoluka during his address to Owerri Youth Delegate Summit, 2014, held at Owerri Hotel Plaza on the 13 of September 2014. 2. Chief Uwazurike speaking at Okigwe youth summit. See Nigerian Horn of July 7 2014. At front page. 3. See Announcer Express newspaper of July 18 2014, front cover. 4. Section 14 (3) and (4) 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended) 5. See Nigerian Horn newspaper of June 18 -19 2014.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 10:22:32 +0000
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