By Casmir Obiegbolu
The fundamental philosophy that keeps democracy alive is that democracy is about equity and justice.
I’ll refer to section 14 of the 1999 constitution, in particular section 14(3), which talks about the need for there to be a spread in the distribution of offices and composition of government, in such a way that there is no dominance of a particular zone should have that dominance in terms of the sharing of power.
As 2023 general election approaches, there’s need for the good people of Awka North and South Federal Constituency to look into this impending issue that is capable of bringing disunity in the Constituency.
In Awka North and South Federal Constituency, we have zone A which is Awka, zone B which is Obizi and zone C which is Awka North.
Due largely to self-serving interests, some of our politicians have continued to speak against power rotation arrangement, especially as the 2023 general election approaches.
The refrain for most of these politicians is that power is taken, not given. This may be true to some extent.
However, given the precarious situation of Nigeria today and our diversity, it has become imperative that we take a serious look at zoning power equation in our constituency.
Since transitioning from military to civilian rule in 1999, it has been Zone A which is Awka and zone C which is Awka North that have been representing the Constituency leaving the zone B which is Obizi to feel marginalised.
…..Maka na enye ndi ebea nwancho ncho, enye ndi ebea nwantiti anwuli ewe zue oke.
Let me take us down the memory lane on how we have been represented till date;
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBERS FROM 1999- TILL DATE
CHUDI OFFODILE
PDP
1999-2003
AWKA
CHIEF O.C EGWUATU
PDP
2003-2007
AWKA
EMMANUEL UCHIEZE
PDP
2007-2001
ACHALLA
EMEKA NWOGBO
APGA
2011-2015
AWKA
ANAYO NNEBE
PDP
2015-2019
AWKA
SAMUEL ONWUASO
PDP
2019-TILL DATE
AWKA
With the statistics above, it is crystal clear for all to see that zone A and C has been in the green Chambers for the past 22 years and it is imperative on grounds of fairness, equity, justice and good conscience to rotate the position to Obizi zone come 2023.
It is an acknowledged fact that Obizi has High profile individuals who are highly qualified for the said office.
Presently, High Chief Dr. Azubuike Austin Ekweozor (Ide Umuawulu, Nwanayoeze), a highly resourceful Obizi son with leadership capacity, has expressed interest to contest for Federal House of Representatives Awka North and South Federal Constituency in 2023 general elections and it is well and kindly advised that he be supported by all the three (3) zones.
*Casmir Obiegbolu writes from Awka, Anambra State.
