Communities Rise Against Monarchs Over Anambra Zoning Deal

By Our Correspondent

Tension is mounting across the ten communities that make up Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, following allegations that traditional rulers in the area have suspended an existing zoning arrangement for the Anambra State House of Assembly elections.

It would be recalled that on April 7, 2022, the traditional rulers of the ten communities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) stipulating that the Anaocha I and Anaocha II State Constituency seats in the Anambra State House of Assembly would rotate among the communities, with each community entitled to occupy the seat for two terms.
The monarchs also resolved that the zoning arrangement would remain binding irrespective of the political party under which any candidate emerges victorious.
According to the agreement, the essence of the arrangement was to guarantee inclusiveness, equity, fairness, and equal political representation for all communities within the council area.
However, the Anaocha Equity Forum has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged attempt to suspend or alter the zoning formula, warning that such a move could trigger political unrest and deepen divisions within the local government area.
Speaking shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting, the Convener of the Anaocha Equity Forum, Mr. Valentine Okoye, condemned the alleged development, insisting that the group would strongly resist any action capable of undermining the existing political understanding among the communities.
“This is a Memorandum of Understanding duly signed by our traditional rulers, and it has been respected over the years. The Anaocha Equity Forum views this latest development as a direct affront to the collective sensibilities and political aspirations of the ten communities that make up Anaocha,” .
“We therefore urge members of the public, political parties, aspirants, and critical stakeholders to disregard the alleged position of the traditional rulers, as it does not reflect the wishes, opinions, and collective interest of the people of Anaocha.”he said.
Okoye further cautioned the traditional rulers against actions capable of destabilizing the existing peace in the area, stressing that custodians of culture and tradition must remain neutral and committed to preserving harmony among the people.
“Our traditional rulers must be mindful of their sacred responsibilities as fathers of the communities. They should also understand that they would be held accountable for any political tension, crisis, or backlash that may arise from this controversial position,” he added.
The group also called on the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene and ensure that the traditional rulers adhere to the zoning agreement in the interest of peace, justice, and political stability in Anaocha Local Government Area.
“We call on Governor Soludo to immediately call the traditional rulers to order so that the peace and unity currently enjoyed in Anaocha Local Government Area are not jeopardized,” Okoye stated.