By Nkechinyere Ewa
Political leaders and stakeholders in Ebonyi State have proposed a governorship rotation arrangement that will see Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone take over power in 2031, followed by Ebonyi South in 2039, after Ebonyi North completes the current rotation cycle.
The proposal was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders’ Political Summit held at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, on Tuesday.
The summit, which focused on “Orderly and Peaceful Political Transition in Ebonyi State: The Way Forward,” resolved that the governorship position should rotate among the three senatorial zones to promote equity, fairness, political inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
Under the proposed arrangement, Ebonyi North would occupy the governorship from 2023 to 2031, Ebonyi Central from 2031 to 2039, and Ebonyi South from 2039 to 2047.
The communiqué stated that Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone should be allowed to complete the governorship slot in the 2027 electoral cycle, adding that nothing should be done to truncate or alter the proposed rotation arrangement.
The stakeholders also called for the equitable distribution of infrastructure and other amenities across the three senatorial zones, stressing that fairness in political representation and development remained essential to sustaining peace in the state.
The summit brought together prominent political figures, including Sam Ominyi Egwu, the first executive governor of Ebonyi State; Governor Francis Nwifuru; Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President; Martin Elechi, former governor of the state; and David Umahi, former governor and Minister of Works.
The participants noted that successive governors of the state since the return to democratic rule in 1999 had served two four-year terms, with Egwu from Ebonyi North, Elechi from Ebonyi Central and Umahi from Ebonyi South.
They acknowledged that the practice of senatorial rotation had helped foster political accommodation and stability, urging political leaders to sustain dialogue and respect established understandings in addressing succession issues.
The summit also reaffirmed its commitment to peace and political stability, calling on politicians and their supporters to shun violence, intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and other actions capable of threatening the state’s unity.
It further commended the Nwifuru administration’s People’s Charter of Needs, particularly its focus on infrastructure, rural development, education, healthcare, agriculture, women’s empowerment and youth development.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the stakeholders urged political parties and aspirants to pursue their ambitions through lawful and democratic means.
They also called on security agencies, electoral authorities and the media to support a peaceful and credible electoral process while urging politicians to avoid hate speech and misinformation.
The summit expressed optimism that the resolutions would strengthen political cooperation, deepen democratic culture and promote sustained development in Ebonyi State.
It urged political leaders and citizens to translate the resolutions into practical commitments that would protect peace and advance the welfare of the people.