By Chijioke Williams Ugbolue
I respectfully disagree with my beloved brother, Eze Onwenna’s perspective on the issue of legislative representation with regard to the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
While the issue of zoning has come to form part of our political calculation, there is a predominant consensus to always weigh such consideration with the overriding need to prioritize merit, experience and capacity for the ultimate good of our constituency.
Good as zoning might be or appear to be, it can, as in the case of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, with its overriding unity of purpose, and age-long socio-cultural harmony, become a very dangerous recipe for unnecessary disunity, divisions and conflicts among a people known for their unanimity in all things.
The people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency have always seen themselves as one people and can always without any divisive mapping select the best among themselves to represent them at the House of Representatives.
What is always paramount to the Aniocha/Oshimili is to elect an experienced, skilled, proactive and people-oriented representation that can drive development and progress in the constituency.
It is therefore clear that those canvassing for zoning without considering the feelings, disposition and aspiration of the people are only driven by personal inordinate ambition against the collective good and for which they seek to subtly foist the dangerous divide and rule tactic on the people.
It is established that the few individuals harping on zoning against the widely and generally accepted consideration of merit have nothing to offer and cannot win elections if the people speak in one voice.
Any politician who has something to offer should not be afraid of facing the people or seeking to divide them. The attempt to introduce divisive ideas and notions into our body polity is therefore of serious concern to all well-meaning citizen of Aniocha/Oshimili
Democracy is about the aspiration and decision of the people. In spite of the unfortunate experience in the outcome of the 2023 general election in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, the electoral trajectory in the recent years validate their stand on merit.
In recent years, we have seen exceptional representation from an individual who have gone above and beyond to advocate for the constituency’s interests. This individual has continued to demonstrate that good representation knows no geographical boundaries and that his effectiveness is not limited by his place of origin but the entire Federal Constituency.
Rather than focusing on zoning or geographical rotation, we should be looking for such an individual who is blessed and generous, possess the skills, knowledge, and passion to effectively represent our constituency. We need someone who can navigate the complexities of national politics, build strategic relationships, and drive meaningful development projects.
Let us not crucify good representation at the altar of mediocrity. Instead, let us prioritize finding the best candidate for the job, regardless of where he is from. The people of Aniocha/Oshimili deserve nothing but the best, and we should strive to elect a representative who can deliver exceptional results.
In 2027, let us focus on finding and retaining a champion who can take our constituency to the next level. Someone who is proactive, responsive, and dedicated to the welfare of our people. It doesn’t matter what part of the Constituency the person comes from; what matters is his ability to deliver good representation and drive progress in our communities.
