By Hon. Anayo Edeh
Finally, the curriculum vitae (CVs) or profiles of four of the governorship aspirants in Enugu State have been published. Those whose profiles are now in the public domain are: Mr. Peter Mba, Chief Evarest Edeh Nnaji (Odengene), Mr. Chijioke Edoga and Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa.
From all indications, these great sons of Enugu State are qualified to rule the state based on what has been published. In addition, all of them have served in various capacities and are still making contributions towards the growth and development of Enugu State and Nigeria in general.
To be candid, academic qualifications are important for political leadership. But in Enugu, both academic qualifications, competence, character and zoning will be considered by the people in chosing who leads them in 2023. Those who think that “might” will prevail over “right” in 2023 will be disappointed. Enugu people will be disposed to abiding by the zoning arrangement which has kept the State stable, peaceful and united. This explains why our founding fathers subscribed to the Charter of Equity which no one should be allowed to violate or sacrificed on the altar of selfish ambition.
Furthermore, the governorship hopefuls must step into the field and begin to mobilize the people. The time has come for them to start making bold moves and prepare Enugu for the eventual contest.
Those who are not favoured by the zoning principle in the state should wait for their time and maintain dignified silence. They can also serve Enugu in other areas while their own turn draws nearer.
Enugu state needs a man who has the capacity, competence and character to continue from where Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will stop. Such an individual must also be able to unite the state and pull our resources together for even development.
I am convinced that the emergence of Professor Chukwuma Soludo as Governor of Anambra state, has raised the stakes in our leadership recruitment process. No state in the Southeast is ready to accept anything less in terms of academic qualifications for leaders.
Though our next governor does not necessarily have to be a professor , we must choose a governor who is very sound academically and has the ingenuity to manage our resources for the benefit of all.
A violation of our zoning arrangement must never be tolerated.
We must be prepared to hand over to our children, a state that is stable, united and prosperous.
