Leaders of Nkanu East Council have solicited support from other parts of the state to produce the next governor of Enugu State in 2023, saying the area had been extremely marginalised.
They made the call during a visit to the former governor of the state and representative of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Chimaroke Nnamani, in Agbani at the weekend.
The group said they chose to call on Nnamani first in their consultation and sensitisation visit in recognition of his critical role in the politics of Nkanu East and the entire state.
Speaking, members of the delegation argued that since Enugu East Senatorial Zone was favoured by the zoning arrangement in the state, the governorship slot be ceded to Nkanu East Council, saying it had suffered extreme neglect and marginalisation in the state.
They noted that the council was blessed with qualified governorship aspirants, who have what it takes to provide visionary and transformative leadership in the state anchored on peace and all-inclusive development.
The delegation described Nkanu East, as a vast area with a large expanse of land that borders Ebonyi State, Aninri, Awgu, Nkanu West, Enugu South, Enugu East and Isi Uzo councils, stressing that no other council in the state has such territorial complexity amid acute infrastructure deficit.
They said the council deserved the governorship slot to stimulate development as has been done in other parts of the state, adding that it will bring political opportunities, human and infrastructure developments and also give a sense of belonging to the Nkanu people.
They said their position was based on justice and precedence and relying on the justifiability of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who is known for his kindness and belief in equity and fairness.
Responding, Nnamani described the council’s case for the governorship slot as compelling, pointing out, however, that by precedence, the governor should choose his successor.
He advised the delegation to extend their consultations to other stakeholders across the state and expressed the hope that political leaders and the various communities would be guided by conscience in picking the next governor.
Others in the delegation led by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, were former Deputy Governor of the state, Sunday Onyebuchi, former member of the House of Representatives, Nkanu East and West federal constituency, Anayo Edeh, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Gabriel Ajah, former council chairman, Ejike Ani, Igwe Abel Nwobodo, Igwe H. Edeani, Igwe Moses Ideyi an d Igwe Okeke Arum, among others.
