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The Enugu North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is making a strong push for ministerial representation in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the zone has been unfairly overlooked for decades.

The Enugu North APC Frontiers, a group within the party, has formally appealed to the President to allocate a ministerial slot to their area, claiming it is the only senatorial zone in Enugu State that has not produced a minister since the 1999 when Nigeria transited to a democratic government.

In a statement released to the press, the group asserted that Enugu North represents over 52% of the entire population of Enugu State. They expressed “great concerns” over what they describe as a “lopsided” pattern of ministerial appointments that has consistently excluded their indigenes from the Federal Executive Council since the return to democracy.

The appeal, titled “A Humble Request for You to Break the Jinx,” was jointly signed by Barr. Ejikeme Ugwu (Agunechemba), the National Convener, and Sydney Eze, the National Secretary, of the Enugu North APC Frontiers.

The statement presented detailed statistics highlighting the perceived disparity in ministerial representation.

“We bring to you the long cry of the good people of Enugu North senatorial zone… over the non-appointment of our indigene into the Federal Executive Council since 1999 to date,” the statement read.

“The table below showcases the lopsided ministerial appointment in Enugu state from 1999 to date: Enugu West, 4, 57%. Enugu East, 3, 43%, Enugu North, 0, 0%, totalling 7, 100%.”

The group described the situation as “a clear manifestation of marginalisation and lack of fairness and justice in Enugu State.” They are calling for “inclusiveness” and the opportunity to serve as a Minister in the Federal Executive Council, along with other executive leadership positions at the federal level.

The statement further clarified that, between 2015 and 2023, the only exceptions were General Eze’s appointment as ambassador and the late Senator Ayogu Eze’s brief appointment as a commissioner for RAMFAC in May 2023.

 They also presented a breakdown of Chairperson and executive positions per Senatorial zone during the same period, seemingly further highlighting their perceived disadvantage.

Despite the perceived neglect, the Enugu North APC Frontiers emphasised the qualities of their people, describing them as “hardworking, honest, and God-fearing.”

They asserted that Enugu North is “blessed with an abundance of talents, professionals, and technocrats… who have distinguished themselves in various fields of life” and are well-suited for ministerial and leadership positions.

The group expressed confidence that appointees from Enugu North would contribute to the success of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“Our people have borne the grief of marginalisation and deprivation with dignified patience and non-violent candour, which goes a long way to showcase that we are accommodating, patient, and progressive,” the statement continued.

The Enugu North APC Frontiers concluded their appeal by imploring President Tinubu to consider and appoint one of their qualified indigenes to represent Enugu State in the Federal Executive Council, thereby “break[ing] the jinx and Renew[ing] the Hope of the good people of Enugu North.”

They also appealed for consideration of Enugu North indigenes for other positions within the government and pledged their “unflinching support,” promising the APC the highest number of votes from their region in the 2027 elections.

The appeal represents a significant effort by the Enugu North APC to address historical grievances and secure representation at the highest levels of government.

 It remains to be seen how President Tinubu will respond to their demands as he finalises his cabinet appointments.