Commentary: Adhering To Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s Candid Advice

^{WRITTEN BY EGBUNA AMUTA}

Few days ago, a former vice president of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, implored politicians in Anambra state to comply strictly with the zoning and rotation principles by

allowing Anambra North Senatorial district to continue to occupy the governorship seat for uninterrupted eight years. Dr. Ekwueme gave the advice while playing host to a delegation of the state branch of Ohaneze Ndigbo in his Oko country home.

The ex-vice president predicated his wise counsel on his belief in the ideals of justice, equity and fairness. He recalled that he, and a foremost Igbo icon, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as well as other delegates from the Southeast and other fair minded delegates from different parts of the country had, during the 1995 National Conference, championed the cause for inclusion of zoning and rotation principles in the Nigerian constitution.

Dr. Ekwueme pointed out that Ndigbo had, over the years, campaigned vigorously against discrimination and marginalization, pointing out that it would be contradictory and self-stabbing for politicians in Anambra and other Igbo speaking states to work against the zoning and rotation principles. The sage warned that if Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo violate the zoning and rotation principle in the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial poll, other Nigerians would no longer take them serious in their agitation for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in the near future.

One cannot but agree entirely with the ex-vice president, who is apparently the most experienced and highest living former political office holder today from Southeast Nigeria. By age, experience and conduct, Dr. Ekwueme is undoubtedly an elder statesman in Africa. His advice should therefore be given serious consideration by present day members of the political class for the promotion of peace, unity and progress of the country.

Although rotation and zoning principles are yet to be enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, they are, nonetheless, already being practiced as a convention by many interest groups in the country. The principles are also in tandem with the federal character provision in the 1999 Constitution, as amended. There is however no gainsaying the fact that federal character principle is more often than not violated or breached by some politicians. Little wonder there are strident agitations for restructuring of Nigeria’s political system and infrastructure for justice, equity and fairness to prevail.

Be that as it may, Dr. Ekwueme’s candid advice for Anambra politicians to allow the North Senatorial district complete its eight-year tenure is germane and should be respected. This is because, apart from the obvious fact that Governor Obiano is performing exceptionally well, he is the first person ever from Anambra North Senatorial district to be the Chief Executive of the state since its creation about twenty-six years ago.

On the contrary, the South senatorial district had, since the aborted Third Republic, produced Governors Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chinwoke Mbadinuju and Dame Virgie Etiaba. Dr. Chris Ngige and Sir Peter Obi, from Anambra Central district, have collectively governed the state for eleven years from 2003 to 2014. It is therefore fair for Governor Obiano to be allowed to be in office for eight years in accordance with his entitlement by the constitution.

It is worthy of note that if Obiano would serve for only four years, any other gubernatorial flag bearer from his senatorial district is entitled to another two terms of four years each, totaling eight years. This would definitely be unacceptable to Ndi Anambra. It would surely create tension and restiveness.

Besides, Obiano has acquitted himself creditably. Little wonder, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, in his third anniversary lecture of the Obiano administration, re-echoed an American aphorism which says; “if not broken, why mend it.” Dr. Ekwueme apparently shares the same opinion with Professor Soludo.

This can be deduced from the fact that he has consistently spoken well of the Obiano administration and has also always honored every invitation of the present state government. This explains why the former vice president and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife were physically present at the Ekwulobia stadium, the day the Old Aguata Union, OAU, conferred the traditional title of Agunechemba on Governor Obiano and unanimously endorsed him for a second term.

For justice, equity, fairness and good performance, members of the Anambra political class and the electorate should hearken to the wise counsel of Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, and whole heartedly support the re-election bid of Governor Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano, Akpokuedike Ndigbo ninee. Forward ever, backward never.