Monarchs back Enugu governorship zoning, support Mbah’s second term

Traditional rulers in Enugu State have described the zoning of the governorship position among the state’s three senatorial districts as a deliberate political strategy aimed at promoting peace, stability and equity in the state.

The monarchs stated this during the public presentation of a book entitled “Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State: Evolution, Practice and Convention,” authored by Cyril Uchenna Anioke and three others, held at the Enugu International Conference Centre.

Speaking at the event, Lawrence Agubuzu former Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman of the occasion, said the rotational arrangement had continued to sustain peace, political stability and development in the state since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

According to him, the zoning formula has ensured fairness and equitable distribution of political power among Enugu’s three senatorial districts.

“Rotation among the three senatorial districts has given us peace since 1999. It is good that this book was written because there is much to learn from it,” Agubuzu said.

He urged political stakeholders in the state to sustain the unity and peaceful political atmosphere fostered by the zoning arrangement.

Agubuzu also commended Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as impressive developmental projects across the state, noting that the governor deserved support to complete a second term in office.

“The stakeholders should sustain the peaceful political atmosphere in Enugu State brought to us through the zoning of the governorship position,” he added.

Also speaking, Godwin Madu the Traditional Ruler of Achi Clan in Oji River Local Government Area and Chairman of the Enugu West Traditional Rulers Council, called for peace, unity and understanding among politicians ahead of the 2027 governorship election, especially among aspirants from Enugu East Senatorial District.

Madu referenced the recent endorsement rally organised by Enugu West in Awgu Local Government Area, saying aspirants from Enugu East should rally behind Governor Mbah in the interest of continuity and stability.

According to him, although traditional rulers do not engage in partisan politics, they have a duty to provide guidance that would promote peace and social stability.

He noted that while the governorship position is expected to remain in Enugu East Senatorial District in line with the zoning arrangement, the zone should allow the incumbent governor to complete two terms as a sign of political maturity and means of reducing political tension.

Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, also endorsed Madu’s position and urged politicians to exercise caution and responsibility in their political activities.

Reviewing the book, Chinedu Onu, described zoning in Enugu State as an unwritten political convention that had evolved over the years to promote justice, fairness and equity.

“Zoning reflects justice and it is not about power play. It is a convention designed to engender fairness and equity in the polity,” Onu said.

He added that some neighbouring States currently experiencing political tension were beginning to study and emulate Enugu State’s rotational political model.

Cosmas Agu, Chief Executive Officer of COMAG Group, represented by Emeka Ugwuaba, said the zoning arrangement had contributed significantly to peace and political stability in the State.

He described the book as an important contribution to scholarship, politics and historical documentation.

Similarly, Martin Chukwunwike, Enugu State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said documenting the zoning culture would provide a useful reference point for future political engagements in the state.

He observed that all civilian governors of Enugu State since 1999 had emerged through the zoning arrangement and successfully completed two terms in office.

According to him, the same political culture supports Governor Mbah completing a second tenure beginning in 2027.

Earlier, Cyril Uchenna Anioke, Lead Author of the publication, said the book was inspired by the need to properly document Enugu State’s political culture and address controversies surrounding the 2023 governorship election.

“There are things nobody has said that are in this book. It is important to document our political culture for future generations. We have succeeded in bringing the issue to the front burner,” Anioke said.

He commended his co-authors for their dedication and commitment throughout the research and interview process that produced the publication.