Key political leaders in South East Nigeria say zoning of governorship position to Enugu East senatorial zone is irrevocable.
In a press statement in Abuja, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani commended their independent positions, affirming the zoning principle as well as the turn of Enugu east zone to produce the next governor.
The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the former governor of Anambra state, Chief Jim Nwobodo, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former governor, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani as well as his successor, Chief Sullivan Chime unanimously agreed to this principle.
“Principle of zoning of key political offices has been sustained in the state since 1999.
“Senator Chimaroke Nnamani from Enugu east zone was the governor of the state from 1999 to 2007, followed by Sullivan Chime from Enugu west zone from 2007 to 2015, while the incumbent governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from 2015 to 2023 is from Enugu north,” they stressed.
Chief Nnamani reiterated, “justice and fairness demands that the zoning principle be respected by the political players in the state. It has fostered peace and harmony while giving every zone a sense of belonging.
“After reviewing the principled stands of the respected elders and statesmen which included four former governors and a former Senate President, I am convinced more than ever before that Gov. Ugwuanyi and the political leaders in the state will be guided by keen sense of history and conscience in picking the next governor of the state from Enugu east zone.”
Senator Nnamani described zoning as a major selling point of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state, stating that it had ensured peace, balance and even development.
He expressed hope that other political parties including All Progressives Congress,APC, and All Progressive Grand Alliance,APGA, would follow suit in upholding zoning and ceding their governorship tickets to Enugu East zone.
E/Suzan O.
