Traditional rulers from Dunukofia Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra, have alleged political marginalization of the area since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999.
The royal fathers called for a deliberate political design in the spirit of equity, fairness and brotherhood, for a son or daughter of the council area to represent Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber come 2023.
The traditional rulers made this plea in a communique issued at the end of their meeting and deliberation on political developments as it affects the council on Friday in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA.
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They, however, acknowledged that though Dunukofia had a low number of wards compared to Njikoka and Anaocha LGAs, placing it at a political disadvantage, it was “not of our own making”.
“We, traditional rulers, believe that with mutual understanding and brotherly love, the issue of the political disadvantage will be resolved amicably, and fairness given to all.
According to them, the council has eminently qualified persons that can make the Federal Constituency proud, calling on major political parties such as APC, PDP and APGA, to zone their House of Representatives position to Dunukofia.
The communiqué read in part: “That we of old Njikoka council area (Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha), have since remained together and constitute the Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency.
“That collectively we are made up of political wards distributed thus; Dunukofia- 4, Njikoka– 18, and Anaocha– 19; thus totaling 51 wards that constitute the Federal Constituency.
“That for the past 24 years (1999 to 2022), both Njikoka and Anaocha have each represented the Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers, each for 12 years.
“That no son or daughter of Dunukofia council has legally represented Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency.at the Green Chambers for the past 24 years.
“That there are 21 Local Government Areas in Anambra State. That 11 Federal constituencies are carved out of these 21 Local Government Areas. That Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency is one of such constituencies.
“That a son or daughter of the other 20 Local Government Areas has represented their Federal Constituency at one time or another.
“That Dunukofia is the only Local Government Area in Anambra State whose son/daughter has never represented his/her Federal Constituency over the past 24 years in the current democratic dispensation.
“That we are of the opinion that it is time a son or daughter of Dunukofia was given a chance to represent Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha at the Green Chambers.
“That we appreciate the strong bond of brotherhood that holds us together and recognize the fact that when three ‘brothers’ are eating, equity, justice, and fairness usually comes into play when sharing the ‘meat’ in the plate of soup.
“In this light and in recognition of the place of diplomacy and dialogue in politics, we have opted to dialogue with our fellow Igwes (traditional rulers) of both Anaocha and Njikoka LGAs, with a view to requesting them to appeal to their subjects/children to shelf their ambition to go to the Green Chambers this time.
“They should allow the major political parties to zone their candidacy for this post to Dunukofia council area, in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness, as well as the brotherhood that we have enjoyed all these years.
“That Dunukofia council sons/daughters are known to be passionate in discharging any duty assigned to them and representing us at the Green Chambers will not be an exception.”
They said traditional rulers were deploying consultation/dialogue to ensure that they nipped in the bud any acrimony of marginalisation among their children, and at the same time maintain mutual cooperation in future shared responsibilities.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Igwe Robert Eze, the Traditional Ruler of Ukpo community; Igwe Emeka Ilouno, Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu community and Igwe C. Anochie, Traditional Ruler of Umunnachi community.
Others are: Igwe Ralph Chukwurah, Traditional Ruler of Umudioka community; Igwe Peter Uyanwa, Traditional Ruler of Ukwulu community and Igwe George Okaa-Onwuogu, Traditional Ruler of Nawgu community. (NAN)
