By Hon. Chief Emmanuel Ikechukwu Jonathan, JP, Esq.
(Ede-Eze Alor-Agu)
While I commend the appointment of Hon. Barr. Peter Okonkwo Ohamadike by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as his Special Adviser on Political Matters for Enugu North Senatorial District, it must be stated that this gesture represents only a drop of water in an ocean of dryness.
While this commendation does not change our political stance against the government of Gov. Mbah, the appointment appears to validate our long-held position that the larger part of the state, Enugu North Senatorial District, which accounts for nearly 60% of the population, has been largely sidelined and marginalized in political appointments and the provision of critical infrastructure. By making this appointment, the Governor seems to acknowledge the imbalance that has characterized his administration’s engagement with the district.
Furthermore, the development raises concerns about whether the Governor has, until now, been properly advised on political matters and infrastructure needs relating to Enugu North Senatorial District, or whether he has not been adequately briefed on the district’s pressing demands and expectations.
It is therefore hoped that the appointment of Hon. Barr. Peter Okonkwo Ohamadike, a grassroots leader of distinguished reputation, will mark a turning point in the years of neglect of Nsukka zone by Mbah’s administration in both provision of critical infrastructure development and balancing the appointment gaps. We expect that he will provide the necessary guidance to the Governor to ensure that Enugu North Senatorial District receives its fair share of political representation and critical infrastructure development.
Anything short of this expectation would render the appointment insufficient and worthless in the eyes of the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District.
