By CHIDI NKWOPARA

OWERRI — Imo State Governor, Chief Roch as Okorocha, has charged South East Confab delegates to work in harmony and use the opportunity to seek redress for decades of marginalisation of the geo-political zone.

“Such areas include seeking additional state, accelerated industrial development, adequate political representation and ecological management,” Okorocha said.

He warned that people of the South East would view the participation of their delegates a waste if they failed to achieve these objectives.

“Let me warn that our people will not be happy if you fail to address these key issues.  The current marginalization of the region cannot continue and you may be our last hope to bring justice to our people,” Okorocha said.

He reminded the delegates that the paramount demand of Ndigbo was the creation of an additional state to bring the zone at par with other regions.

Governor Okorocha asked the delegates to de-emphasize party affiliation for regional unity as the only way to reach their collective goals, and advised the delegates to reach out to other regions to promote unity of purpose and strengthen national unity.

Speaking earlier, leader of the group, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, expressed delight at the governor’s assistance to members in carrying out their activities.

He promised that delegates would work hard to meet the expectations of the people and asked for the cooperation of everyone to achieve their goals.

Speaking also, former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, pledged the determination of the delegates to redress all areas of concern for zone.