By Chief Ogenyi Donatus (Okenwa)
The ongoing conversation regarding the Chairmanship position of Isi-Uzo Local Government presents an opportunity for all stakeholders to reflect on the principles of equity, fairness, inclusion, and balanced representation that have sustained peace and political stability in our local government over the years.
Historically, political power in Isi-Uzo was shared between Eha-Amufu and Igbo-Eno through an understanding that promoted mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. However, with the creation of Development Centres in Enugu State, a more structured framework for political participation emerged, and the basis for power sharing evolved accordingly.
Today, Isi-Uzo Local Government is politically structured into four recognized Development Centres:
1. Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre
2. Amanyi Development Centre
3. Eha-Amufu West Development Centre
4. Eha-Amufu East Development Centre
These four Development Centres now form the foundation of political representation and rotational arrangements in Isi-Uzo.
The practical application of this arrangement became evident in 2008 when Dr. Sam C. Ugwu from Ikem in Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre was elected Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government. Upon the completion of his tenure, power moved to Hon. Augustine Nnamani from Neke in Amanyi Development Centre.
This transition effectively marked the evolution of power rotation from the old Eha-Amufu/Igbo-Eno arrangement to a Development Centre-based rotational system.
As a result, Isi-Uzo Central and Amanyi Development Centres occupied the Chairmanship position consecutively for eight years. During the same period, Rt. Hon. Dr. D. C. Ogbuabor from Eha-Amufu occupied the State House of Assembly seat. At the time, this arrangement was accepted as fair, balanced, and equitable.
Similarly, when Dr. Sam C. Ugwu sought to contest for the House of Representatives while serving as Chairman, the then administration preferred Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Ebenyi, who also hailed from Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre. That decision was accepted in the spirit of political balance and collective interest.
Therefore, if such arrangements were considered fair in the past, the same standards of fairness should apply today.
At present, the State House of Assembly seat is occupied by Hon. Gabriel Eze from Umualor in Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre. Yet, there are renewed efforts for the same political bloc to also secure the Chairmanship position.
This naturally raises questions about balance, equity, and adherence to the established rotational understanding that has guided Isi-Uzo politics for years.
More importantly, it is necessary to address the recurring argument that the Chairmanship should not move from Eha-Amufu East to Eha-Amufu West because both belong to Eha-Amufu.
Such reasoning fails to recognize the political structure of Isi-Uzo.
Kano State has forty-four Local Government Areas and remains one state. Enugu State has seventeen Local Government Areas and also remains one state. Yet, federal government monthly allocation to Kano State is double of Enugu state allocation, the reason is simple because of population difference. Government will always consider numbers and population in sharing of both political posts and dividends.
The same principle applies in Isi-Uzo.
Although Eha-Amufu is one town by name and history, it is politically recognized as two distinct Development Centres—Eha-Amufu East and Eha-Amufu West. Just as Isi-Uzo Central and Amanyi are treated as separate political entities, Eha-Amufu East and Eha-Amufu West deserve the same recognition.
Therefore, moving the Chairmanship from Eha-Amufu East Development Centre to Eha-Amufu West Development Centre is not a continuation of power in one place. Rather, it is a transfer of leadership from one Development Centre to another within the established rotational framework.
Furthermore, while population is an important consideration in every democratic settings; and democracy is fundamentally about participation, inclusion, justice, and equal opportunity. The strength of democracy lies not in the domination of one group but in ensuring that every segment of society has a sense of belonging and representation.
The case for Eha-Amufu West becomes even more compelling when viewed from the perspective of political inclusion.
For several years, Eha-Amufu West Development Centre has remained without any major elective office or significant government appointment despite its contributions to the growth and development of Isi-Uzo Local Government.
Even more significant is the position of Agu-Amede Autonomous Community.
As the largest and most populous community within Eha-Amufu West Development Centre, Agu-Amede has never produced a Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government, a Member of the State House of Assembly, a Member of the House of Representatives, or a Commissioner since the creation of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.
This reality highlights the need for broader inclusion and deliberate efforts to ensure that every community has a meaningful stake in governance.
As things stand today, Isi-Uzo Central and Amanyi Development Centres currently occupy several strategic political and governmental positions, while Eha-Amufu West remains largely excluded from the distribution of major offices.
The issue before Ndi Isi-Uzo is therefore not Eha-Amufu versus Igbo-Eno. The real issue is whether the Local Government will continue to uphold the Development Centre-based rotational principle that has promoted peace, stability, and political balance over the years.
Equity does not mean giving everything to one section. Equity means ensuring that every section is given its rightful opportunity.
Allowing and supporting Eha-Amufu West Development Centre to produce the next Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government is not a request for special treatment. It is a legitimate call for fairness, justice, inclusion, and respect for the established rotational arrangement that has guided the political development of Isi-Uzo.
As stakeholders continue consultations ahead of the forthcoming elections, there is every reason to support leaders whose records reflect competence, integrity, commitment, and dedication to public service.
In this regard, High Chief Hon. Brendan Emeka Ani has consistently distinguished himself as a unifying and forward-looking leader. His approach to leadership has never been based on sectional interests, discrimination, or personal affiliations. Rather, he has always demonstrated a commitment to competence, hard work, dedication, and service irrespective of where an individual comes from.
His leadership philosophy reflects the values of fairness, merit, inclusiveness, and grassroots development that the people of Isi-Uzo desire and deserve.
Therefore, in the interest of justice, unity, political stability, and sustainable development, we appeal to all stakeholders, traditional rulers, political leaders, party faithful, youth groups, women organizations, and opinion moulders to support a fair and balanced rotational process.
By giving Eha-Amufu West Development Centre its rightful opportunity within the established rotational arrangement, Isi-Uzo will reinforce the principles of equity and inclusiveness that are essential for lasting peace, unity, and progress.
A just decision today will strengthen confidence in our democratic process and deepen the bonds of brotherhood among all the people of Isi-Uzo.
A view of a Concerned citizen of Isi-uzo LGA
Chief Ogenyi Donatus.
(Okenwa)
