By Anayo Edeh
I am amused at the level of rage and bitterness being shown by those who are worried that the leaders of Nkanu-East are making strategic moves to drum up support for the emergence of an Enugu State Governor of Nkanu-East extraction.
It is important to state from the outset that the agitation for an Nkanu-East born Governor, is constitutional, appropriate and does not offend common sense, equity and good conscience. It is anchored on the need to ensure fairness and all-inclusiveness in the manner we run Enugu State.
The moves being made by the Nkanu-East Consultative Forum do not constitute a threat to any other Local Government Area that also thinks it has a claim to make over the Governorship of Enugu in 2023.
The emotional outbursts of some pro- Isi Uzo writers who are opposed to the claims of marginalization by Nkanu-East are unnecessary . The Nkanu-East Consultative Forum is simply calling on the entire people of Enugu to support us produce a Governor in order to give Nkanu-East a sense of belonging. The Governor will govern the whole State and not Nkanu-East alone. The visitations by Nkanu-East Consultative Forum are a democratic approach necessary to appeal to the conscience of the people of Enugu to look at the merit of our case. We do not want to be distracted because we have our eyes on the ball.
Governor Ugwuanyi who has positively touched the entire Enugu State, has assured that he would factor in equity and justice in deciding who succeeds him. It is this assurance that drives our efforts.
This response to the pro-Isi Uzo writers would not have been necessary, but for the need to set the records straight and assure everyone that we do not constitute a stumbling block to whatever claims they have. Isi-Uzo and Nkanuland share a common destiny since they have been United by geography and share cultural affinities. The writers who are making a case for an Isi-Uzo governor should do so without throwing stones at Nkanu-East and it’s leaders who are pursuing a legitimate cause.
It is no longer in contention that the Governor of Enugu State ought to come from the Enugu-East Senatorial District in 2023. It is also a fact that in Enugu-East Senatorial District, Nkanu-East is the only Local Government Area that has neither produced a Senator nor a Governor. Those who are putting Isi Uzo in the same category with Nkanu East, have simply chosen to ignore history. It is on record that an ISI-Uzo son, late Isaiah Ani was elected a Senator under former Governor Jim Nwobodo. Nkanu-East is yet to achieve this feat.
The pro-Isi Uzo writers have also claimed that Nkanu-East is not marginalized having produced two former Deputy Governors. The question is: what powers does a Deputy Governor have under the Nigerian Constitution? The answer is none. A Deputy Governor is simply a spare tyre which is not needed as long as the main tyres are functioning properly.
On the issue of whether ISI-Uzo has produced a Governor. The answer is yes . History bears me witness that Isi-Uzo and Udenu Local Government Areas are one and united by a common destiny. It is a political accident that Isi-Uzo is in Enugu East Senatorial District.
It was at the creation of Enugu State in 1997 that ISI-Uzo was split into two and Udenu carved out as a separate Local Government Area. The current Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi comes from Udenu which, in spite of the split, can still be described as Isi-Uzo.
ISI-Uzo cannot claim to be marginalized in any way after it has produced Kingsley Ebenyi who was a Super Ambassador with concurrent accreditation to Trinidad and Tobago and the Vatican. Mr. Ejike Eze who is currently the Federal Commissioner representing the whole of Enugu State in the National Population Commission (NPC) is an ISI-Uzo son. Late Festus Ugwu who was the Managing Director of NIMASA was from ISI-Uzo. Where then lies ISI-Uzo marginalization?
Lest I forget, the all-powerful PDP Chairman in Enugu State, Mr.Augustine Nnamani is from ISI-Uzo. He is as powerful as a State Governor.
In the area of Federal and State establishments, I challenge the ISI-Uzo warriors to name any Federal or State institution in Nkanu-East. The College of Education at Ehamufu, is in ISI-Uzo. Has Nkanu-East got anything to show?
I must make it clear here that the Governor we seek, will not only be for Nkanu-East. He will be for the whole of Enugu State. That is why the leaders of Nkanu-East are on a State-wide consultation. The Governor will build on the foundation of stability and justice which Governor Ugwuanyi has laid. Anything short of this will not be in anyone’s interest.
Today, Nkanu East is the only Local Government Area you cannot access its headquarters without passing through four other local councils. Some leaders of Enugu regret this abnormally and would want a redress.
The visitations of Nkanu East leaders have been a huge success. Let no-one distract us.
Hon. Anayo Edeh
Eze Di Naka Chukwu 11.
