By Gladys Ekwu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultual group, has restated its stand on the political zoning arrangement of gubernatorial position of Anambra state.
According to the body, all hands should be on deck to support a candidate from Anambra South Senatorial District.
Emerald News reports that the Igbo apex socio-cultural group, which represents all Igbo communities at home and in the diaspora, made the reaffirmation at a town hall meeting it organized at Anaedo Hall Nnewi.
Speaking at the meeting, the National Vice President, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene reminded citizens of the agreement reached at a summit held in 2017, where they unanimously agreed that the state governorship elections will be zoned.
While stating that zoning will provide a level playing ground in the state, Chief Okeke-Ogene urged governorship aspirants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship to enable them achieve free, fair and credible elections.
While describing Governor Willie Obiano as a public oriented governor, he praised him for his cooperation and commitment to bettering the lots of Ndi Anambra and sticking to zoning arrangement.
Speaking, the state President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Emeka Udodeme highlighted the need for zoning, which he said will certainly reduce the cost of electioneering in the state.
Some of the aspirants, who spoke to the press immediately after the meeting, including Chief Rommy Okoli of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe of the People Democratic Party, PDP, thanked Ohaneze Ndigbo for standing firm on the zoning formula, which according to them, will bring harmony to the state.
Present during the meeting were the first female governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba and governorship aspirants from all the political parties in the state.
Also, traditional rulers from Anambra South Senatorial District, led by Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi, who is also the grand patron, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, executive members of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, towns union executives, community stakeholders were also present at the meeting.
