. . . Lifts ban on political consultations

By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi, has declared that his successor would emerge from Abakaliki Bloc which consists of Ebonyi central and North zones in the 2023 governorship election.

Briefing newsmen Wednesday on the outcome of the state executive council meeting in Abakaliki, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji, said that the Governor noted that he would consult widely before zoning the position to either Ebonyi Central or Ebonyi North.

Ebonyi Central comprises Ikwo, Ezza North, Ezza South, and Ishielu local government areas, while Ebonyi North, consists of Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Izzi, and Ohaukwu Local government areas of the state.

Orji said that the Governor had started a debate on where the position would be zoned between the two zones.

“The Chairman-in-Council announced the lifting of ban on political consultations ahead of the 2023 General Elections and expressed determination to consult widely especially with the House of Assembly, the EXCO, the Elders Council, Founding Fathers, Women Organizations, CAN and other relevant groups with a view to getting opinions on where the Governorship position shall be zoned to.

His words: “For the governorship seat, he made it clear that Ebonyi South, having benefited from the principle of zoning shall not be allowed to contest as his administration’s support shall be for Abakaliki block.

“EXCO noted the intention of the Chairman of Council and kick-started the debate on where the Governorship seat will be zoned between North and Central zones.

“The Governor at the conclusion of the debate asked the North and the Central to open their hearts and admonished the two zones to prepare to obey whatever the majority ofthe state stakeholders may decide.”