In an unprecedented move aimed at boosting good governance in Imo State, leaders and stakeholders from Owerri zone have passed a vote of confidence on Governor Hope Uzodimma, affirming him as a development oriented leader.

The leaders and stakeholders from the nine local government areas that make up Owerri zone cut across various political parties .

The member representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon Tochi Okere moved the vote of confidence, which was seconded by the member representing Ahiazu Mbaise State, Constituency, Hon Samuel Otuibe. It received unanimous approval by those present at Executive Council chamber, venue of a courtesy call on the governor.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, commended the governor for the wonderful works he is doing in Owerri Zone. He said that “the governor is performing absolutely well, especially in the quality of road constructions going on across all zones of the state.”

Captain Iheanacho recalled that in 1999, Nigeria had experienced a transition from military rule to civil democracy. He said it was most fair to recognise based on the Charter of Equity, that Owerri zone produces the next governor after Uzodimma.

Other leaders in their contributions like Amb. Kema Chikwe and Gen. C.R.V. Ihekire equally thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to come and interact with him and reaffirmed that Owerri zone in general believes in the Charter of Equity.

Amb. Chikwe particularly noted that the meeting was important to the extent that those in attendance cut across Party lines and are happy with his performance, which is an indication that “everybody endorses His Excellency’s sense of equity and justice.”

The Hon. member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru in the House of Representatives, Akarachi Amadi informed the governor that the people of Owerri zone are happy with him because he has shown them unquantifiable love. He promised on behalf of Owerri Zone their continued loyalty and support to his administration.

Hon. Amadi noted that the governor has empowered the zone well by giving them Deputy Governor in his first and second tenures and that through his numerous achievements, the whole Owerri Zone has collapsed into APC.

He further acknowledged that Owerri Zone has benefited immensely in the Governor’s administration both in infrastructural development and appointments to political offices.

Responding, the Governor advised them “to go home, reconcile and unite” themselves, emphasising that they should not overheat the polity so that he can continue to develop Imo State as the Charter of Equity is not to serve individuals purposes but rather the zones.

The governor acknowledged the accolades given to him by the leaders and people of Owerri zone, noting that he would not take it for granted. He said: “I will continue to work hard in order to live up to your expectations.”

He recalled that before his emergence as the Governor Imo State had lost its glory and was faced with insecurity challenges, and expressed joy and gratitude to God that “Imo has been recovered to the glory of God.”

The governor explained that he set up the Imo Elders Council to unite the state. “Two principal reasons informed this decision, first, to unite the state so that Imo people can solve Imo problems. To rise above politics and always speak the truth no matter how bitter, in search for a peaceful Imo State. ” He added that that informed his decision to take a bill to the House of Assembly to pass the Elders Council into law, wherein after it was established.

“Let us separate individual interest from collective interest,” Governor Uzodimma advised.

He noted that what is being practised in Nigeria is partisan politics, maintaining that he will support his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and her candidate when the time to choose his successor comes.

He noted that anyone who will succeed him must be able to drive the people’s agenda and not his own agenda. “I will not solve all the problems of Imo State, but the person coming after me must be able to solve some,” the governor stated.

Uzodimma reiterated that he was not ready to discuss politics at the moment because he still has three years to serve as governor.

He added: ” While respecting the charter of equity, we must also consider merit. Imo State needs a well- focused, bold, and courageous leader. My prayer is that my successor will not be a troublemaker, but someone who will fight if necessary. ”

He therefore enjoined them to play politics in a diplomatic manner and condemned primitive acquisition of wealth as exhibited by some unscrupulous politicians.

He further called on them to reconcile, come together, and work as a team if they are desirous of succeeding in their quest to have his successor come from Owerri zone.

Other prominent Owerri leaders in attendance at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Chief Lemmy Akakem, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo, Prince Charles Amadi, Dr Ebere Macdonald Kelechi ,the APC state chairman, Chief Henry Njoku and many others.