By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, Jan. 26, 2022

A former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, says Enugu is among the few states that has enjoyed political harmony through strict adherence to zoning of key political offices since 1999.

Nnamani, who is representing Enugu East Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber, stated this in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that it was expected that the state governorship slot would return to Enugu East zone for the second round of the rotation arrangement in 2023.

“Enugu is among the few states in the country that enjoy political harmony on account of adherence to zoning or rotation of key political offices in the three senatorial districts, especially the governorship seat, since 1999.

“Nnamani, from Enugu East, was the governor from 1999 to 2007. Sullivan Chime from Enugu West took over from 2007 to 2015, while the incumbent governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, from Enugu North, is expected to complete the cycle in 2023.

“It is expected that the governorship slot will return to Enugu East for the second round of the rotation arrangement in 2023,” he said.

Nnamani reiterated that it was Ugwanyi’s prerogative to produce his successor without any challenge.

This, according to him, is in line with the precedence for the incumbent governor of the state to determine his successor, at least, since 1999.

“We have a tradition in Enugu State politics. The governor is the leader who directs the affairs. He will determine who succeeds him without compromising the electoral processes and whoever he chooses will be our next governor.

“I have absolute loyalty and respect for my governor who is also the leader of the Ebeano political family.

“He has demonstrated the capacity and leadership. We are waiting for him to lead the way to go in 2023 and we shall follow him,” he said.

Nnamani said he was excited with the political developments in the state where accomplished sons and daughters were showing interest in politics, even as he prayed that the best among them will emerge as governor in 2023.

“All the aspirants belong to the Ebeano political family. One hundred percent of them are my primary, secondary and by-products.

“Some may have close affinity with me, which explains the understandable speculations on who I may be supporting among them.

“But, it is the governor that will choose his successor. The political machinery in the state, including the Ebeano family, will be rolled out to support whoever he chooses,” he said.

The former governor advised those fanning the embers of war to sheathe their swords, “because there is no war to be fought. We are one family; whoever emerges will be governor for all.

“No matter the machinations, conspiracies and subterfuges over the governorship primary of our party, we will have a successful transition, under the leadership and guidance of our governor.

“It is understandable that some of those posturing are seeking for relevance or political appointments in other parties. That is the beauty of democracy,” he said.

Nnamani said that he had forgiven all those who might have wronged him in the past, saying: “I harbour no grudge against anyone.

“I have no fears or concerns about anyone. That era is confined to the dustbin of history. We are moving forward as one family for greater Enugu State.”