Okonkwo Samuel
Enugu state was created on August 27, 1991. In January 1992, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo of Enugu north senatorial zone was elected the first civilian governor of Enugu state.
That administration was later sacked by the military in 1993 after about two years in office.
In 1999, another election was conducted in Enugu state and Dr Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu East Senatorial Zone was elected the 2nd civilian governor of Enugu state.
There was another transition in 2007, where Barr Sullivan Chime of Enugu west senatorial zone was elected as the 3rd civilian governor of the state.
Sullivan Chime of Enugu west senatorial district completed the first round of rotation among the 3 senatorial zones in Enugu state in 2015.
And it started again with Enugu north senatorial zone with the incumbent gov Ugwuanyi.
This clarification is necessary for those who erroneously claim that rotation for the governorship seat in Enugu state has gone round and that it can start from any zone.
The rotation was completed in 2015 and it started again from Nsukka where it began in 1992 through Okwesilieze Nwodo.
In 2023, gov Ugwuanyi who took the second turn of ndi Nsukka is expected to be succeeded by onye Nkanu zone.
Since the creation of Enugu state in 1991. Enugu north Senatorial Zone has produce two govs, Enugu East and and Enugu west have produced one each.
Chief Dr Jim Nwobodo and Chief Barr C.C Onoh were not civilian governors of Enugu state. They were governors of Old Anambra state.
As at 1978 and 1983 when they held offices as governors, Enugu east senatorial zone, Enugu north senatorial zone and Enugu west senatorial zone weren’t in existence.
For instance, as at the time Chief Barr Onoh was the governor of Old Anambra state, Ngwo was in the old Udi division.
Therefore, the anti zoning elements in Enugu state should stop causing political tensions and respect the gentleman agreement that has brought a peaceful transition of power from one senatorial zone to another.
Enugu state is in the hands of God. By 2023, Enugu East Senatorial Zone will produce the next governor who will consolidate on the zoning.
Source: AIF Media
