By Agaba Attah
In my previous submission on this subject matter entitled, *What Enugu North Needs in its Next Senator*, I outlined the sublime qualities those who seek to replace our late brother, Sen Okey Ezea, at the Red Chamber must possess.
Among other things, I pointed out that such a person must be a credible voice whose reputation and leadership pedigree inspires trust; someone who is not timid nor pliable but courageous and independent-minded.
However, what is even more important a consideration is the need to ensure that equity and fairness guides our choice of where such a person should emerge from.
I’m talking about the need to ensure that the zoning formula for our representation at the Senate is preserved and respected.
Since the beginning of this democratic dispensation in 1999, Enugu North Senatorial Zone had always been guided by that consideration and understanding.
Nsukka/Igbo Eze South was the first to occupy the position with late Senator Fidelis Okoro who did two terms.
Next was late Sen Ayogu Eze from Igbo Eze North/Udenu, then followed by Sen Chukwuka Utazi from Uzo Uwani/Igbo Etiti, completing the circle of the federal constituencies that made up the Senatorial zone.
It was therefore quite providential that in 2023, Sen Okey Ezea from Igbo Eze South, in a landslide victory, was given the mandate to represent the zone at the Senate, commencing yet another circle of that zoning formula.
In November 2025, he passed on to glory. May his soul rest in peace.
Now that we are seeking his replacement, It is only fair and equitable that such a person should and must come from Igbo Eze South.
Even in that Igbo Eze South, consideration must also be given to the imperative of micro zoning in other to ensure that equity and fairness are dispensed and deepened.
There are two major geopolitical blocks in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area: Igbo Eze South-East (Ekete eker’) and Igbo Eze-West (Udeze).
Since 1999, the first time someone from Igbo Eze-West (Udeze) will represent the zone/local government at the federal level was when Sen Okey Ezea was elected in 2023. On the other hand, Hon Pat Asadu from Igbo Eze South-East (Ekete eker’) represented Igbo Eze South/Nsukka at the House of Reps for an unbroken 16 years!
It therefore stands to reason that if equity and fairness are our watch words as a people, the right place from where the replacement of late Sen Okey Ezea should come from is Igbo Eze South-West (Udeze).
Thankfully, Igbo Eze South-West have quite a number of men and women who are more than capable of stepping into that big shoe.
I hereby present to you just a few of those prospectives: 👇🏿👇🏿
1. AMB SIMON EJIKE EZE
Amb. Ejike Simon Eze (jnr), is a quintessential diplomat with specialty in Intelligence/Security and Diplomatic Protocol, spanning over three decades. He was a Senior Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo and also served as a diplomat in Germany, Ghana, Cuba and Portugal.
He is reckoned with remarkable track record of excellence in community service, philanthropy and youth mentorship.
He contested for the Senate, Enugu North Senatorial zone in the 2023 general election under the platform of the APC. He is still a staunch member of the APC.
He is currently a member of
Technical Working Group (Foreign Policy and International Relations), National Development Plan-2021-2025, 2027-2030 and Nigeria 2050, appointed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning.
A tenacious advocate of public good, Amb Ejike Eze is a worthy ambassador of his people. He is a proud promoter of the culture and values of the Nsukka people and the global Igbo family.
A gentleman in the finest and truest sense, Amb. Ejike Eze hails from Ibagwa Aka, Igbo Eze South Local Government Area.
2. DR CELESTINE CHUKA EZE
Dr Chuka Eze is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in banking, business development, risk management and leadership.
He has expertise in strategic planning, treasury management, relationship management, operational support and credit analysis.
He holds PhD in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies; MBA in Finance, MSc and Bsc in Computer Science.
He is currently Chairman/CEO of Carolina Housing Estate and Properties Abuja, overseeing estate and project management, construction and negotiations. He is also Chairman of Dominic Suites & Resorts, and principal partner at Chezec Global Services Ltd.
A political strategist and mobilizer of no mean repute, Dr Chuka Eze, was Senior Special Adviser (Exco Member), Government of Enugu State between 2018 and 2019, where he oversaw activities of 810 Assistants and Special Assistants, while managing political intelligence gathering and stakeholder relations. In 2023, he was Director General, Synergy Group – Enugu State PDP Campaign Organisation where he led statewide voter sensitisation on PVC collection and ballot literacy. He was also Head, Secretariat – Policy, Planning, Research & Strategy Committee, Enugu State PDP Campaign Organisation in 2023 where he directed campaign strategy, messaging and political intelligence, among other key roles that helped the party to victory.
He is currently the Acting President of Oha Nsukka Forum (Abuja Chapter) and holds the chieftaincy title of Ikedinamba of Imufu, Enugu Ezike.
Chuka Eze also known as ‘Cele Computer’ is currently a member of the APC and hails from Ibagwa Aka, Igbo Eze South Local Government Area.
3. ENGR JAMES AJIBO
Engr James Ajibo is an accomplished mechanical engineer who spent decades of his career with the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC).
An award-winning staff of the NNPC, Engr Ajibo traversed the length and breath of Nigeria having worked in Escravos Terminal, Warri, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, etc.
Until his retirement, Engr Ajibo was the NNPC Counterpart Project Manager for the Port Harcourt Refinery Rehabilitation.
Upon retirement from the NNPC after over three decades, he relocated to Enugu where he is managing a number of private ventures in the oil and gas industry.
A serial employer of labour, Engr Ajibo is the Chairman of JP ENERGY SERVICES LTD, a downstream operators with chains of gas stations across various local government areas in Nsukka cultural zone.
Engr Ajibo is a community organiser, distinguished leader of thought and renowned philanthropist. He is passionate about the Nsukka dream and have mentored and uplifted many young people from Nsukka cultural zone.
He is a member of the APC and hails from Ibagwa Aka, Igbo Eze South Local Government Area.
4 HON HARRISON OGARA
Hon. Harrison Ogara is currently the Deputy Majority Leader in the Enugu State House of Assembly and represents Igbo‑Eze South Constituency under the Labour Party (LP).
Known for his outspoken advocacy, Ogara’s leadership style is marked by principled loyalty, clear communication, and proactive advocacy.
He is a member of the Labour Party and hails from Unadu in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area.
5. HON CHUKS UGWOKE
Mr Chuks Ugwuoke is a consummate journalist and former Editor of Vanguard newspaper. He was Enugu State Commissioner for Information under the administration of Gov Sullivan Chime.
Like the late Sen Ayogu Eze, Ugwuoke is a media-savvy individual moving into government communication roles, navigating between journalism and public office.
His last known party affiliation was with the PDP. He hails from Alor Agu, Igbo Eze South Local Government Area.
More names to come…
