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The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh has explained the importance of the state’s zoning arrangement, describing it as a principle that promotes equity, fairness, and harmonious coexistence among the various senatorial zones.
Omebeh stated that the philosophy of zoning is anchored on the principle that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” stressing that it encourages reciprocity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence within society.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone demonstrated their commitment to the zoning arrangement during the 2015 governorship election by supporting the candidacy of Chief David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the governorship bid of their own son, Chief Edward Nkwegu (EDON), who contested on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
He further noted that in 2019, Ebonyi North again upheld the zoning principle by supporting Umahi’s re-election.
He added that no governorship candidate from Ebonyi North or Ebonyi Central contested against Umahi during the election, as his only challenger was Senator Sonni Ogbuorji, who also hails from Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone.
The commissioner said that from 2015 to 2023, Ebonyi South enjoyed overwhelming political support from both Ebonyi North and Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zones, a development he described as a demonstration of respect for the state’s power-sharing arrangement.
Omebeh argued that, in the spirit of equity and reciprocity, the people of Ebonyi South should support the re-election of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in 2027, describing it as a way of sustaining the zoning principle that has fostered political stability in the state.
He added that support for Governor Nwifuru’s second-term bid would also amount to supporting the Deputy Governor of the state, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, whom he described as a hardworking daughter of Ebonyi South.
The commissioner also called on stakeholders from the old Ohaozara Zone (Ohanivo Federal Constituency) to support Governor Nwifuru’s re-election to enable the old Afikpo Zone (Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency) complete eight years in the office of Deputy Governor.
He maintained that continued adherence to the zoning arrangement would strengthen peace, unity, and sustainable development across Ebonyi State.
“Together, we shall make Ebonyi State peaceful, robust, and prosperous,” Omebeh said.
