The former governor of old Enugu state and proponent of “triangular political equilibrium”, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, has affirmed that there is a subsisting agreement on rotation of the seat of governor among the three (3) senatorial districts of Enugu State.
The former governor dropped the hint when members of Nkanu East Leaders Consultative Forum, NELCF, paid him a courtesy visit at his Enugu residence to seek his support in their quest for the state’s 2023 governorship slot coming to Enugu East
NELCF said Nkanu East Local Government Area deserved Enugu State governorship more than any other LGA in Enugu East zone due to its pitiable state of underdevelopment.
Nkanu East which is seeking support of all stakeholders to prevail on other council areas within Enugu East zone to concede the slot to them, said the LGA has no meaningful infrastructure especially roads and government presence both state and federal in spite of its abundant human and natural resources and other economic endowments.
Dr. Okwy Nwodo, while responding to a request by the leader of Nkanu East Leaders’ Consultative Group, Prof. Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Power, who visited him in his Enugu residence, confirmed that there was an agreement for the rotation of governorship position among the three senatorial zones in Enugu State which happened during Sullivan Chime administration.
The former governor who praised the unity and sense of purpose of NELCF, said that with such bond and commitment there was nothing they cannot achieve, noting that he would be happier if Enugu East zone considered Nkanu East for the governorship position.
Narrating how the understanding was initiated, he said “I was very happy when under Gov. Sullivan, we decided that we shall be rotating (Governorship) position in Enugu State.
“That day I was at the Government House when it was agreed on. It was Dubem Onyia that moved the motion. I don’t know what put it into his head. His motion was that Chimaroke Nnamani from Enugu East Senatorial District had become governor, Sullivan was on the saddle, from Enugu West Senatorial District, that after Sullivan, it (governorship slot) should move to the North (Enugu North Senatorial District).
“We from Nsukka were very happy and didn’t know how to express our joy. That motion was making things easy for us. However, it was Chief Egumgbe that amended the motion to say that, “after it had gone round, after Enugu North Senatorial zone, it should return to continue with Enugu East Senatorial zone. Chief Ben Collins Ndu supported the motion, and it was carried unanimously.
“The way everybody was happy as a result of this, no one could oppose it. We all agreed. So as far as am concerned, it is your turn.
“It is the turn of Enugu East and the way Nkanu East is going about it with the cream de la cream of your people is admirable. There’s no stakeholder that you would visit that won’t pay attention to you. So we are begging God. But let me be a bit personal, if it comes to you, I will be happier.
“I wish you people well and wish that if Enugu East people would form a consensus that it should be Nkanu East and you give it to the best, I will greet you more.”
Daily Gazette