New book raises knowledge in Enugu zoning convention

By Dennis Agbo

A book detailing the chronology and imperatives of political zoning agreement and convention, particularly the governorship position in Enugu state has created awareness amongst the different divides of the state.

Written by four scholars from the state, the book, “Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State: Evolution, Practice and Convention (1999–2023)” examines the evolution, practice, and conventions surrounding the zoning of the governorship position in the state from 1999 to 2023.

Scheduled for official presentation on May 7, at the International Conference Center Enugu, the book has stimulated discussions among the political interest groups in the state.

Briefing newsmen about the book, three of the co-authors—Dr. Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, and Mr. Clinton Umeh—highlighted the motivations behind the publication, describing it as a research-driven effort to document and clarify the often-debated zoning arrangement in Enugu politics.

Dr. Anioke said the outcome of the 2023 governorship election, which witnessed intense debate and disagreements over zoning, provided a major impetus for the work.

According to him, the controversies and “bickering” that characterized the period underscored the need to compile verifiable facts about zoning in the state.

He noted that former governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi strongly upheld the zoning principle, suggesting that his stance may have come at a political cost.

Anioke emphasized that zoning has remained a recurring issue in every election cycle, but insisted that stakeholders interviewed for the book overwhelmingly agreed that the system—whether viewed as a convention or practice—has worked for Enugu State.

Describing the book as a blend of historical documentation and eyewitness accounts, he traced the roots of zoning to what he called a “triangular equilibrium” among the old Enugu, Nsukka, and Abakaliki divisions.

This, he explained, served as a balancing mechanism before the creation of new states.

He further pointed to the emergence of advocacy groups such as Ifemelumma and Odimma Ndi Nsukka, which have championed zoning over the years.

According to him, while the book did not delve into micro-zoning, it captured the general consensus among the people that equity and fairness are best preserved when power rotates among the zones.

Also speaking, Dr. Igboke said the publication situates zoning within the framework of senatorial district balancing rather than cultural considerations.

He acknowledged that while some political actors deny the existence of any formal agreement on zoning, there is broad consensus on its necessity for political stability.

“This is our contribution to knowledge,” he said, noting that the authors relied on archival records and firsthand interviews with key political players.

He added that the book provides an exhaustive account of developments from 1999 to 2023, including insights into how zoning influenced not just the governorship but also other offices such as deputy governor and speaker—though the book’s primary focus remains the governorship.

Dr. Igboke described the work as the first comprehensive attempt to validate the zoning arrangement in Enugu in book form, expressing optimism that it would help reduce political tensions and disputes, especially during election periods.

He further explained that debates over whether zoning had completed a full cycle across the senatorial districts contributed to tensions in the last election, making it necessary to document its evolution and practice to avoid future controversies.

On his part, Mr. Umeh revealed that the research uncovered political intrigues dating back to the return of democracy in 1999, particularly among prominent figures such as Jim Nwobodo, Okwy Nwodo, and Chimaroke Nnamani, who debated which zone should produce the first governor in the new democratic era.

He noted that the book also explores the political dynamics that contributed to Nnamani’s emergence as governor in 1999, as well as issues such as the unique case of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, which he said straddles both cultural and political identities between Enugu East and Nsukka zones.

Umeh argued that zoning has contributed significantly to political stability in Enugu State, contrasting it with what he described as volatility in states where such arrangements are absent.

He maintained that the documentation provided in the book would serve as a valuable resource for researchers and help prevent future disputes over the zoning structure.

The authors collectively expressed confidence that the book would deepen understanding of Enugu’s political evolution and reinforce the role of zoning in promoting peace, equity, and development in the state.