By Christiana Ekpa
A socio-political group, Enugu State Equity and Integrity Assembly has thrown its total weight behind the existing zoning of governorship position in Enugu State.
They made their stand known in a communique read by its coordinator, Gary Eneh, at the end of their meeting in Enugu.
They noted that the zoning arrangement had helped to stabilize the State, reduce political tension, bitterness and rancour among political actors in the State.
There have been arguments in Enugu State on which zone should produce the next governor of the State at the expiration of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s tenure in 2023.
While some believe a gentleman zoning arrangement in the State should be maintained, in which case the position should go to Enugu East Senatorial zone, others have been of the view that zoning should be jettisoned.
However, in the communique issued by the Equity and Integrity Assembly, made up of people of Enugu West Senatorial Zone, they said the zone was not interested in the guber position.
They stated that for peace and equity, the next governor should come from Enugu East.
According to them, “the members of the Association are unflinchingly in support of the established zoning formula in the State.
“That the members are not oblivious of the fact that the next governor of Enugu State should be from Enugu East Senatorial zone for equity, fair-play, integrity and justice
“That Enugu West Senatorial zone is not interested in the governorship position come 2023 as such moves would run contrary to the established zoning formula in the State
“That the members passed a vote of confidence in the amiable, untiring governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. These are our declarations.”
It maintained that past and present political office holders in the State emerged from the zoning formula which guaranteed the existing peaceful and secured environment.
