Stakeholders of Eha-Amufu West Development Centre in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have made a passionate and humble appeal to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, calling for greater fairness, equity, and inclusive representation in the political structure of the council area.
The appeal, made by concerned stakeholders of the development centre comprising Agu-Amede, Amede, Ihenyi, and Isu communities, commended Governor Mbah for what they described as his visionary leadership, transformative governance, and remarkable development strides across Enugu State. They noted that his administration has continued to inspire confidence through infrastructural expansion, improved governance systems, and policies that promote inclusion and economic growth.
While acknowledging these achievements, the stakeholders drew attention to what they described as prolonged political underrepresentation of Eha-Amufu West Development Centre within the Isi-Uzo political arrangement, urging the Governor to consider a more balanced distribution of political offices among all development centres in the local government area.
According to them, a review of the existing political structure in Isi-Uzo suggests that key positions have already been distributed across other development centres. They pointed out that the State House of Assembly seat currently zoned to Amanyi Development Centre, the House of Representatives seat to Eha-Amufu East Development Centre, while the Commissioner position is held by Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre. They further noted that the current Isi-Uzo Local Government (APC) Party Chairman also comes from Amanyi Development Centre.
In contrast, they expressed concern that Eha-Amufu West Development Centre has not held any significant political office within the local government structure for over six years, a situation they say has created a sense of exclusion among the people.
The stakeholders emphasized that zoning and political balancing are meant to promote unity, fairness, and a sense of belonging among all communities. They warned that continued imbalance in representation could weaken political participation and reduce the sense of ownership among affected communities, despite their historical contributions and loyalty to the political structure of Isi-Uzo LGA.
They further argued that political inclusion remains critical for sustaining peace and cohesion in the area, noting that every development centre deserves a fair opportunity to contribute to governance and leadership at various levels.
Recalling past political arrangements, the stakeholders highlighted that Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre currently holds positions such as a serving House of Assembly member, a Special Senior Assistant to the Governor, and a serving Commissioner. Amanyi Development Centre, they noted, has produced the current Local Government (APC) Party Chairman and secured a House of Assembly ticket for the next general election, while Eha-Amufu East Development Centre currently holds the Local Government Chairmanship and a House of Representatives ticket.
Against this backdrop, they argued that Eha-Amufu West Development Centre remains without comparable representation, a situation they believe calls for urgent redress in the interest of equity and justice.
The stakeholders maintained that their appeal is not driven by bitterness or confrontation but by a sincere desire for fairness, unity, and political stability within Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. They stressed that inclusive governance remains a key pillar in strengthening democracy and sustaining peace at the grassroots.
They therefore urged Governor Mbah to consider zoning the forthcoming Isi-Uzo Local Government Chairmanship position to Eha-Amufu West Development Centre, describing it as a step that would restore balance, deepen trust in governance, and reinforce the principles of equity and inclusion being championed by the present administration.
Reaffirming their loyalty and support for the state government, the stakeholders expressed confidence in Governor Mbah’s capacity to listen to the concerns of all communities and continue to promote fairness in political arrangements across Enugu State.
They concluded by expressing optimism that their appeal would receive positive consideration, in the spirit of justice, unity, and equitable representation among all development centres in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.