Stakeholders Demand Zoning of Ishielu Chairmanship to Ezzagu for Equity, Justice
... Ex NUJ Vice Chairman declares interest
By Ugonma Ewa
A cross section of stakeholders from Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has called for the zoning of the 2026 council chairmanship position to the Ezzagu community, in the spirit of equity, justice, and fairness.
The agitation followed the planned solidarity rally scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2025, by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which reportedly included support for the re-election of the incumbent council chairman, Hon. Mrs. Peace Ifeoma Agwu.
In a statement issued by the APC chairman of the council, Hon. Ikechukwu Abba, the “One-Million-Man March” would be in support of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the council chairman, Mrs. Agwu. The rally, according to the statement, is expected to take off from Ezillo Junction by 7 a.m. prompt.
However, in a swift reaction, a group under the aegis of Concerned Stakeholders of Ishielu Local Government Area expressed disappointment over what they described as an attempt to impose the incumbent chairman through the planned rally.
A leader of the group, Mr. Felix Ukpabi, said it was the rightful turn of Ezzagu zone to produce the next council chairman in August 2026.
“As everyone knows, it’s the turn of Ezzagu zone to produce the next chairman of Ishielu LGA. This is not just about zoning, but about fairness and equity that have guided our council for years,” Ukpabi said.
He stressed that while the group supports the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, it would resist any move to subvert the rotational arrangement in the local government.
“We strongly object to the endorsement of Hon. Mrs. Peace Ifeoma Agwu, as it undermines the zoning arrangement and disregards the aspirations of the Ezzagu people,” he said. “We urge all stakeholders to reject this imposition and ensure that APC leadership respects equity in the choice of candidates.”
Meanwhile, as political consultations intensify ahead of the 2026 council elections, veteran journalist and former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Benjamin Nworie, has declared interest to contest for the chairmanship position.
Nworie, who also served as a member of the Governing Board of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), said his aspiration was driven by a desire to correct the longstanding marginalization of Ezzagu zone and to consolidate on the developmental strides of Governor Nwifuru’s administration.
“My aspiration will address the marginalization and injustice against Ezzagu zone for over two decades. If not for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s intervention in constructing the Ezillo–Ezzagu road, our community would still be inaccessible,” Nworie stated.
He lamented that despite its population and voting strength, Ezzagu remains deprived of basic social amenities such as roads, electricity, water, and healthcare facilities.
“With my experience and exposure, I will ensure that Ezzagu benefits from the dividends of democracy and consolidate on the achievements of Governor Nwifuru in Ishielu LGA,” he added.
Nworie called on APC stakeholders to support his ambition alongside the re-election efforts of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru in the 2027 general elections.
