By Onuora Odo

It continues to agitate every politically conscious mind in Enugu North Senatorial Zone in Enugu State that since the creation of Enugu State in 1991, we have been playing second fiddles while the other two zones continue to call the shots. It is really worrisomely disturbing that a Senatorial Zone that is almost larger than the other two Senatorial Zones combined is being relegated to the back seat in the scheme of things in both Enugu State and Nigeria at large. It may interest you to note that since the creation of Enugu State, nobody of Enugu North extraction has smelt any federal appointments; be it ministerial, head of a federal board or agency. This calls for a serious concern and introspection.

As we all know, Enugu North Senatorial Zone is abundantly blessed with galaxy of eminently qualified men and women alike who are fit and proper to occupy any position you can think of. We parade the best brains; I mean, men and women who are intellectually endowed and who have gotten to the zenith of their individual professions and who have garnered the necessary experience, exposure and expertise in virtually every field of human endevour.

Comparatively speaking, we are far better than the other two zones in terms of educational attainments, indubitably so. We do not need to delve into the stastics now for want of time.

Apparently, there is no disputing the fact that Enugu North Senatorial Zone has been conspicuously marginalized; bearing the brunt of inadequate infrastructural development and limited federal appointments. This glaring disparity amongst the three zones resulted in our zone being relegated to the periphery of national development, with our people shouldering an unfair burden.

It is ironical, paradoxical and unsettling that despite our numerical strength, Enugu North Senatorial Zone has been marginalized and excluded from key decision-making positions. Zones with smaller populations are disproportionately represented, wielding significant influence and power.

This current state of affairs is unacceptable and undermines the principles of equity and fairness. Our zone’s numerical strength should translate to greater representation and influence, not the opposite.

The gravamen and, if you like, the kernel of this discourse is the way and manner our brother’s name, Dr. Daniel Ugwuja also known as Danigold was surreptitiously removed from the South East Development Commission, an appointment that already poured cold water on the troubled heart of Ndị Enugu North Senatorial Zone. Yes, No matter the prism you may want to look at it, the news of Danigold’s appointment into the Commission brought a temporary relief to everybody who is politically conscious in Enugu North. However, the relief had a very short life span as the forces of darkness did not allow it to last. It was truncated and thwarted by those who glory in seeing Enugu North suffer endless stagnation and relegation.

At this juncture, I think there is an urgent need to look inwards and devolve tactical strategies to capture our pride of place in the scheme of things. Let us face what is facing us instead of pursuing shadows and engaging in endless blame games that will not take us anywhere.

The federal government and those at the balcony of power need to be constantly reminded that Enugu North Senatorial Zone is evidently missing in action in the scheme of things in Nigeria. On the strength of the foregoing developments, I urge the government to take corrective measures to address this imbalance, ensuring that Enugu North’s voice is heard and its interests are represented.

I also urge the federal government to take immediate action to address this imbalance, ensuring that Enugu North receives its fair share of infrastructural developments and appointments. It is only through deliberate efforts to promote equity and inclusion that we can hope to bridge the gap and create a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all.

On a note of finality, let me conclude by saying that, “exclusion from power is akin to exclusion from the benefits of power”.

I rest my case!

Onuora Odo Esq, a proud son of Enugu Ezike writes from Enugu, Nigeria.

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