By Emmanuel Jonathan
Nsukka is the traditional and cultural name of the people of Enugu North Senatorial zone of Enugu State. The people of Nsukka are highly bonded in almost all spheres of their lives. This is as a result of their homogeneous nature. They support and believe in popular agenda on matters that affect their general wellbeing. This is why people from other senatorial zones in the state commonly say that Nsukka people have similar political philosophies akin to Northern Nigeria by taking unanimous decisions in matters of interest especially politics.
In the current political dispensation, the two most influential political leaders in Enugu North Senatorial zone are the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District Senator Okechukwu Ezea, aka ‘Ideke’ and the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, aka Gburugburu. It is generally believed that if both of them join hands together, Enugu North will develop faster and greater.
While former Governor Ugwuanyi has the capacity of enjoying enormous political goodwill from his successor and political allies at the federal level, Senator Ezea has the constitutionally guaranteed powers of not only being the voice of his people but to attract Federal Government attention through legislative interventions to address the needs of Nsukka people.
The position of the Senate is ranked number three in Nigeria’s political equation which is ahead of the position of a governor but the difference is that it does not have the executive powers as that of a governor. However, a Senator who knows his onion can do so much for his people by attracting federally sponsored projects to his constituency.
So, it is pertinent to state that both Ugwuanyi and Ezea are revered leaders of Enugu North Senatorial zone whose working together as a team will be to the advantage of their people. The days of politics are over and now there is the need for the two political juggernauts to embrace political sportsmanship and work together in the interest of Nsukka zone. The need to work together for good of Nsukka should take the center stage above any other consideration.
Individual political ambitions ahead of 2027 should not prevent the democratic gains of 2023 general elections. The personal interest of Ugwuanyi and Ezea should not supercede that of the interest of the generality of Nsukka people. They must sacrifice their personal interests and work for for the peaceful coexistence and development of the Nsukka nation. Truth and justice should be the watchword for all parties. Our past should not stop our tomorrow rather it should be a lesson for us to do better for the general good of all.
Stakeholders of Nsukka zone should not fold their arms or look the other way in any political war or difference that will frustrate the growth of Nsukka zone at large. They must do everything possible to encourage peace among the two political gladiators. They must downplay their differences for the good of Nsukka. This goal is paramount.
The 2023 political dynamics was a true definition of political revolution. The people spoke loudly. They came out en-mass to cast their votes. It was beyond human comprehension. All that happened in that election should be a lesson to all political gladiators and proletariats. Building political enemies as a result of the outcome of that election will not pay any body. The people won by giving power to whom they wished but for the disappointments experienced from the judiciary in so many electoral cases. Those at the temple of justice blew hot and cold at the same time by using blind technicalities to deny the people of their chosen leaders. It is highly unfortunate!
A powerful African proverb says that: ‘When the elephants fight, the grass suffers. ‘When powerful forces go to war, it’s their people who are hurt. Those who never asked for the conflict in the first place are caught, and killed, in the crossfire.”
It will therefore not be a bad idea if the Director of Public Enlightenment Desk of the Justice Development and Peace /Caritas Commission (JDPC), Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Rev. Father Dr. Emeka Ngwoke, leads very important leaders to put Ugwuanyi and Ezea on the same lane of understanding, for the good of the generality of Nsukka people. If this idea should be birthed, then it has to be carried out immediately. “A stich in time saves nine”. The earlier the both of them start working for the good of Nsukka zone the better it will be for the people.
Both Ezea and Ugwuanyi should pull their political strength together and use it to attract state and federal government’s attention in solving pressing needs of Nsukka people. The mistake of yesterday should not hinder the best of our tomorrow to come. They should think forward. Anchoring our strength on blame games should be put aside as it will not do us any good.
The bible makes us to understand that a people against themselves do not progress. The afforism of united we stand and divided we fall should be embraced by all and sundry in Nsukka land. The days of primitive political squabbles that leads to division should end in the dustbin of history. There should be no space for that in this modern age or political lexicon. Let Love Lead!!!
Emmanuel Jonathan, JP, Esq, writes from Alor-Agu in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
