By ALOYSIUS ATTAH

The inclusion of tenure of offices and periodic elections in a democratic setting provided far reaching merits to that system of government which derives its powers, legitimacy and sovereignty from the constitution and the people.

Democratic concepts like elections as opposed to selection and stipulated tenure of offices as opposed to sit-tightism and rule-forever-alive redefined democracy and gave the people opportunity to periodically chose their leaders and also reflect current realities of the moment or correct some anomalies while making their choices.

Periodic elections where an elected executive hands over the baton of leadership to another at the expiration of one’s stipulated tenure also gives room for the people to address the issue of zoning so that those from a particular area who are yet to taste power can now have such opportunity as it goes round.

Zoning of political offices has engendered inclusiveness, equity, fair play and has also promoted justice in so many ways. There are micro and macro zoning all intended to address the tensions of marginalization, short-changing of some people and their area and also make every part of the system feel the impact of government since government is meant for all and not only for a particular area or a set of people.

As 2023 general elections get underway across Nigeria, various political parties are in frenzied preparation for the primary election to choose who will fly their party tickets for various elective posts across different states.

Enugu State is not left out in this frenzy as permutations on where the next governor of the state will come from reaches a feverish pitch.

Despite the fact that there is an existing zoning formula in the state, politicians with selfish motives have been trying in vain to truncate the system so as to favour their personal interests.

Some caught in this web of feathering their selfish political nests knows the truth but have chosen to be to dishing out lies, falsehoods, half truths and outright blackmail including threats in order to arm-twist the sitting governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi whom they have all chorused severally till now that he should be allowed the free hand to choose his successor.

But the fact of the matter is that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial Zone to occupy the governorship seat of Enugu state in a fresh round of rotation as the two other zones of Enugu West and Enugu North would have taken their turns when Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi hands over on May 29, 2023.

Out of the six local governments of Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Isi Uzo , Nkanu East and Nkanu West that makes up the senatorial zone, Isi-Uzo stands out as the local government with the least number of government appointments and elective positions since the inception of the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

Carved out from Nsukka political zone to add up the Enugu East Senatorial Zone in 1996 when Ebonyi state was created following popular demand from the Nkanu and Nike people and their elders who described Isi-Uzo then as their brothers taken away from them by politics despite their cultural/historical affiliation which predated the advent of colonial government, the people then needed Isi-Uzo badly to make up their required strength as a senatorial zone.

Unfortunately, over the years, Isi-Uzo has been treated as a people only needed for their votes during the making of a Senator, Governor or a House of Reps member from the other local governments of the zone.

People of Isi-Uzo are only good and regarded as ‘brothers’ by the Nkanu people when it is time for election when they are supposed to vote for the Nkanu people but when they step forward to vie for an elective post, to be voted for or even aspire for choice government appointments, they are seen as second class citizens, treated as ndi Nsukka and not regarded as core Nkanu. Oh what an ugly situation!

Addressing this form of injustice, marginalisation and political segregation of the Isi-Uzo people in Enugu East Zone is a cardinal task which Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi must rise up at this moment of history in Enugu state to fulfil and correct.

What makes this task even more compelling, expedient and irresistible is the fact that at this point in time in history; Isi-Uzo parades the best material for governorship of Enugu State in the person of Hon. Barr. Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga, among the long list of aspirants who bought and submitted forms vying for the post in the state.

At different forums of public engagements and outings, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has often said that the principles of EQUITY, JUSTICE AND FAIRPLAY will determine and will be applied in choosing the next governor of the state.

These principles which all discerning minds have agreed on without sentiments, no doubt fits the Isi-Uzo people in Enugu East Senatorial zone.

Also, in choosing a successor and the chief executive of a state, sentiments should not becloud the sense of reasoning in ensuring that the best among the best emerges. Such best should embody the definitions of character, competence and excellence.

Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga from Omulor Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA, perfectly fits into the mould of who will carry the torch of excellence from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from May 29th 2023.

Apart from filling the gap of this long established marginalisation of Isi-Uzo LGA, he is the man whose candidature and acceptance cuts across every part of Enugu state, every strata and sub –strata of the Enugu society and much more.

He is the one who can sustain Ugwuanyi’s legacies and ensure that Enugu remains on the path of growth, development, peace and progress.

It seems nature has placed him ahead of his co-aspirants and the hand of God also positioned him to be the next Governor of the state at this point in history.

No wonder he has the requisite experience garnered over the years across the administrative sector as a former local government chairman, the Judiciary sector as a lawyer, the legislative sector as former House of Reps member and Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria, in governance sector and day to day government business in Enugu state as a Commissioner in two strategic ministries for the past seven years.

Governor Ugwuanyi should resist all forms of pressure, subtle blackmail, threats and all manner of tricks applied by those who pretend that they love Enugu and love him the more by trying to make him deny Isi-Uzo their golden era.

Gerald Ford (1913-2006), the 38th President of the United States said that ‘Truth is the glue that holds the government together’. This is a moment of truth in Enugu state and I encourage all men of goodwill to stand for that truth so that Enugu state will not fall after May 29th 2023.

We cannot afford another era of peace of the graveyard in this state which has been dedicated to God, a departure from an era once characterised by endless bloodshed.

The Chijioke Edeoga candidacy/ governorship will signpost the fulfillment of justice, equity, fair play with consequent prosperity and happiness of the greatest majority of ndi Enugu. Excitedly too, he comes without any baggage of sorts and an unblemished record of excellence in public service.

Let justice be done, though the heavens fall said the English Jurist, Lord Mansfield (1705-1793). Fortunately, in this case scenario, no heaven will fall but rather, the people of Enugu will rejoice and quake with happiness when Edeoga becomes Governor.

May the good Lord guide our Leaders right!

*•Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah writes from Igbo-Eze North LGA, Enugu State. He can be reached via 08035090548, attahcomrade99@yahoo.com

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