As the election for the next Ohafia Local Government Chairman approaches, it is essential to emphasize the need for equity and fairness in the selection process. For too long, the position has been dominated by a few wards, leaving others feeling marginalized and excluded. Okamu Ward deserves a chance to produce the next chairman to ensure a more equitable representation of the local government.

Ohafia Local Government has a long history of rotating the chairmanship position among its wards. However, a closer examination reveals that some wards have had more opportunities than others. Okamu Ward, in particular, has been overlooked despite its significant contributions to the local government. It is time to address this imbalance and give Okamu Ward a fair chance to lead.

Setting the record straight:

For a people to move forward, there is the need to uphold truth and refrain from twisting it for political gains, this will help the next generation to learn from history and embrace equity and fairness.

Here is a chronicle of the elected chairmen of Ohafia Local Government and Transitional Chairmen to date

Elected Chairmen:

1. Chief O. O. Otisi – Abiriba –  Ameke Abiriba Ward (9 years)
2. Elder A. O. Ukwa – Amaekpu Ohafia –  Isiama Ward
3. Chief O. O. Dike – Ania Ward
4. Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai – Asaga Ohafia  – Ohafor Ward
5. Elder/Chief K. K. Owen – Elu Ohafia –  Isiama Ward
6. Elder Ufere Eme – Etitiama Ndi Elu Ward
7. Barr. Emeka I. U. Kalu – Ebem Ohafia – Ebemoha Ward
8. High Chief Uche Ogboso – Akanu Ohafia  – Ania Ward
9. Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai – Asaga Ohafia  – Ohafor Ward
10. Deacon John Eke – Akanu Ohafia – Ania Ward
11. Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe –  Abiriba – Ameke Ward

Transitional Chairmen:

1. Elder Chima Kalu Ochu – Isima Ward
2. Chief Eke Udonsi – Ebem Oha Ward (2 times)
3. Chief Mrs Elizabeth Nkata – Amaekpu – Isiama Ward
4. Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai – Asaga – Ohafor Ward (3 times)
5. Prince Ndubuisi Onugu – Asaga – Ohafor Ward
6. Hon James – Ndi Agbo Ward Nkproro
7. Chief Nkpa A Nkpa – Ameke Ward Abirba
8. Chief Sampson Anaga – Okagwe – Isiama Ward
9. Chief Fred Eke Idika – Ebem-  Ebemoha
10. Chief Mrs. Grace Agbara – Abiriba –  Ameke Ward
11. Chief Mrs Obewu Onwuka – Abiriba Ward
12. Hon. Mandela Obasi – Abiriba Ward
13.  Ekea Udensi  – Okon-Aku – Okamu Ward
14. Hon. Chief Mba Ukaha – Asaga – Ohafor Ward
15. Mayor Chief David O. Ogba -Abiriba – Ameke Ward (Current Chairman)

For avoidance of doubt, rotation of Chairmanship was exclusive to elected Chairmen while Transition Chairmen were picked either out of merit, qualifications or at the discretion of the governor with whose prerogative these people may be chosen or just for mere compensation of political allies. .
It is also worthy of note that pattern of rotation of the Chairmanship of Ohafia LGA was 2:1, which is for Ohafia South to produce two Chairmen before Ohafia North will produce one. it was during the tenure of his Excellency, Rt. Hon Ude Oko-Chukwu that he used his power of incumbency to change it to 1:1.

The Need for Equity and Fairness

The election of the next Ohafia Local Government Chairman presents an opportunity to promote equity and fairness. By giving Okamu Ward a chance to produce the next chairman, the local government can demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and representation.

Furthermore, electing a chairman from Okamu Ward would help to:

– Address the historical imbalance in the rotation of the chairmanship position
– Provide a fresh perspective and new ideas for the development of Ohafia Local Government
– Foster a sense of belonging among the people of Okamu Ward and promote unity within the local government.

As the election for the next Ohafia Local Government Chairman approaches, it is crucial to prioritize equity and fairness. Okamu Ward deserves a chance to produce the next chairman, and it is time for the local government to recognize its contributions and potential. By doing so, Ohafia Local Government can take a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, representation, and development for all its wards.

Comr Amos Kalu is a blogger, website developer and an advocate for equity and good governance, writes from Abuja.