ZONING DEBATE IN AHIAZU: TIME FOR STATUTORY LEADERS TO CHAMPION EQUITY, NOT PUBLIC DISCORD

It is quite unfortunate that some stakeholders of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have chosen to ignite public controversy over the zoning of elective positions in Ahiazu Mbaise. If these individuals are indeed loyal to the administration of our dear Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, and submissive to the leadership structure of our party in Imo State, they ought to propose a clear, consensus-driven Charter of Equity through our statutory political leaders rather than heightening tensions in the public domain.

Thankfully, the APC in Ahiazu is blessed with legitimate political leaders who are not only party members but also hold the strategic authority to steer this conversation: *our Executive Chairman, our Honourable Member in the Imo State House of Assembly, and several government appointees*. These leaders must rise to the occasion—just as our Governor has consistently championed equity at the state level—and lead the push for a locally-driven, fair political structure that ensures balance and inclusiveness.

I am from Ekwereazu, and I recall being among the earliest voices advocating for political equity, a stance which contributed to Hon. Otuibe’s opportunity to complete his two-term journey. Ironically, while I was not personally rewarded for my loyalty—rather, abandoned midstream—I have never allowed that experience to diminish my commitment to fairness and political justice.

Today, the political stage in Ahiazu is visible and wide open. I strongly urge our statutory leaders to echo the spirit of Shared Prosperity and spearhead a political recalibration that will reflect equity, unity, and strategic foresight. If they engage stakeholders across party lines in an inclusive consultation process, any new political balance proposed will enjoy bipartisan respect and acceptance.

However, if this is not done promptly and properly, I foresee a risk of political instability that may jeopardize our party’s dominance and cause significant embarrassment to the APC in Ahiazu.

Let me also clarify: the existing party leadership rotation or so-called "give-and-take" arrangement must not stand in the way of a new, logical, and grassroots-backed political structure that benefits the entire LGA. I hereby yield the floor to our leaders to reflect deeply on this proposal and act with speed—before opportunists and political distractors exploit the gap to their advantage.

I remain my humble self,

Comr. Uchech’ukwu Wisdom O. (DonWis)

Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA