Flares of tensions are currently rocking Enugu state as the former deputy president of the Nigerian Senate and Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial zone, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu inaugurates his 2023 governorship foot soldiers, today, in a move claimed to be against the will of the incumbent governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu political stakeholders and the zoning arrangement revered in the State. CABLE REPORTERS can confirm.
The inauguration of the political structure, named Enugu Solidarity for Ikeoha held today in the Enugu residence of the Enugu west Senator, it also witnessed the official kick-off of a group aimed to see Sen. Ekweremadu become Enugu governor come next year.
Confirming the event, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu took to his verified Facebook page to post 36 pictures, merely to announce the event and to wish his team well.
“Inauguration of the state, zonal, local government, and ward executives of the Enugu Solidarity Forum for Ikeoha in Enugu today.
Thank you for the immense solidarity. Ya gazie.” Sen. Ekweremadu stated
The inauguration has induced so many tensions, apprehensions and mistrust as it is said to be a sharp trick against the will of Enugu state governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the former governor of Enugu State, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani, the former Nigerian Senate President Sen. Ken Nnamani, former governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo amongst other stakeholders who are keen to conserve the zoning arrangement of Enugu State, currently in favour of Enugu East Senatorial zone, against the Enugu West Senatorial zone where Sen. Ike Ekweremadu represents.
Our source in Enugu Government house, explained to CABLE REPORTERS that Gov. Ugwuanyi is very interested in maintaining the governorship zoning arrangement in the State, he explained that the governor is against the guber interest of the Enugu West Senator, and has mandated his political machinaries to shun his path, our source, who is very close to the governor also promised to inform us the anointed successor for Enugu governor in a matter of days.
Gov. Ugwuanyi on his part has also in many fora emphasised that when the time is right, “equity, justice and fairness will take preeminence” in the choice of his successor.
The former governor of Enugu state and Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial zone, who is the progenitor of the Ebeano family; the strongest political force in Enugu state, has on January 26th 2022, insisted that it is the prerogative of Enugu State governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to choose his successor with regard to the zoning pact, stressing that it is the political custom of the Enugu state.
“We have a tradition in Enugu State politics. The governor is the leader who directs affairs. He will determine who succeeds him without compromising the electoral processes and whomever he chooses will be our next governor.”
“I have absolute loyalty and respect for my governor who is also the leader of the Ebeano political family. He has demonstrated capacity and leadership. We are waiting for him to lead the way to go in 2023 and we shall follow”.
“No matter the machinations, conspiracies and subterfuges over the governorship primary of our party, we will have a successful transition under the leadership and guidance of our governor.”
“It is understandable that some of those who are posturing are seeking for relevance or seeking for political appointments in other parties. That is the beauty of democracy, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani said
Also, the former governor of Old Anambra State Sen. Jim Nwobodo, the former Nigeria Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani, GCON., former minister of power Prof. Bart Nnaji amongst other stakeholders has openly thrown their weight behind zoning, a decision inimical to the Interest of the former deputy senate President Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.
Enugu State is among the few in the country that enjoys political harmony on account of adherence to zoning or rotation of key political offices in the three senatorial districts especially the governorship seat since 1999.
Senator Chimaroke Nnamani from Enugu East was the state governor from 1999 to 2007, Bar. Sullivan Chime from Enugu West took over from 2007 to 2015 while the incumbent governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from Enugu North is expected to complete the cycle in 2023.
It is expected that the governorship slot returns to Enugu East for the second round of the rotation in 2023 but tension thrives as Sen. Ekweremadu is said to be determined to truncate the cycle.
Top governorship contenders from Enugu East Senatorial zone includes Hon. Peter Mbah, Sir. Chinyeaka Oha, Hon. Chijioke Edoga, Capt. Everest Nnaji, amongst others
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