EBERECHUKWU OKECHUKWU
Just as the popular saying goes, “when the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” This timeless truth underscores the urgent necessity for Okigwe North Federal Constituency to protect the foundation already laid by its zoning arrangement and effective representation. As 2027 gradually approaches, all hands must indeed be on deck to preserve harmony, deepen progress, and ensure that the Constituency remains on the path of collective growth.
Indeed, a trip down memory lane will help us appreciate the wisdom of equity and continuity that has shaped the political stability of Okigwe North Federal Constituency: Accordingly, Onuimo LGA kicked off representation in 1999, following the return of democracy, producing Late Chief Maurice Ibekwe (popularly known as Okwelle Holdings). Following his unfortunate demise, Chief Mike Ohia completed the tenure, holding sway between 1999 and 2007.
In 2007, it was the turn of Okigwe LGA, with Rt. Hon. Mathew Mahakwe Omegara representing the constituency from 2007 to 2015.
By 2015, Isiala Mbano LGA stepped in, producing Hon. Obinna Onwubuariri, who represented between 2015 and 2019. Towards the end of 2019, however, the Court of Appeal nullified the election and ordered a fresh poll. In that re-run, Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha secured a landslide victory, completing second term of Isiala Mbano LGA by 2023.
Obviously, during the 2023 general elections, the second round of rotation commenced. Though the contest was thrown open and illustrious sons and daughters from all three LGAs aspired, Providence ensured that Isiala Mbano retained the seat with Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha (Nwanyi Wu Ihe) emerging victorious. This outcome not only balanced the political equation but also standardized the zoning arrangement, which by equity will run until 2031, when Isiala Mbano would have completed its second round, before the seat rotates again.
Undoubtedly, any attempt to truncate this long-standing principle will be nothing short of disastrous. It will tear apart the smooth tradition of power rotation, breed needless rancor, and shatter the harmony Okigwe North has enjoyed since 1999.
Interestingly, the current occupant has been performing creditably well. From bills and motions on the floor of the House, to the facilitation of landmark projects like the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe (which when fully operational will provide up to 5,000 direct and indirect jobs), to educational scholarships, human capital development initiatives, and infrastructural interventions, she has ensured that all three LGAs are carried along. Okigwe North Federal Constituency has never had it this good in terms of effective, visible, and result-oriented representation.
Indeed, providence designed it for Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha to be the representative at this critical time. Her return in 2027 will not only preserve zoning harmony but will also place the Constituency in a vantage position. With her growing ranking status, Okigwe North stands a very good chance of producing a Principal Officer of the House of Representatives, a feat that no representative from the Constituency has ever achieved. Such a development will massively consolidate the gains already recorded and attract even greater dividends of democracy.
Therefore, as 2027 draws nearer, it is crystal clear that anyone or group seeking to disrupt this carefully nurtured formula does not have the interest of Okigwe North at heart. What the Constituency needs now is unity, cooperation, and collective resolve to stand behind a performing lawmaker whose track record speaks louder than propaganda. For Okigwe North Federal Constituency, the message is simple: the roots are deep, the tree is flourishing, and the time has come for all hands to be on deck to get it right together.
*Eberechukwu Okechukwu (MA. PDE, BA, TEFL) writes from Okigwe*