Prominent leaders and stakeholders in Enugu State have identified the governorship zoning arrangement as the primary driver of peace and inclusiveness, as documented in a new book chronicling the state’s political evolution since 1999.
The governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State has been lauded by a broad spectrum of stakeholders as the essential catalyst for the peace, inclusiveness, and political stability enjoyed in the state since the return to democracy in 1999.
This consensus was reached on Wednesday during the high-profile unveiling of a new book titled “Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State; Evolution, Practice and Convention (1999–2023) ” at the International Conference Centre in Enugu. Authored by four prominent media experts and public analysts – Dr. Uchenna Anioke, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, Mr. Clinton Umeh, and Dr. Chikezie Obasi – the publication seeks to provide an objective historical account of the state’s power-sharing culture.
The former Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Lawrence Agubuzu, who chaired the occasion, noted that the rotational system among the three senatorial districts has successfully prevented the kind of political friction seen in other parts of the country.
He emphasized that the zoning formula – moving from Enugu East to Enugu West and then Enugu North – has evolved into a stabilizing political culture. “Enugu has become a model of equity; many states are envious of our peaceful atmosphere because this formula ensures that every zone has a sense of belonging,” Agubuzu remarked. He added that while the policy may not be written in the constitution, it is “written in the hearts of the people who value harmony over discord.”
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Malachy Agbo, praised the publication as a timely intellectual contribution.
He specifically commended his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his statesmanlike role in ensuring the transfer of power back to Enugu East, thereby preserving the integrity of the rotational cycle. “This book is a roadmap for future generations to understand that our progress is rooted in fairness,” the Governor stated, urging residents to study the text to appreciate the nuances of the state’s political history.
Adding a perspective on the origins of the practice, Chief Uche Nnaji, represented by PDP chieftain Mr. Chukwunonye Okereke, highlighted that the zoning culture was meticulously nurtured by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He observed that the successful tenures of former Governors Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi were all products of this deliberate arrangement. Supporting this view, Chief Nnanna Atuonwu, representing former Governor Sullivan Chime, described the system as an “unwritten convention that has proven more effective than many formal laws in sustaining political balance.”
Reviewing the work, Dr. Chinedu Onu of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, described the book as a “necessary intervention” following the heated debates of the 2023 election cycle. He noted that the authors successfully captured how the principles of equity have shaped every transition. “Power-sharing is the bedrock of national unity,” Onu argued, noting that the book also bridges the gap between local zoning and the broader Nigerian concept of federal character.
Dr. Uchenna Anioke, speaking on behalf of the co-authors, revealed that the project was born out of a need to combat misinformation. “Our goal was to document the roles of traditional rulers and political leaders who acted as the guardians of this peace,” Anioke explained.
He emphasized that by providing a researched, archival account of how zoning has functioned for over two decades, the authors hope to encourage constructive political engagement rather than the divisive rhetoric that often precedes election years.
The event concluded with a call for political actors to continue respecting these conventions to ensure that Enugu remains a sanctuary of political peace in the Southeast.
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