THE UNTOLD SALIENT FACTS ABOUT POLITICAL ARRANGEMENTS IN ABIA CENTRAL SENATORIAL ZONE

Abia Central senatorial zone of Abia State is one of the three senatorial Zones that made up Abia State, as Each Senatorial zone is made up of six Local Government Areas.

The Zone is perceived to be very peculiar, largely because of the political arrangement which brought Three (3) Local Government Areas from Old Umuahia/Ikwuano of Old Bende division and Three (3) Local Government Areas from Umunneato Ngwa of Old Aba division to a political marriage and union of a sort which otherwise addressed as a Political divide or Bloc.

The Umuahia/Ikwuano LGAs is made up of Umuahia North, Umuahia South and Ikwuano LGAs, while that of its Umunneato Ngwa Division is made up of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, and Osisioma Ngwa LGAs.

Over time, the two political divide has enjoyed peace and maintained a smooth and tranquil zoning arrangement in respect to sharing or zoning of political offices due to it.

Suffice it to say that at the return to democracy in 1999, Sen. Dr Bob Nwanunu from Isiala Ngwa South LGA, who is the Umunneato Ngwa extraction took the first slot, ranging from1999-2003. Consequently, Sen Dr Chris Adighije from Umuahia South of Umuahia/Ikwuano division extraction of the zone took their slot from 2003-2007.

The seat then returned to Umunneato Ngwa axis with Sen Dr, Nkechi Justina Nworgu from Osisioma Ngwa LGA elected to serve from 2007-2011. But for some obvious compelling reasons, she was re-elected for a 2nd term making it 8yrs as a Senator (2007-2011 & 2011-2015).

In 2015 the seat then moved back to Umuahia/Ikwuano Axis of the zone, with Sen Dr T.A Orji from Umuahia North LGA who has represented the people of the Senatorial zone since 2015 till date, which by all implication will see him serving for a two term in office when his current tenure expires by 2023.

With the present occupant of Abia central Senatorial seat having come from Umuahia/Ikwuano extraction, it Should, in the interest of Justice, equity and fair play return to the Umunneato Ngwa extraction, with Isiala Ngwa North LGA to due and eminently ready to produce the next Senator for Abia Central senatorial district.

It has become very important to emphasize on the need for Abia Central senatorial zone to continue on this laid part of power rotation (Zoning arrangement): for equity, fairness and justice.

This also has become very important so as to educate the new political breeds and expose them to the root of the peace, stability and political inclusiveness that had hitherto existed and experienced in the Abia Central senatorial zone of the State has enjoyed.

Let me conclude by saying that any political party that jettison this arrangement ultimately stands the risk to lose election in Abia Central.

This position has nothing to do with the agitation for another Ngwa man from Isiala Ngwa North LGA to be elected as next Governor of Abia State to complete the 16yrs done by the Old Bende division.

HE THAT MUST COME TO EQUITY MUST COME WITH A CLEAN HAND.

Hon. Achilihu Destiny
Writes from Amaasa Ntigha