2023 AND ZONING IN EBONYI STATE

Kevin Oji argues that the issue of zoning in Ebonyi is not conclusive

The looming state of apprehension over the character of who becomes the governor of Ebonyi State in 2023 ought to dominate discussion now in the state. Should we elect again, a character in the mould of the current governor or do we gun for a paradigm shift in style of governance and methods of relationship. This I believe should determine and shape the conversation as we inch closer to the general election next year. But unfortunately, desperate political forces appear to divert attention, stoking the fire of Zoning instead of focusing on the best to rule the state.

Meanwhile, the zoning arrangement if ever exists in Ebonyi, presupposes the presence of a charter of equity envisioned to ensure that every zone within the state is given the opportunity to take a shot at the state’s top job. It’s an idea conceived on the basis of fairness, equity and justice. But empirical evidence and the force of history clearly establish that the issue of zoning in Ebonyi State is never conclusive.

Rather it’s an artificial creation of vested powerful political interests desperate to execute narrow selfish agenda. The truth is that such idea was actually conceived by the founding fathers but was not underpinned and ratified by any Charter of Equity duly agreed upon and certified by political leaders from all the three senatorial zones of the state. The document, if ratified could have been the holy grail owned by every citizen and should act as a guide for political affirmation and interest. While the idea though not signed was muted by the founding fathers, it was not followed nor obeyed by the political gladiators.

The plank of any discussion on zoning at the founding of the state in 1996, was that the state for political convenience, be comprised of two major blocs, Abakaliki and Afikpo blocs. The wisdom then was that if the state capital is cited within any of the geographical locations the governorship automatically be ceded to the other block. In order words, with the emergence of Abakaliki as the state capital, the governor of the state in 1999 ought to come from the Afikpo bloc. This wonderful agreement though not signed would have established a political stability in the state if obeyed by politicians.

But unfortunately, the idea was instantly killed on arrival by selfish political interests. Dr. Sam Omiyi Egwu from Abakaliki bloc (Ebonyi North) who emerged as governor was foisted on us by the military unmindful of the mood and reasoning of the people. Still Egwu who accepted the offer though very much aware of the perceived understanding among the people never did much to respect that gentleman agreement. For clarity and emphasis, it should be understood that the emergence of subsequent governors of Ebonyi State after Egwu has never been a product of any zoning arrangement but more to political forces beyond the control of the zoning principles envisioned by the people.

It will be absolutely correct to state that zoning has never been practiced in the state since the arrival of the present democratic experience in 1999. My view is that someone like governor Sam Egwu is not qualified to canvass for zoning right now in Ebonyi. He had such opportunity to put things right in the past but he failed because of pecuniary interest. If he has such love for equity, fairness and love for Ebonyi, he would have allowed Afikpo zone to have the first shot at the governorship of Ebonyi. Because Abakaliki, his own zone has been accepted as the capital, therefore, why refusing Afikpo zone the governorship.

Therefore if the likes of Egwu from the North who singlehandedly scuttled the lofty ideas of zoning conceived by the founding fathers are now clamouring for zoning to take place now, starting from the North, it’s simply a continuation of the selfish political interest which has kept us where we are today.