NJF Demands Equity, Upholds Power Rotation in Search for Okey Ezea’s Successor
The Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF) has urged political stakeholders in Enugu North Senatorial District to ensure that equity, justice and fair play guide the process of selecting a replacement for the late Okey Ezea.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Benson Ezugwu, and Secretary, Felix Abugu, the forum emphasised the need to sustain the existing unwritten power rotation arrangement within the district to preserve peace, unity and political stability.
According to the NJF, zoning and power rotation are established political practices not peculiar to Enugu North but common across the country. It noted that the late Ezea hailed from the Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency and insisted that his successor should emerge from the same constituency in the interest of fairness and continuity.
“Though we recognise the constitutional right of politicians from other constituencies to contest elections, it is in the overall interest of our people and for unity of purpose that the zone maintains its political cohesion to achieve set goals,” the statement read.
The forum also cautioned against external interference in the selection process, warning that any attempt to impose a candidate on the district would portray the zone as disorganised and undermine effective representation.
“No individual or group should impose a senator on our people. The people of Enugu North are capable of making informed decisions on who replaces Okey Ezea,” the group stated.
It stressed that the choice of a successor should be the outcome of broad consultations among leaders and stakeholders of the senatorial district in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding.
Reflecting on Ezea’s tenure, the forum described him as a lawmaker who set high standards during his brief stay in the Senate through what it termed “organic representation” and people-centred legislative motions. It urged that his successor should not fall short of that benchmark.
The NJF further commended the people of Nsukka for the massive turnout at Ezea’s burial in his country home, Itchi, describing the crowd as a demonstration of the enduring spirit and solidarity of the Nsukka people.
“When you do good, posterity will remember you. Ezea lived for his people, died a hero, and was honoured by his people even in death,” the statement added.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
