A former lawmaker and public affairs advocate, Hon. Anayo Edeh (Eze Di Naka Chukwu II), has called for fairness and adherence to political convention in the nomination of a new minister from Enugu State, insisting that Nkanu East Local Government Area is most deserving of the slot.
In a statement made available to journalists, Edeh said it has become an established convention in Enugu State for sitting governors to nominate ministers from their own local government areas, a tradition that has helped maintain administrative harmony and focus.
“From available records, it has become a convention for Enugu State Governors to nominate Ministers from their Local Government Areas,” Edeh stated.
“This has enabled them to consolidate their development efforts and avoid the distractions which hostile ministers often pose.”
He cited several precedents to back his position.
According to him, former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani nominated Frank Nweke Jr. from Nkanu West, despite both hailing from the same council area. Similarly, former Governor Sullivan Chime nominated Mrs. Fidelia Njeze and Prof. Chinedu Nebo, both from Udi Local Government Area, where he also comes from.
Edeh argued that by following this established pattern, Governor Peter Mbah would be acting in line with political tradition and fairness if he nominates a minister from Nkanu East to replace Chief Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
“Governor Mbah will not be doing anything wrong if he nominates a Minister from Nkanu East in line with established convention,” Edeh said.
“In all considerations, the odds and convention favour Nkanu East in the nomination of a replacement for Chief Uche Nnaji.”
He further explained that other Enugu indigenes who became ministers without the governor’s input did so during periods when the state was governed by a party different from the one at the federal level.
Concluding his statement, Hon. Edeh appealed for political justice and inclusion.
“I sincerely believe that the next Minister should come from Nkanu East. History will be fair to all those who support this suggestion,” he said.
