Historically, there was only three divisions in what we called Enugu State today, out of the three divisions, we have Awgu Division, Nsukka Division, and Udi Division ( includes Nkanu ), originally, Enugu State was standing on three legs ( Awgu division, Nsukka division, Udi division ) and Enugu State is unstable today because one major division has been deliberately marginalized and that division is Greater Awgu and that has created serious political irregularities, dysfunctions and injustice in Enugu State which must be corrected immediately.
Those who are propagating the so called deceitful zoning propaganda in Enugu using senatorial zones to back their claims are uninformed and ignorant fellows.
Assuming there was a zoning arrangement in Enugu State in 1999, can we be told where the decision was taken?
Who are these Enugu elders/ political actors involved in the zoning arrangement meeting and discussion?
What is the sin of Awgu division ?
The arrival of the answers to above questions will lead me to my next response to this personal submission from you.
The statements below came from Hon. Emeka Aneke an active political actor and Stakeholder in Enugu since 1999.
I was a member of Oganiru. And we did not start zoning. We never discussed nor used zoning as parameter to choose a candidate in 1999. Our primary concern was who could be trusted and loyal to Jim. Jim was our leader and he was supporting Hon Silas Ilo and Chief Obiechina as possible options. The two are from Enugu West. Chimaraoke (Enugu East) came with superior organisational power, youthful activism and huge financial war chest. He changed the game to his favour but not on the basis of zoning but on mass appeal.
Even, in same PDP, Okwy Nwodo was fronting Hon Nduka Agu from Ngwo ( Enugu West-Udi) as his preferred candidate. Udi power brokers then, (Egumgbe, Ugo Agballa and Evelyn Ekwo Ahananonu) stoutly opposed Nduka Agu but vehemently supported Dr Chimaraoke. Zoning was never part of the consideration.
In AP, GNG held sway on the basis of popularity not zoning. Late Chief Alexis Anielo( Udi), Hon Anayo Ede (Nkanu), and Chief Walter Chukwujindu ( Benwals- Orji River) were his main backers. Nothing was done on basis of zoning but political expediency, relationship and choice.
Let’s be guided .