The Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Sunday night, affirmed the earlier position of Governor Sullivan Chime of the state, zoning the 2015 governorship seat to Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Nsukka cultural zone.
The decision put to rest sundry speculations of aspirations being expressed by certain persons and groups from Enugu West Senatorial District, where the incumbent governor hails from.
The unanimous endorsement followed a motion moved by Chief Dubem Onyia, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, which was seconded by Ben-Collins Ndu.
He hinged the recommendation on what he termed the “inherent agreement we have in Enugu State in view of our historical antecedents.”
There was no dissenting voice when it was put to voice vote by the state chairman of the party, Engr. Vita Abba, leading to loud ovation from the members at the state caucus meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge.
Earlier, Governor Chime had called for sacrifice and understanding especially from most of the elected representatives, saying “we have to respect agreements based on zoning in order to make transition easier and smoother.”
In his own contribution before the endorsement was put to vote, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy President of the Senate said he had always maintained that he had no problem with the governorship position going to Nsukka zone, adding: “If we want it (zoning it to Enugu North Senatorial zone), let us discuss it (because) I’m all for it.”
Also, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former governor of the state and ex-national chairman of PDP commended Governor Chime’s leadership style and wide consultation prior to elections.
He said: “Some of us initially did not understand the governor’s style but he has convinced us and pushed it through.
“What has been said by the governor (need to respect agreements) is true because it has saved us from unnecessary rancour and bickering. I want to congratulate the caucus on the decision (zoning the governorship to Nsukka) taken today.”
The meeting was attended by all the National Assembly members from the state (except Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was bereaved), former deputy governor, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, Ambassador (Mrs.) Justina Eze, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Eugene Odoh and other principal officers, PDP Board of Trustees member, Mrs. Sally Egbogu and former federal lawmakers among others.
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