The Great Anambra Forum (GAFORUM) a non Governmental Organization and a political pressure group comprising of Technocrats, Professionals, Politicians, Leaders of Associations, Trade Unions and Religious bodies, whose purpose have always been to engineer and positively shape the Anambra political landscape since 1998; with functional presence in the 326 wards of the State. As we approach the 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, politicians across the length and breadth of the state have started jostling for political relevance by positioning themselves on how to produce the next governor of Anambra State. But of paramount importance is the issue of where the governor will come from after the incumbent has exhausted his tenure. As we all know, Anambra State is made up of three senatorial districts: Anambra North, Anambra Central and Anambra south. A closer observation of the political atmosphere will reveal a very serious debate and disagreement on which zone should produce the next governor of the state ahead of the election. One would
have thought that with Anambra North Senatorial Zone occupying the government house at present after years of vigorous campaign for equity and justice, that the issue of rotational Governorship is settled. The Forum recognizes the fact that each of the 21 Local Government Areas in Anambra State can produce a sound individual who is qualified to contest and become Governor no matter the criteria. But that is not to be as politicians across the three senatorial zones have started expressing interests in the Governorship seat despite the
perceived understanding on the rotation with everyone arguing in favour of his political interest. This development is very unhealthy and counter productive as it will be jettisoning the already established peace and tranquility achieved by the tacit rotation of the governorship seat of Anambra State. It is on this note that the Great Anambra Forum (GAFORUM), carried out an independent survey across the length and breadth of Anambra State using questionnaires to ascertain the opinion of. Ndi Anambra on this burning issue of which senatorial zone should produce the next governor of the state and why?
» OBJECTIVE OF THE SURVEY
To determine the pulse of Ndi Anambra on the currentzoning arrangement for the office of the governor in the year 2021.
» SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study focused its attention on the following:-
(a) The current zoning formula as it affects the office of the governor.
(b) The period June – August 2019
» RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The method of data collection was determined by the nature of the survey. This being an exploratory study, it would not be adequate to use maited questionnaire method only. Thus, personal interviews and documentary evidence were also used.
» SAMPLE: The survey was restricted to Anambra State only. Cost and time influenced the decision to sample only 1,630 respondents selected from the
326 electoral wards in the state out of a total voting strength of 2.4 million.
FINDINGS:
A total of 1,630 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 1,405 were returned. The data showed that 886 respondents were males while 519 were females. The total number of invalid questionnaire was 17 while 208 were not returned. A total of 1,344 respondents were active voters while 52 were inactive voters. All respondents were 18 years of age and above. A total of 992, representing (71%) of respondents affirmed the zoning of the Governorship to Anambra South. 28 respondents, representing 0.2% preferred Anambra Central while 14 respondents, representing 0.1% preferred Anambra North. 365 respondents, representing 26% were indifferent. Prior to this, Anambra State has been governed at different times from 1992 to date by Governors chosen from the three senatorial zones. Statistically we note
that Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, 2nd Jan 1992-17th Nov 1993 (1 year 9 months); Dr.
Chinwoke Mbadinuju, May 29th 1999 – 28th May 2003 (4 years); Dame Virgy
Etiaba Nov 2006 – Feb 2007 (3 months): totaling 6 years for Anambra South. Dr.
Chris Ngige 29th May 2003 – 16th March 2006 (2 years 10 months); Mr. Peter Obi 17th March 2006 – 16th March 2014 (8 years): totaling 10 years 10 months for
Anambra Central. Chief Willie Obiano 17th March 2014 – 16th March 2022: totaling 8 years for Anambra North.
Verifiable findings flowing from above analysis therefore show that Anambra people opted for the continuation of the unwritten zoning formula and categorically chose that the next Governor should come from the South Senatorial zone in the interest of equity, good reasoning, smooth transition, cost effectiveness, mutual understanding, respect and co-existence. We therefore call on all the political parties and Ndi Anambra including notable/concerned stakeholders such as;
1. H.E Chief Wille Maduaburochukwu Obiano
Governor Anambra State.
2. H.E Dr. Nkem Okeke
Deputy Governor Anambra State.
3. H.E Mr. Peter Obi
4. H.E Senator Chris Ngige
5. H.E Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju 4
6. H.E Senator Andy Uba
7. H.E Emeka Sibeudu
8. H.E Chinedu Emeka
9. Prof. Ben Nwabueze
10.Chief. Emeka Anyaoku
11.Sen. Ben Ndi Obi
12.Prof. A.B.C Nwosu
13. Rt. Hon Agunwa Anekwe
14. Prince Engr. Arthur Eze (Ozoigbondu)
15.Sir. Emeka Offor
16.Dr. A.B.C Orjiakor
17.Chief. Sir. Cletus lbeto
18.Chief. Mike Nwakalor
19.Chief. Dr. Ernest Obiejesi
20.Barr. Chief Allen Onyema
2l.The Ukachukwu’s
22.The Uba’s
23. Chief. Ugo Chukwu Nsofor
Chief. Dr. Tim Menakaya
Prof. c.c. Soludo
Justice P .A.C Obidigwe
26.The speaker Anambra State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor .
27.Distinguished senators representing the Anambra North, Central and south senatorial zones and all former senators of Anambra extraction.
28. Honorable members of the House of Representatives representing the 11
federal constituencies and all former members of the House of Representatives.
29. Honorable ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all former
ministers of Anambra extraction.
30. The Deputy speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Paschal Agbodike
31. The Chairman Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers H.R.M Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (CFR) and all other traditional rulers.
32.State Chairmen of all Political Parties
All former speakers ·of Anambra State House of Assembly and their
deputies.
34.AII serving and former members of Anambra State House of Assembly.
35.AII present and former chairmen of local government and their councillors.
36.AII Bishops of various denominations
37. President CAN Anambra State.
38.0hanaeze Ndi Igbo Anambra State Chapter
39.AII Clergymen
40.AII Presidents General of Town Unions
41.AII Market Leaders
42. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Chapter
43.Captains of Industries National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Anambra State Chapter
National Associations of Anambra Students;
46.AII Youth and Student bodies’
47. Press
48. AII Anambrarians.
……to speak with one voice in this regard and support the united position of GAFORUM and the good people of Anambra State with respect to ensuring the realization of the said lofty desire. Based on the fore going, GAFORUM strongly urge Ndi Anambra South to search for credible candidates with character, proven integrity, performance, competence and education for the job. Above all, the person must see Anambra State as an indivisible unit.
CONCLUSION
For the avoidance of doubt, GAFORUM is determined to use all God-given strategies to ensure the realization of this goal. We cannot resolve less. May we also state that we are not ready to engage anybody in any altercations, unnecessary arguments, hate speeches or any other thing that has capacity to overheat the tranquil Anambra polity.
Thanks.
Signed:
Engr. Fabian Ozoigbo
Chief Facilitator
On behalf of GAFORUM
Motto: That all may have their say………. .
