Advertisement

The Idea behind the Ije Awele 2023 movement is to ensure a Peaceful Transition of Governance in 2023 through conversations- Ogbuekwe, Convener

As discussions towards the 2023 Guber race in Enugu continue, a political movement christened Ije Awele Enugu East Senatorial Zone 2023, has identified the need to ensure a peaceful handover of the reins of government in 2023 to a person from Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

Advertisement

The conversation which was held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at the Universal Hotel, Enugu, was a gathering of political leaders, leaders of opinion & thought, traditional rulers, the clergy, men, women, as well as youth & student groups from Enugu East Senatorial Zone. Speakers took time to discuss issues geared towards achieving the 2023 agenda.

Speaking to our correspondent after the program, the Convener of the Movement, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Agriculture and hails from Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local government, pointed out that since the beginning of the fourth republic, Enugu had garnered a reputation for mature politics of consultations, negotiations and discussions, while highlighting what he called the existence of a standing arrangement, a gentleman’s agreement that recognizes the need for the governorship position in Enugu to be rotational.

“Ije Awele is a platform for sensitizing the good people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone and the greater Enugu State for a peaceful transition of government in 2023 based on the Zoning agreement we have in our state. I want to emphasize on the fact that the transition will be peaceful.”

Advertisement

“We aim to have democratic discussions that will lead to mature politicking for 2023. It is important to do this to consolidate on the gains recorded in the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.”

“As the Convener, I aim to see a united front for all aspirants from Enugu East Senatorial Zone, through creating a platform for discussions and debates on what we hope to achieve with the 2023 Guber race and position. We hope to involve Captains of Industry, Artisans, Youths, Elderly persons and so on.”

“I do not believe that the Zoning arrangement will be altered because there will be superior arguments and conversations to counter any attempted alteration.”

Advertisement

“We call on our brothers from other Senatorial Zones to join us in protecting the interest of Enugu East Senatorial Zone as it is a commitment to the interest of the entire people of Enugu” he said.

The convener of PowerShift, Nonso Nnamani told the gathering that the first step they need to take is to get their Permanent Voters Card, PVC.

“You can make all the noise but without the voting power which is the PVC, you will make no impact.”

Advertisement

“It’s important to register and vote. We need to also remind our people to register where they can access the polling boot on election day. We should endeavour to come out on election day, cast our vote and avoid transactional politics” he said.

In attendance at the Ije Awele conversation were Barr. Steve Oruruo, Special Adviser to Enugu State Governor on Information, Bishop Chinedu Nwoye, SSA to the Enugu State Governor on Religious matters, two former Chairmen of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Frank Anioma and Hon. Okey Mba.

Others were a two time former member of the House of Representatives, HRH Igwe Rt. Hon. Eddy, HRH Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, Chairman Nkanu East Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Dr C. Nome, the Enugu State Honorable Commissioner for Health, Associate Prof. Emmanuel Ike Obi, represented by Ugwu Cyril Ndubisi,
Hon Nonso Nnamani, Convener, PowerShift Movement & Member, Enugu State Water Board, Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, SA to Enugu State Governor on Culture & Tourism, Hon. Egbo Kennedy, former leader of Nkanu East legislative council.

Also in attendance were Hon Ogechukwu Nnamene, former SA to Enugu State Governor on Youth Affairs, Coordinators of Development Centers, Supervisory Councilors, notable youth leaders, and many well-meaning sons and daughters of Enugu East senatorial zone.