Politics

As Iwuanyanwu is Buried: See Gladiators Eyeing Imo State Douglass House

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Late Iwuanyanwu

By Samuel Arinze,

Political Pundit, Lagos Nigeria.

On Nov 1st 2024 one of the most influential Igbo citizen to emerge from Imo State, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu will be laid to rest in his hometown Atta Ikeduru , and all the political stakeholders in Imo state, the southeast and beyond are expected to grace the event.

His funeral will be an ample opportunity for all the gladiators aspiring for the apex seat at the Douglass House , to meet, exchange pleasantries and size each other out in preparation for the mother of all political contest in Imo come 2027 , as clock ticks towards the end of Sen. Uzodinma’s time as Imo Governor.

Imo is not in short supply of statesmen, elites, technocrats and vibrant entrepreneurs, most of them have been polishing their leadership skills and preparing themselves for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Imo people if given an opportunity to govern the state, and have started consultations, sampling opinions of king makers, power brokers, community leaders, towards realizing their ambitions.

The major spectrum of power play in Imo State

In Imo state, there are three geo-political zones, namely: Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe zones. And it’s a fact that the population and economic strength of the State is tipped towards Orlu Zone , as it is gifted with more Local Government Areas (12) in total against (9) LGA’s in Owerri Zone and Okigwe Zone with (6) LGA’s, thereby cementing its numeric strength, as politics is a game of numbers.

Owerri Zone and the Zoning Question

The biggest factor that will tip the balance of the next gubernatorial election of Imo State to Owerri zone is the written zoning agreement in APC which is not binding to PDP, APGA, LP and other political parties in the State, but the zoning of gubernatorial election to a zone is not constitutionally binding.

In Imo State politics , the sentiment of zoning still persists even though there seems to be no general agreement on the basis of equity that political power should rotate among the zones in the State . And there are school of thought who believes that zoning of electoral leadership position, enable mediocres to rise to seats of leadership, thereby shortchanging the people.

Nevertheless the zoning argument favours Owerri zone and the personalities alleged to be interested in the Douglass house Job from the zone seems endless, the likes of Sen. Sam Anyanwu who contested in the last guber election, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha who governed Imo State for barely 7 months before losing in court , Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi representing Owerri zone at the national assembly are believed to be poised for the next guber election.

Prince Alex Mbata (PAM) an enigmatic philanthropist, Chief Martin Agbaso, a heavy weight and consistent power player in Imo guber politics, and Rt. Hon. Bede Eke a former lawmaker and current commissioner in Sen. Hope Uzodimma’s administration are expected in the contest.

Other political stalwarts like Prince Charles Amadi ,Chief Marcon Nlemigbo , Dr. Uzoma Obiyo, Rt Hon Engr. Ikenna Elezianya former law maker, Mr. Stanley Amuchie a finance expert with impressive multi- functional work experience in corporate governance, and Chief Henry Njoku, a successful industrialist are alleged to be weighing their options.

Orlu Zone and the challenge of a successor

In recent times, it has been a strong challenge for any governor in Imo State to anoint a successor, and the politicians emerging from Orlu zone has the wherewithal to gun for the seat at the Douglas House without assistance of the Governor.

It will be a herculean task for the next governor of Imo State to emerge from Orlu Zone, but the quality of aspirants that have emerged from the zone is startling. Power is not given but taken and it’s going to be a daunting task for anyone to win election against the likes of Senator Osita Izunaso and Hon/Chief Charles Orie.

Senator Osita Izunaso is a veteran politician who has been at the forefront of the political rumble in Imo and Orlu zone for over 2decades now. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2003 and first became a senator in 2007 before returning to the national assembly in 2023 election.

Hon/Chief Charles Orie is a seasoned politician, philanthropist and kingmaker who recently showcased his innovative economic administrating prowess, with his significant strides during his time as MD/CEO of ISOPADEC and is a tough nut to crack.

Its an oversight to ignore the capacity of Hon/Chief Sir Uche Nwosu, son in law of former governor of Imo State and Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie the present Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, a vibrant politician and son of the famous honourable Chief Anyaehie from Nkwerre.

Okigwe Zone’s Dilemma

With Okigwe Zone comprising of only 6LGA’s, the next Imo state governor to emerge from there will have a huge influence that cuts across the State zones , as well as a magnanimous persona , and it’s not by chance that the 3 leading names emanating from that zone, are big enough to influence positive voting outcome across the zones of the State as they are political assets themselves, with amazing profiles that beats the imagination.

The Okigwe Zones contingent includes former Governor Ikedi Ohakim who is constitutionally eligible for a single term of 4years, Sen. Athan Achonu an agronomist and detribalized Nigerian, and seasoned economist, law maker and ranking member at the national assembly Hon. Chike Okafor.

As Imo Mourns the exit of Ahaejiagamba, all eyes will be on the aforementioned gladiators at the momentous gathering of his funeral, as political pundits and power brokers will be studying their body language for signals of truth in this their alleged intentions.

Politics

IMO ON GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AS GOVERNOR UZODIMMA KICKS OFF 2025 IMO ECONOMIC SUMMIT.

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.

The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.

The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.

His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.

“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”

According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.

“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.

Politics

President Tinubu Transmits to The Senate Lists Of Ambassadorial Nominees

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.

Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.

The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.

Politics

PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS

Published

21 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.

Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.

The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.

The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.

The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.