Zoning, reason for peace in Enugu - book lunchers

A new book chronicling the evolution and impact of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State was officially presented in Enugu, on Thursday, with traditional rulers, politicians, and academics describing the convention as a cornerstone of peace and equity in the state.

Titled -“Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State: Evolution, Practice and Convention,” the book was unveiled at a ceremony attended by prominent figures including traditional ruler Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, APC State Chairman Martin Chukwunwike, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, and Commissioner for Information Dr. Malachy Agbo.

Performing the unveiling, Igwe Agubuzu said the rotation of the governorship among Enugu’s three senatorial districts has sustained peace in the state since 1999. 

“Rotation among the three senatorial districts has given us peace since 1999. It’s good the book was written and we will learn much from it,” the monarch said.

Co-author Uche Anioke said the publication was born out of a need to document Enugu’s political culture following the controversies that trailed the 2023 governorship race. He noted that zoning was not formally discussed in 1999 when Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani emerged as governor, allegedly after former governor Jim Nwobodo expressed interest in choosing his successor.

“There are things nobody has said that are in this book. It’s important to document our political culture for future generations. We have achieved bringing the issue to the front burner,” Anioke said, adding that key stakeholders in the zoning doctrine were either present or represented at the launch.

Reviewing the book, Dr. Chinedu Onu said that zoning in Enugu state was never codified but has operated as a convention rooted in fairness and justice rather than power play. He recounted how Nnamani, on leaving office, installed Sullivan Chime from Enugu West, who in turn said the seat should move to Nsukka when his tenure ended — a move Onu said cemented Enugu’s “tripod” political structure.

“It has brought peace to us as Wawa people who are peaceful people,” Onu said. “Zoning reflects justice and not about power play. It’s a convention that has no written document anywhere but is designed to engender fairness and equity in the polity.”

He also recalled the 2023 election period, when groups such as Ifemelumma and Ka’ Isi-Uzo Jie emerged to challenge the arrangement, but said “at the end, justice prevailed.” 

Comparing Enugu to Kogi and Benue states, he noted that while dominant ethnic groups in those states often exclude smaller groups from power, Enugu has consistently upheld zoning.

Hon. Emeka Ugwuaba, representing the Managing Director of COMAG Group at the book launch, commended the authors for sparking a vital conversation. “The arrangement has brought peace to us and the authors have penned it down for posterity,” he said, while lamenting the poor reading culture in the country.

Capt. Everest Nnaji, represented by Chinagorom Egbo, described the work as more than an academic contribution. “It is a commendable voice and compass for future generations in Enugu State,” he said.

APC Chairman Martin Chukwunwike said the documentation of the zoning arrangement would serve as a reference point for the state’s political future. 

“Now the rotation is documented and we are all witness to the documentation. I thank the authors for the good work,” he stated.