By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

The Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council has advised political parties to zone the 2023 governorship slot to Enugu East Senatorial District.

This advice formed part of the communiqué issued at the end of the council’s General Assembly held on Tuesday.

It read in part: “The traditional rulers reckoned that it is the exclusive right of political parties to choose their candidates for the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

“Traditional rulers urge all the political parties that wish to participate in the 2023 gubernatorial election to pick their candidates from Enugu East Senatorial District.

“The Enugu East Senatorial District comprises Isi-Uzo, Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Nkanu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas.

“This will enhance the security, peace and harmony that prevail in our dear state,” the communiqué added.

It further stated that the royal fathers admonished politicians and the political parties to embrace positive attitude for the sustenance of the unity, peace, security and development of the state.

The council noted that the founding fathers of the state, in their wisdom, “mutually agreed that the prized office of the governor should rotate among the three senatorial districts.

“In the light of the foregoing, the traditional rulers unequivocally affirmed, re-affirmed and declared that the governorship elections in the state are based on rotation,” it stated.

According to the group, Enugu East took the first shot in 1999, followed by Enugu West in 2007 and Enugu North in 2015, respectively.

“It is now the turn of Enugu East again,” the council further stated.

It urged other traditional rulers to refrain from partisanship in the current political development.

It argued that being partisan would destroy the essence and dignity of the traditional institution in the state.

The council reaffirmed its position as apolitical royal fathers, who are not expected to get involved in partisan politics or take side with individuals or groups.

The communiqué affirmed the position of the traditional rulers as the custodians of the culture and tradition of their respective domains and kingdoms.

It further stated that the council is saddled with the “inalienable responsibility” of maintaining the peace, security and welfare of their subjects.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, 1st Deputy Chairman, Igwe R.N. Ezeh, and 2nd Deputy Chairman, Igwe Julius Nnaji.

Others included the Acting 3rd Deputy Chairman, Igwe Godwin Madu, Grand Patron, Igwe Simeon Itodo, as well as Igwe Kingsley Chime and Igwe Abel Nwobodo, both Patrons of the council. (NAN)