A socio-political organisation based in Anambra State and known as Equity Group, has endorsed the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the immediate past Peter Obi administration, Chief Dubem Obaze, as the next Senator for Anambra North come 2015.

Addressing journalists in Awka, the group’s chairman, Bar. Tony Ifeanya, said that Ogbaru local Government Area where Obaze hails from deserves the slot because the area had not produced a senator since Anambra State was created in 1991.

He stressed that while the Omambala and Onitsha zones of the senatorial district had in the past produced senators in the persons of Dr. Chuba Okadigbo (1999 - 2003), Emma Anosike (2003 - 2005), Joy Emodi (2005 - 2010), Ubanese Igbeke (2010 - 2011) and Margery Chuba Okadigbo (2011 to date), Ogbaru area has not produced any.

Ifeanya argued that since incumbent Governor Willie Obiano comes from the Omambala part of Anambra North, it is only just, fair and equitable that the senatorial slot goes to Ogbaru/Onitsha.

The Equity Group leader said: “We call on politicians to eschew rancour and play the game according to the rules and without recourse to violence, mudslinging and bitterness. Our country cannot afford a situation where political anarchy will prevail when already we have got more than enough trouble from the security challenges bedeviling us.

“In consonance with our emphasis on the principle of fairness and equity, we call on well-meaning persons and groups to rise to the occasion. We urge our brothers and sisters with impeccable character to step out and contest.

“As a first step, Equity Group calls on Chief Dubem Obaze to come out and become the next Senator for Anambra North. Since the present Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, comes from Omambala part of Anambra North, it is only just, fair and indeed equitable that the senatorial slot goes to Ogbaru.”

Equity Group described Obaze as a tried and tested politician who has both academic training and practical experience to function as an effective senator. It said that as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the Peter Obi administration, Obaze transformed the grassroots, thus proving that he is well suited for leadership.

•Photo shows Chief Dubem Obaze.