Former House of Assembly Aspirant, Hon. Ononiwu Moses has appealed to the political leaders in Imo state to handover power to Owerri zone to promote equity and fairness.
Ononiwu made the appeal recently during a meeting with youths, where he recounted the sacrifices Owerri people have made for the progress and unity of Imo State.
He reminded the youths that Owerri land has given so much to Imo State, especially in providing land to the Imo State Government for development and public use.
According to him, many government institutions, offices, and projects are standing today because Owerri people willingly released their land without conflict or violence.
Hon. Ononiwu Moses affirmed that these sacrifices were made in the spirit of unity, peace, and progress , adding that Owerri people believed that Imo State belongs to everyone and development should be shared fairly among all zones.
He noted with concern that despite these sacrifices, Owerri zone has not received fair political recognition over the years, stating clearly that the time has come for the government to hand over leadership to Owerri zone for the sake of balance, justice, and unity.
Speaking further, Hon. Ononiwu said Owerri people are known for their peaceful way of life, as they do not like protests, violence, or destruction, but believe strongly in unity, freedom, dialogue, and progress.
According to him, Owerri man does not carry an acrimonious or bitter attitude, while confirming that this peaceful nature has helped Imo State remain calm in difficult times, noting that it has also made Owerri people to be ignored politically.
He asked the youths to look around and examine the major institutions located in Owerri land, such as Imo State University (IMSU), Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, and the Polytechnic, pointing that these institutions are on Owerri soil, yet there are very few Owerri sons and daughters working in them, especially in teaching and leadership positions, as most lecturers and staff, come from Orlu and Okigwe zones.
Hon. Ononiwu described this situation as unfair and painful. He said Owerri people bear the pressure of hosting these schools, including population increase and land use, yet they do not enjoy enough employment opportunities from them.
He stressed that the call is not for hatred or division, but in the interest of fairness and inclusion.
Ononiwu Moses asked if the government would be able to settle the long-standing sacrifice of Owerri people by allowing the next governor of Imo State to come from Owerri zone to promote peace, justice, and unity in the state.
He called on all Owerri youths to stand up, be united, and do the needful, while urging them to remain peaceful but active, to speak with one voice, and to participate fully in the political process.
According to him, the future of Owerri zone depends on the courage and unity of its youths.
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