Tradiional rulers in Enugu State, yesterday, reaffirmed the rotation of the governorship position among the three senatorial districts, declaring that it is the turn of Enugu East to produce the next governor in 2023.

In a statement issued after their General Assembly, the monarchs also urged their colleagues to refrain from partisanship in the current political developments, saying that such could jeopardise the essence and dignity of the traditional institution in the state.

The statement was jointly endorsed by the Chairman, HRH Lawrence Agubuzu, first Deputy Chairman, HRH R. S. N. Ezeh, second Deputy Chairman, HRH Julius Nnaji and third Deputy Chairman, HRH Godwin Madu, among others.

“As the ultimate custodians of the culture and tradition of our respective domains, chiefdoms and kingdoms responsible for the peace, security and welfare of our people, we have reviewed and affirmed our position on the governorship position in Enugu State come 2023

“We reaffirm our position that as apolitical royal fathers, we are not expected to get involved in partisan politics or to take sides with individuals or groups in political contests,” the statement reads.

On the ongoing debate over the zoning of the governorship position, they stressed that in their wisdom, the founding fathers of Enugu State mutually agreed that the office of the governor should rotate among the three senatorial districts.

“In the light of the foregoing, the traditional rulers unequivocally affirmed, reaffirmed and declared that governorship elections in Enugu State are based on rotation through which the Enugu East Senatorial District took the first slot in 1999, followed by Enugu West in 2007 and Enugu North in 2015. It is now the turn of Enugu East Senatorial District again,” the statement added.

The monarchs, who reaffirmed the rights of political parties to choose their candidates for the 2023 governorship election, urged them to pick their candidates from Enugu East comprising Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Nkanu East and Nkanu West councils of the state.

They also urged the political gladiators and political parties to embrace positive attitudes for the sustenance of unity, peace, security and overall development of the state.