Ebonyi: Who Takes over from Egwu?
In Ebonyi state there is apparent dichotomy between the south and northern part of the state. While the north has the majority in population with accompanying two senatorial zones, the south has only one. So far the north has produced the governor in Dr Sam Egwu, but there is a possibility that another part of the area could produce another governor come 2007, as that north comprises both north and central senatorial zones. So the south is at the mercy of the north that can determine at any time where the governor of the state can come from.
Ebonyi state came into existence when the south, which used to belong to Abia state, joined the north that was carved out of Enugu state to form the new state in October 1996. During the clamour for the creation of the state, led by the sage, Late Dr Akanu Ibiam, the Governor of the defunct Eastern Region, it was agreed that the area that produced the capital of the state would not produce its first governor, but this was not followed as the area that produced the capital, Abakaliki, also produced the first elected governor, Dr. Sam Egwu.
This was made possible because of the numeral superiority of the north, which possibly could continue to produce another governor for another two terms.
There is a continuous agitation by the political elite from the south and there is hope that for the sake of justice the governorship position could go to the south in 2007, but it is still the north which has two senatorial districts that ca make it possible.
In fact, politicians from the south repose implicit hope on the Governor, Dr Egwu who is believed to be magnanimous, with strong belief in equity and justice. Even at this wee hours of political movement towards the election year, some political pundits are hopeful that the position would be given to the south as many believe that it is the Governor and God that would determine whoever would become the next governor of the state.
The dichotomy is rife, although subsumed in a fa�ade of unity and oneness, but those from the south lament quietly of not getting all they should get in the civil service and in politics. Many believe that appointments are not judiciously spread among the qualified; rather it is tilted to favour that area that has the majority, even when those from the south are more qualified.
The south has more educated people and if everything is done according to qualification only, there is a possibility that they will hijack all juicy positions in the state, leaving the majority with remnants. Of course, this will not happen so long as the majority has the political power to influence things to their favour.
As the campaign for 2007 gubernatorial race rises to crescendo, hopefuls from the south who believe it is their turn this time are campaigning subtly, hoping that Governor Egwu would maintain a position that the next governor would come from the south. Otherwise it could go to the central, which has equal right and equity to present a governor for the state in 2007.
As politicians still keep their fingers crossed, the southern part of Ebonyi state will still keep their burden as a minority group in the scheme of things. Although it must be acknowledged that even as a minority, the area still hold its head high because it is a minority the rest of Ebonyi state cannot do without...
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