Isu Clan Roars
…Decries Marginalisation Of Area In Imo Politics
The Isu Nation Convention (INC), during a press conference in Owerri, over the weekend, has decried alledged marginalization of Isu Clan in the distribution of key elective and appointive positions in Imo State and Orlu Zone, saying that such deprivation which negated the spirit of equity was no longer acceptable to the Clan, as it called for redress.
INC, an umbrella body of Isu Clan, comprising of Nkwerre, Isu, Njaba, Nwangele LGAs and some parts of Orlu LGA, also faulted the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and pledged support towards efforts to secure his freedom which it argued would help restore peace and security in the South East region.
Reading out a communique after a high-powered meeting, the National President of INC, Rt. Hon. Chief Okey Dike, disclosed that the organisation which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), plays the role of unifying, protecting, advocating and promoting the interest of the Clan in the areas of culture, education, agriculture, as well as socio-political and economic activities.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, frowned that despite its significant size, population and contributions towards the development of Orlu Zone, Imo State and Nigeria, Isu Clan had been neglected in various political and economic considerations; a situation that had stunted the development of the area.
He added that unlike the case of other subgroups in the state, no person from the Isu Clan has ever occupied key positions in the state, including the governor, deputy governor, senator, speaker of the House of Assembly, attorney general and secretary to the state government. “The Clan today remains the most deprived and marginalized group in Orlu Zone and possibly Imo State in general,” his statement read in parts.
Dike, lauded the re-enactment of the Imo Chart of Equity by the Imo Council of Elders as thoughtful, but faulted its content as not comprehensive and holistic in “ensuring social justice, equity, and fairness in the distribution of constitutionally provided for political positions; the location and distribution of government infrastructural projects and social services” which he noted are unfairly distributed presently.
He recommended soul-searching and critical appraisal of the current Imo Charter of Equity with the aim of engaging relevant stakeholders towards producing a holistic and all-encompassing version that creates value for all sections of the state, secures collective compliance, as well as provides clear roadmap for implementations and enforcements.
Dike, opined that the proponents of the new Charter of Equity should have introspected on the failure of the past attempt in order to produce a better version. “For the Charter of Equity to bring social justice and fairness to all zones, LGAs and Wards, federal and state constituencies, more work needs to be done to strengthen it, particularly in terms of content, implementation and enforcement facets.
“The situation of Isu Clan in the scheme, makes it mandatory that a team of patriotic, knowledgeable and understanding Imolites be assembled to fashion out a new holistic Charter of Equity that guarantees in words, letter, spirit and content, equity to all sections of Imo State,” the communique stated, adding that Charter of Equity should transcend the governor’s office to include other key positions and infrastructure.
Flanked by other INC leaders, Rt. Hon. Dike, insisted that highest political position zoned to Orlu Zone in future political arrangements should be ceded to Isu Clan as compensation, disclosing their readiness to negotiate with political gladiators accross political parties. He also hinted of massive mobilization of the indigines of Isu Clan towards realizing the objectives.
Others members who participated in the meeting, included; Chief Barr. Ifeanyi Olumba (Vice President), Sir. Barr. Austin Otuokere (Secretary), Rt. Hon. Chief Innocent Onwuemenyi (Assistant Secretary), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie (BOT Chairman), Barr. Chris Duru (Board Secretary), Barr. Hycent Mbachu (Legal Adviser) and Prof. Nathan Protus Uzorma (Political Adviser).
Others are: Prof. Aham Ikwumezie (Cultural Adviser), Chief Bennard Anyanwu (Economic Adviser), Dr. Ernest Nwaigbo (Adviser on Health), Lady Chika Uju (Welfare Secretary/Treasurer), Chief Okey Njoku, Nze Chief Don Okwu, Rt. Hon. Chuma Nnaji, Prof. Patrick Egbule, Pharm. Chidi Dozie, Engr. Chief Mike Ibeawuchi, and Hon. Uduji Chinedu Uduji.
