The Sanctity of Zoning in Orba Ward I Councillorship Race

|By Uchenna Ozioko

My people, I think it's time we tell ourselves the truth the way it is. This is because in every society like ours where peace and mutual respect thrive, there exists an unwritten covenant among the people. This is usually built on justice, fairness, equity, and respect for established traditions. This covenant has, over the years, sustained harmony among the various quarters and villages that make up our Ward.

We are not just an ordinary political ward; we a community deeply rooted in the revered traditions and sociopolitical culture of Orba-Udulekenyi people. As we all know, our own Ward comprises four distinct quarters arranged in order of seniority: Ugwu n’Owerre, Umuokara, Obigbo/Umuafia/Nkpunato, and Echara/Dioha/Umunkpume. Through wisdom and foresight, our forefathers in politics established a rotational arrangement for the Councillorship position to ensure inclusiveness and equity.

As of today, and going by every standard of justice and established zoning arrangement, it is the turn of Obigbo, Umuafia, and Nkpunato bloc to produce the next Councillor for Orba Ward I under the platform of the ruling party, the APC. More importantly, within this bloc, the position has been rightfully zoned to Umuafia because Obigbo and Nkpunato have previously occupied the seat.

The facts are clear and indisputable.

Within Umuafia itself, there also exists a respected internal zoning and sharing formula among its four quarters. These quarters are; Uwani Umuafia, Ezinabo Umuafia, Amufe Umuafia, and Amudo Umuafia. These are arranged according to seniority and long-standing communal understanding. By the logic of fairness and historical arrangement, which obeys communal justice, it is the turn of Uwani Umuafia to produce the next Councillor for our great Ward.

This is not a matter of sentiment or political convenience. It is a matter of respect for the collective agreement of our people.

Sadly, recent developments suggest that some political interests are attempting to undermine this peaceful arrangement by promoting an aspirant whose emergence contradicts the zoning principle that has sustained peace in our Ward for years. More troubling is the fact that the aspirant in question does not even come from the quarter whose turn it is to produce the next candidate.

Such actions are capable of creating avoidable tensions within our Community.

No society progresses when selfish interests are placed above collective agreements. Any attempt to disrupt the accepted rotational policy should be discouraged by all lovers of peace and justice in Orba Ward I.

The people of Orba are not known to worship wealth or bow before material arrogance. Ours is a society founded on honour and communal respect. We do not measure leadership by the size of one’s bank account, but by the credibility of one’s character and respect for the collective will of the people.

It is therefore important to remind those opposed to the zoning arrangement that Orba Ward I remains committed to fairness, due process, and respect for established tradition. The people of our Ward remain guided by collective conscience and communal values.

The APC leadership in Orba Ward I, the Orba Development Centre, and indeed the leadership of the party in Udenu LGA must rise to the occasion by protecting the integrity of the zoning arrangement which has remained the bedrock of political stability in our area.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has consistently projected a governance philosophy anchored on fairness, orderliness, inclusion, and smart leadership. It is therefore important that lawful and peaceful political arrangements at the grassroots are respected in line with these principles.

The time has come for all sons and daughters of Orba Ward I to speak with one voice in defence of justice and equity.

Let it be clearly stated that any attempt to truncate the existing zoning and rotational arrangement for the Councillorship position will be challenged through lawful democratic means available to the people. Those promoting division and political instability for selfish gain must desist immediately in the interest of peace.

History has shown that whenever communities abandon fairness and due process, chaos becomes inevitable. But when justice is upheld, peace flourishes and development follows.

The demand of our people is simple and morally justified: Respect the zoning arrangement. Respect the rotational principle. Respect the turn of Uwani Umuafia.

Anything contrary to this amounts to an affront against the collective conscience and peaceful political culture of Orba Ward I.

Justice delayed may provoke agitation, but justice denied threatens peace itself.

My name is Uchenna Ozioko from Umunkpume.

uchennaoz@gmail.com