Our Reporter, Abuja
The Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF) has called on political gladiators in the Enugu North Senatorial District to ensure that equity, justice and fair play prevail in the selection of a replacement for Senator Okey Ezea as representative of the district.
In a statement jointly signed by Benson Ezugwu and Felix Abugu, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the forum urged political stakeholders in the zone to sustain the existing unwritten power rotation arrangement to promote peace and unity.
“It is a glaring fact that there has been an existing power rotation arrangement, which is not peculiar to Enugu North Senatorial District alone but also applies to other areas across the country.
“Okey hailed from Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency; therefore, we strongly support that whoever replaces him must come from the same Nsukka/Igboeze South Constituency.
“Though we recognise the right of politicians from other constituencies to contest elections, it is in the interest of our people and for unity of purpose that the zone maintains its political cohesion to achieve set goals,” the NJF stated.
The group also urged the zone to resist external interference in the choice of Ezea’s replacement, warning that such interference would portray the people as poorly organised and could result in a senator who serves narrow interests rather than the collective good.
“No individual, person or group should impose anyone on us as senator representing our zone. Our people are capable of making informed choices on who replaces Okey Ezea.
“The replacement of our late senator should be a collective decision by leaders and stakeholders of the senatorial district, taken in an atmosphere of peace and conviviality.
“Late Senator Ezea set a high standard during his brief stay in the upper legislative chamber through his organic representation and motions that impacted his people. We crave no less in his successor.”
The forum commended the people of Nsukka for the befitting burial accorded Ezea in his country home, Itchi, describing the massive turnout as a reflection of the “core spirit of Nsukka people.”
“When you do good, posterity will remember you. Ezea lived for his people, died a hero of his people, and was appreciated by his people even in death,” the statement added.
