I Can’t Handpick My Successor – Governor Uzodimma
By our reporter
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has made it clear that he will not handpick his successor, emphasizing that the emergence of the next governor must be through a transparent and democratic process.
Speaking at the Government House in Owerri on Wednesday, Governor Uzodimma addressed a delegation from the Owerri zone, who had visited to express their support and urged him to choose his successor from their region.
In response, the governor acknowledged their unity and commitment but stressed that while the Imo Charter of Equity—which he authored—serves as a guide for equitable power rotation among the state’s three senatorial zones, it does not guarantee automatic succession for any zone.
“The Charter of Equity is not a slogan for confusion; it is a document meant to remind us of past imbalances in the system and help us correct them. But it must function within democratic norms,” Uzodimma said.
“Any zone that seeks the governorship must collaborate with the other zones. The Charter does not override democratic processes or the will of the people.”
He warned against using the charter to spread misinformation, especially on social media, and called on leaders to act responsibly.
“We must cure this confusion now. If we don’t, the person who comes after me may not be as God-fearing as I am.”
The governor also reiterated that Imo needs visionary and capable leaders who are committed to public service and who prioritize the state’s development. He encouraged political aspirants to focus less on early campaigning and more on contributing to pressing issues such as security, healthcare, and economic development in their communities.
“The Health Insurance Scheme of this administration is real and effective. Let us work together to improve the well-being of our people,” he emphasized.
Earlier, the leader of the Owerri delegation, Chief Charles Amadi, expressed gratitude to the governor for initiating the Charter of Equity, describing it as a bold step toward addressing historical imbalances and promoting fairness.
He noted that the zone is now more united than ever and ready to support any candidate endorsed through the principles of the charter.
Other prominent voices from the zone—including former Deputy Governor Prof. Placid Njoku, Barr. Lious Alozie, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, and Chief Henry Njoku—echoed this sentiment. They praised the governor’s infrastructure projects across the state and called for continued adherence to the Charter of Equity.
The delegation comprised representatives from across political divides, elected officials, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders, reflecting a broad consensus within the Owerri zone.
