Amb. C.E Ejiofor
(JP⚖️)
Women across Nigeria, including right here in Okigwe North, have long clamoured for equity and greater representation in politics. We embraced that call. In the spirit of fairness, when the opportunity arose in 2019, our constituency chose to entrust the mantle to a woman; Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha by honouring the push for equal chances and believing our women deserve to thrive and lead and that Isiala Mbano deserve to take their turn of 8 years.
Yet sadly, what was meant to advance equity now threatens to undermine it. Men before her held the seat and relinquished power after their agreed two terms (eight years), upholding the rotational zoning formula that has guided Okigwe North since the return of democracy in 1999. That gentleman’s agreement, starting with Onuimo, cycling through the LGAs, and returning in orderly fashion has preserved peace, brotherhood, and justice among Isiala Mbano, Okigwe, and Onuimo as one Umunne.
The big question now: Why, as soon as a woman is given this historic opportunity, does the push emerge to upend the arrangement, extend beyond two terms, and restart the rotation in a way that conveniently favours a third-term bid? This risks painting a false picture that women in power cling tighter than men ever did. We refuse to let one person’s ambition tarnish the broader cause or block other capable women (and men) from rising.
Onuimo has waited for over two decades in line by 2027. Equity demands the cycle returns there next, not a selfish deviation. Let the seat go to Onuimo for a fresh (Air) and full term. Let Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha lead by example in the very equality and women’s inclusion she has advocated. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
If the quest for a third term persists, it becomes a clear testament: an opportunist exploiting the noble advocacy for women’s equity to serve personal power interests. We need more women in politics who are vibrant, selfless, committed ones; but not sit-tight, power-hungry pursuits that come at the expense of the constituency’s unity, the zoning truth, and the long-standing bond that binds us.
Let equity reign. Let Onuimo take its rightful turn in 2027. Let fairness prevail for the sake of our shared future.
_Long live Okigwe North Federal Constituency_
_Long live the Great Onuimo (The Mouth of Imo n’ile)_
Amb. C.E Ejiofor
(JP⚖️)