A political pressure group, Anambra Equity Movement, ANEM, has called on the Catholic religious denomination to cede the seat of Anambra governor to other denominations, having dominated the position for decades.
Anambra has for years been known for religious politics, where it is almost an unwritten rule for Catholics to be nominated as governors while their Anglican counterparts deputize them.
The group called on politicians aspiring for the November 8 governorship election in the state to suspend their aspirations, citing the fact that Catholics have ruled the state for the past 23 years.
The convener of ANEM, Hon. Tony Ezekwelu, said the group’s decision was made as a way to bring justice, equity, and fairness to the distribution of elective and appointive political offices in Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
He said: “The Catholics, having dominated the governorship for 23 uninterrupted years, should, in the interest of equity and fairness, allow the next governor to be from a non-Catholic background, especially Anglican or Pentecostal, among other Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) blocs.
“We passionately plead with all Catholic aspirants and urge the Church hierarchy to join in persuading them to step aside in the spirit of justice, equity, and fairness.
“The reason for asking Catholics not to contest is to ensure that all classes of Anambra people are given a sense of belonging, irrespective of geographical origin, religious belief, profession, gender, education, and other classifications.
“Accident of birth and creed should not be taken as a disability to deny competent people their fundamental rights to elective political positions. Christian brotherhood and charity should reign supreme among Christians and other people of God in the state.
“Igbo traditional religious worshippers should also be considered in future zoning arrangements.”
Ezekwelu added that, in order to save the state from potential political and electoral violence that could arise from sustained political domination and intimidation, the governorship should be zoned to the Nnewi federal constituency.
He said the group is determined to employ effective mobilization and enlightenment strategies to achieve its set goals.
“The concept of geopolitical zoning cannot be overemphasized. Its importance includes, but is not limited to, political stability, political tension management, and cost-effectiveness. In the spirit of sportsmanship and brotherhood, we shall not fail to acknowledge any political party that adopts the zoning formula,” he said.