The zoning arrangement for the Okigwe North Federal Constituency seat, established in 1999, though not Constitutional, has been a cornerstone of fairness and representation among the Local Government Areas (LGAs) that make up Okigwe North. The rotation has ensured that each LGA has had an opportunity to hold the seat, fostering unity and cooperation.
The Historical Context
– In 1999: Late Hon. Maurice Ibekwe from Onuimo LGA was elected, serving as a pioneering figure in this zoning arrangement.
– 2003: Hon. Maurice Ibekwe was re-elected but unfortunately passed away. Hon. Mike Ohia from Onuimo LGA succeeded him through a bye-election to complete the tenure. (Recall Onuimo wasn’t supposed to be the first Local Government to emerge then, because they are not the oldest LGA in Okigwe North, but Isiala Mbano had Senator Ararume in the Senate, while Okigwe local government had His Excellency late Engr. Ebere Udeagu as the deputy Governor of Imo State then, which automatically made Onuimo the first local government to produce the House of Representative member in Okigwe North, which they had a parallel 8 years in office).
– 2007 & 2011: Rt. Hon. Mathew Omegara from Okigwe LGA was elected and re-elected, marking Okigwe’s tenure.
– 2015 & 2019: Hon. Engr. Obinna Onwubuariri from Isiala Mbano LGA was elected and re-elected. However, due to an election petition, Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha took over to complete Isiala Mbano’s tenure.
How the Second phase of the zoning arrangement started in 2023
Given the zoning arrangement’s history, by the end of 2023, all three local governments in Okigwe North had completed 8 years each, and there was a clamour for who would begin the next phase.
Onuimo LGA submitted that since they started the first phase, they should be allowed to begin the second phase, while Isiala Mbano LGA queried the position of Onuimo and submitted that since they took last in the zoning arrangement, they should be allowed to continue the next phase, since all the local governments in Okigwe North had gone for 8 years each, and a senate position zone to Okigwe/Onuimo. The political hemisphere was heated to its crescendo, as Onuimo Sons and daughters contested the primary election ticket of the Major Political parties, namely APC, PDP, and LP, and lost to Isiala Mbano candidates.
Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha was the flagbearer of APC, Hon. Chikwem Onuoha was the flagbearer of LP, and Hon. Obinna Onwubuariri was the flagbearer of PDP, and then an Onuimo Son, Hon. Uche Lebechi, was the flagbearer of SDP, which automatically set the pace for the second phase of the zoning arrangement in motion.The election produced Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha as the winner of that keenly contested election, followed by two other Isiala Mbano Sons who came second and third, respectively, and then the Onuimo son came fourth.
Now Imagine if the Onuimo Son in SDP emerged in that election, Onuimo would have started the second phase in 2023 but it didn’t happen that way, rather the goal post was shifted to Isiala Mbano who then started the second phase in 2023.
A Call to Reason
Politics all over the world is dynamic and strategic and changes over time. From the clearly narrated shape above the politics of Okigwe North has taken, every reasonable person will allow Isiala Mbano Local government to finish the second term of the first term, that they have started in 2023, Since its 8 years, for each Local Government. which will end in 2031, and then another Local government will take over so that it will go round like the first phase of the Zoning Arrangement.
Building a Stronger Constituency Together
Let’s uphold the zoning principle that has served us well and work with the political trajectory of Okigwe North to ensure a seamless rotation that benefits and unifies our entire constituency.
Signed,
ElderEdie Nwosu
President.
