As the year 2019 wounds up for the year 2020 to creep in, the attention of Nigerians is drawn on Anambra state whose governorship election is due soon. In view of this, OKECHUKWU ONUEGBU writes on the charge by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to politicians about the need to respect the existing zoning formula. In 2021, eligible voters in Anambra state would be marching to the polling booths to choose a replacement for the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano, whose tenure would end expectedly on March 17, 2022. This is as the hot race to that election has began in Ernest.
Obiano, who is currently serving out his second tenure on the platform of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was sworn-in on March 17, 2018 having been re-elected on November 18, 2017.
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was yet to fix a date for the gubernatorial poll, the state’s political terrain is already charged as politicians and political parties, respectively, have embarked on unofficial campaigns or consultations with political maneuverings. Some have publicly declared their interest to run for the poll using the various social media platforms, more especially as they are studying the political environment to know where and how to fit in. Others are however set to make pronouncements in 2020.
To that extent, pressure groups, political and non-political interest groups are also making waves in their bid to drive home the popular maxim which says that politics is local and a game of number. Some of these groups are advocating for the emergence of any competent candidate for the plum position. A good number of others are however insisting that whoever must succeed Obiano must hail from Anambra South Senatorial zone.
Why zoning arrangement
Obiano, a product of zoning arrangement, is from Anambra North and first chief helmsmen of the state ever produced by the zone since the state was created in August 1991. Ohiano as an individual and APGA are equally advocating for power to shift to the southern senatorial district the same way his predecessor, Peter Obi in 2013, fought for power to relocate to the northern senatorial district.Anambra Central Senatorial District produced former governors Chris Ngige (2003 to 2006) and Peter Obi (2006 to 2014). Anambra South only produced Sir Chukwuemeka Ezeife (January 2, 1992 to November 17, 1993) and Dame Virgy Etiaba (November 2006 to February 2007).
Ohanaeze, groups want zoning principle
In the spirit of equity, therefore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo which is an apex socio-cultural organisation for Igbo nation, while hosting stakeholders in a launch to mark three years anniversary of its leadership in Anambra led by Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene urged all political parties in the state to file in qualified and competent candidates from Anambra South only.
The event held at Nanka, Orumba North LGA, was graced by representatives of Traditional Rulers Council, Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Otusubakwa Igbo Initiative, elders forum, traders unions, women groups, youth wings of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, among others.
Okeke-Ogene, while presenting his address, explained that the state had been rated as most peaceful and politically-stable following the sustenance of zoning arrangement advocated by Ohanaeze supported by other stakeholders.
According to him, “We saw great value for peace and security in sustaining the zoning formular for political offices in the state as adopted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra. It brought stability to the political system of the state and reduced cost of elections especially when compared with what is happening in other states of the country.“Zoning arrangement which equally has the support of traditional rulers, women and youth organisations holds the future of political stability in the state.”Ohanaeze Ndigbo is therefore urging all stakeholders to back a peaceful shift of power from Anambra North to Anambra South come 2021.
“We are equally appealling to all political parties that would participate in the election to choose their candidates and flag bearers from Anambra South in order to consolidate on the gains of the zoning formula as a permanent policy in Anambra political system,” he concluded.
Also speaking, the president general of ASATU, Dr Alex Onukwue, said they were in support of the zoning arrangement as it would prevent politics of bitterness and rancour, as well as entrench unity, cordial relationship and progress.
Onukwue, who observed that it was what led to Governor Obiano’s successful reelection, implored all political parties and individuals to embrace the arrangement in all elections in the state.
The former governor of Anambra state, Sir Chukwuemeka Ezeife, while giving his support to the clamour for zoning, noted that equity cements unity, peace and progress. To that extent, he prayed for the success of the poll.The traditional ruler of Nnewi, HRH Igwe Kenneth Orizu, in his submission, harped on the need for Igbo nation to revive the spirit of respect and patience it was previously known for, a virtue he believed would help the nation to move forward.
To the president general, Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bolton, United States of America, Ichie Ike Okwesili, Igbo in the US are not against the planning, even as they also need the support of the parent body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide through inauguration in order to enable them contribute in moving the Igbo nation to an enviable height.
The national women leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mrs Rose Ekwenibe, commended the initiative, urging women to help in spreading the gospel of zoning in which she observed that doing without it could breach the peace. Ichie Sunday Eze Obiorah, the sponsor of the programme, urged all political parties to present people from Anambra South as candidates and flag bearers as zoning helps to prevent crisis, engender sense of belonging and unity.