Elders of Abia State, including senior lawyers and academics, have insisted that the rotation and zoning formula of the state must be respected as it is the turn of Abia North to produce the next governor of the state.
They took time to trace the history of zoning and democracy in the state and maintained that the palpable tension existing within the state political atmosphere was needless since history supports their insistence.
Prof Nwadinaobi Ugochukwu Esomono, Dr Lawrence Ubani, ESV Olekanma, Dr Amaka Onubogu, Pastor Caleb Awa and Dr Idika Kalu were among the 17 leaders and stakeholders that signed the document calling for respect for the zoning arrangement in the state.
The leaders said that power returning to Abia North was sacrosanct, noting that it is the only way to ensure peace, justice and fairness in the state.
The leaders contended that the established zoning formula has brought peace and created conducive environment for the rapid political and socio-economic development of the state.
“Prominent Abia sons like the former President of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara; former Governor Theodore Orji; former SSG, Dr Eme Okoro; and many others have spoken like prominent elders endorsing the return of the governorship back to Abia North Senatorial District. It is pertinent for other Abians to speak up now and support the return of power back to Abia North.
“Dr Orji Uzor Kalu from Abia North in 1999 took the first slot, followed by Theodore Orji from Central Senatorial zone and now Dr Victor Ikpeazu from Abia South Senatorial zone. Having witnessed this tradition persist, it has gone beyond mere politics, to a phenomenal entrenchment of power rotation within the political ecosystem of Abia State.
“For equity, justice and fairness, it is expedient that the governorship seat is returned to Abia North Senatorial District. It is morally wrong to support any candidate outside Abia North Senatorial District,” they said.
