‎Charter of Equity: It is our turn to govern Imo Says Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta Stakeholders …Cite years of oil explorations, deprivation

‎By Austin Okoro…
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‎The major stakeholders of OhajiEgbema and Oguta LGAs of Imo state have stated  that it is the turn of their Areas to produce the next governor of Imo state after the expiration of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s tenure.
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‎They stated this on  May 7th, 2026 during  a Press Conference organized by the Stakeholders titled, “the Imo State Oil and Gas Region: Challenges, Expectations, and Strategic Demands” in Owerri Imo State Capital.
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‎They highlighted the contributions of oil-producing communities to the economy of Imo State, stressing that the Charter of Equity  favours them as the chicken that lays the golden eggs.
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‎Cataloguing the key oil and gas companies operating within these communities yet nothing to show for it.
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‎They however demanded that the governorship slot be zoned to the areas as a compensation for the years of neglect and deprivation adding that they have competent sons and daughters for that position.

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‎Speaking, the Chief Convener, Barr Prince Nwakibea said: “As discourse around the Imo Charter of Equity intensifies, a critical question arises: What is the place of the oil-producing communities within this framework?
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‎”Equity is not symbolic—it is practical, measurable, and rooted in justice.
‎Established principles of equity remind us: Equity will not suffer a wrong without a remedy. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
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‎”Equity follows the law. Delay defeats equity. The pressing question remains:
‎Has equity truly been served in Imo State?
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‎”A Case for Justice and Reparation
‎Reparation is not charity—it is justice.
‎Across the world, societies confronted with systemic injustice have adopted deliberate corrective measures. The principle is clear: Where there has been sustained deprivation, there must be intentional restoration.
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‎”Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta have:
‎Contributed immensely. Endured patiently. Engaged constructively,
‎Now, they demand fairness, inclusion, and development.
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‎”The Political Imperative: 2028 Governorship. At the heart of this conversation lies a compelling and just demand: The opportunity for Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta to produce the Governor of Imo State in 2028”, he noted.

‎Another notable leader, who was the former Honourable member that represented Oguta state constituency in the Imo state House of Assembly, Ogbuagu Hon. Walter Uzonwanne said OhajiEgbema and Oguta LGAs have suffered huge neglect and underdevelopment despite the huge deposits of Oil and Gas in the areas.
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‎He said non-oil producing communities have enjoyed more dividends of democracy than their oil producing counterparts and urged Governor Hope Uzodinma,lmo elders,leaders and stakeholders to listen to their agitations and allow any of their sons to occupy the governoship seat come 2028 .
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‎Other stakeholders who made the same demand on behalf of the LGAs included, Prof.Meshack Ifurueze., Engr.Davis Ogbuji, Elder Hypolite Uzoka., Pastor Friday Amadi.Mr Shadrach Udenwoke,Mr Emperock paschal Chukwuma.

They also called on the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma to look into the infrastructural and human Capital   needs of the LGAs like roads, electricity, pipe-borne water and employment of the teeming unemployed youths and pressurizing the oil companies to do the development needs of the areas as it would reduce restiveness and anarchy.
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‎It could be recalled that the two local governments have been the economic main stay of the heartland state since its creation in 1976 till date.
The areas houses more that eight major oil and gas companies.