Former deputy president of the senate, Ike Ekweremadu has kick-started his political train to succeed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State following his inauguration of his “grassroots soldiers” in Enugu on Wednesday.
To this end, Senator Ekweremadu has officially put to an end the long speculation on whether or not he will be contesting in the 2023 gubernatorial election.
News Echo Correspondent gathered that the inauguration of the political structure, christened: “Enugu Solidarity for Ikeoha” has brought the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone on a collision course with Governor Ugwuanyi and many others championing zoning system in the state.
The event took place in his Enugu residence amidst tight security. Confirming the event, Ekweremadu took to his verified Facebook page to post 36 pictures, merely to announce the event and to wish his team well. “Inauguration of the state, zonal, local government, and ward executives of the Enugu Solidarity Forum for Ikeoha in Enugu. Thank you for the immense solidarity. Ya gazie.” Ekweremadu stated.
Reports had it that the “inauguration has induced so many tensions, apprehensions and mistrust as it is said to be a sharp trick against the will of Enugu state governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the former governor of Enugu State, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani, the former Nigerian Senate President Sen. Ken Nnamani, former governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo amongst other stakeholders who are keen to conserve the zoning arrangement of Enugu State, currently in favour of Enugu East Senatorial zone, against the Enugu West Senatorial zone where Sen. Ike Ekweremadu represents”
It would be recalled that Governor Ugwuanyi had in different fora reiterated that at approximate time, “equity, justice and fairness will take preeminence” in the choice of his successor.
On January 26, this year, the founder of “Ebeano political family” and ex-governor of Enugu state Senator Chimaroke Nnamani currently representing Enugu East Senatorial zone at National Assembly insisted that it is the prerogative of the incumbent (Ugwuanyi) to choose his successor with regard to the zoning pact, stressing that it is the tradition of the state to adhered to zoning formula.
His words: “We have a tradition in Enugu State politics. The governor is the leader who directs affairs. He will determine who succeeds him without compromising the electoral processes and whomever he chooses will be our next governor.”
“I have absolute loyalty and respect for my governor who is also the leader of the Ebeano political family. He has demonstrated capacity and leadership. We are waiting for him to lead the way to go in 2023 and we shall follow”. “No matter the machinations, conspiracies and subterfuges over the governorship primary of our party, we will have a successful transition under the leadership and guidance of our governor.”
“It is understandable that some of those who are posturing are seeking for relevance or seeking for political appointments in other parties. That is the beauty of democracy, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani said
It would also be recalled that ex-governor of Old Anambra State Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, the former Nigeria Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former minister of power Prof. Bart Nnaji amongst other stakeholders had openly thrown their weight behind zoning.
Be that as it may, one figure that is likely to be favoured in the unfolding event is Professor Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji who many believe is ahead of other top governorship contenders from Enugu East Senatorial zone which included: Speaker Hon Edward Ubosi. Peter Mbah, Sir. Chinyeaka Ohaa, Hon. Chijioke Edoga, Everest Nnaji (Odenge) Offor Chukwegbo.
Who is Professor Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji? Professor Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji who hails from Amurri kingdom in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, was born to Mr. Godswill Okafor Nnaji and Mrs. Grace Onyenweaku Nnaji.
Professor Nnaji attended his Primary school at the Green Street Primary School, Aba, Abia state, Secondary school at the Wilcox Memorial Comprehensive School, Aba, Abia state and Universities at University of Benin, Benin City; where he obtained Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt; where he obtained Master’s degree in Business Administration (Marketing Option – MBA), and Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy, University of Naples II, Italy; where he obtained PhD in Comparative Constitutional Law and Integration Processes, University of Kansas Law School, USA; where he equally obtained PhD in Research in Comparative Constitutionalism.
Nnaji later became a Judge at the International Criminal Court (ICCMCC), sitting at The Hague, Netherlands (2007-date), in collaboration with the International Bar Association, London, UK.
He is a Professor and Consultant in Civil and Criminal Matters at the Italian Ministry of Justice and at the High Courts of Naples and Santa Maria Capua Vetere (CE), Italy.
