Friday, August 8, 2014
Abia monarchs on war path over 2015 governorship

by Stephen Uka, Umuahia


The recent decision of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State, to zone its governorship ticket in 2015 to Abia South senatorial district, seems to have set traditional rulers on collision course as those not favoured by the decision have vowed to resist the move.


But as they strategise to realise their dream, the pro-zoning monarchs have warned them to steer clear or face dire consequences of their actions.


The anti-zoning monarchs led by the paramount ruler of Ngwa land, HRM, Eze Benard Enweremadu, recently met at his palace where they made public their position, arguing that all governorship aspirants of Ukwa/ Ngwa extraction including those from councils outside Abia South district should be allowed to join the race.


According to them since the creation of the state there has never been a time when zoning was respected, hence, all aspirants irrespective of their place of origin should be given equal opportunity to contest so that the best among them would emerge.


The group further argued that since politicians from other zones were not barred from contesting in 1999 and 2007 when the North and Central zones won the seat respectively, it would be strange to hinder willing contestants from other zones from testing their popularity in 2015.


Other prominent monarchs opposed to zoning include Eze Emmanuel Chiavoghinefu, and Eze Nelson Nmerengwa who said that it would be a grave error to exclude Isialangwa North, Isilangwa South and Osisioma councils of Ukwa/ Ngwa bloc regarded as the head of Ngwa land from the race just because by senatorial delimination, they fell within Abia central zone.


The royal fathers therefore asked PDP to reverse its decision on zoning as it was capable of causing disharmony among Ukwa/ Ngwa communities that have for decades maintained ancestral links.


They further argued that zoning would engender peace, fairness and equity in the polity in line with the Abia Charter of Equity.


But in a swift reaction, the Abia State council of traditional rulers sternly warned royal fathers to desist from organising and participating in political meetings or face the wrath of the council.


The council's position was contained in a press statement by the Chairman, Eze Eberechi Dick; the first DeputyChairman, Eze Godwin Chionye, and the second Deputy Chairman, Eze S A Okorie.


The council strongly frowned at the political meeting held in the palace of Eze Enweremadu , and cautioned royal fathers in the state to steer clear from partisan politics, and instead, tosupport the government of the day.


Abia Council of traditional rulers further noted that the trio of Eze Enweremadu, Eze Chiavoghilefu, Eze Nmerengwa and their followers lacked the authority to speak for the traditional institution in the state as they were not part of its leadership, and so enjoined members of the public to disregard their opinion on zoning.

http://odili.net/news/source/2014/aug/8/803.html