By Uzo Ugwunze
The clamour for equity and fair representation in Anambra State’s political leadership has intensified, as the Convener of Anambra 2030 for Awka-North and South Governorship Mandate Demand, Chief Michael Chukwuemeka Mmekwe, has called on all political parties to ensure that candidates for the 2030 governorship election emerge strictly from Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
Chief Mmekwe, widely known as Ozo Echetamma I of Amanuke Kingdom and Akaekpuchionwa II of Amanuke Kingdom, insisted that justice, fairness and the established zoning principle demand that the next governor of Anambra State be produced from the constituency, which he noted is yet to occupy the exalted seat.
**Our Turn Has Come” — Mmekwe Declares*
Speaking during a media engagement and the unveiling of the movement, the prominent stakeholder of The New Face of Amanuke pressure group, Chief Mmekwe stressed that while other federal constituencies such as Idemili North and South, as well as Anaocha–Njikoka–Dunukofia, have produced governors, Awka North and South remains the only bloc yet to be given the opportunity.
He maintained that allowing Awka North and South to produce the next governor would restore balance, strengthen unity, and ensure development across the state.
According to him, “A governor from Awka North and South Federal Constituency will make representation more equitable and attract greater development to the area, thereby accelerating overall progress in Anambra State.”
In the same vein, communities in Awka North and South are encouraged to put forward credible, competent, and widely respected individuals whose integrity and track record can strengthen their collective case.
*Appeal to Soludo: Uphold Justice, Strengthen Legacy*
Chief Mmekwe passionately appealed to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to use his influence within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and beyond to ensure that the zoning arrangement is respected in 2030.
He urged the governor to support the emergence of a candidate from Awka North or Awka South, stressing that such a move would cement his legacy as a leader committed to justice, inclusiveness, and fairness.
“If this is done, history will remember him as a man of integrity who upheld equity and gave every part of Anambra a sense of belonging,” he stated.
*Soludo’s Transformational Leadership Wins High Praise*
The Awka North-born Lagos-based international businessman, Chief Mmekwe showered glowing commendations on Governor Soludo, describing his administration as visionary, purposeful, and transformative.
He lauded the governor’s remarkable strides in infrastructure development, particularly in road construction, citing key projects such as the Isu-Aniocha–Urum–Achalla road, Amansea–Ebenebe–Ugbene–Ugbenu road with a spur to Awba Ofemili, and the iconic New Government House, popularly known as the Light House.
Chief Mmekwe noted that Soludo’s bold development agenda is rapidly redefining Anambra’s landscape, boosting connectivity, enhancing economic activities, and positioning the state for sustainable growth.
He further acknowledged the governor’s forward-thinking policies and ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening governance, improving public infrastructure, and unlocking the state’s economic potential.
*Fresh Demands for Strategic Development in Awka North*
Despite the commendations, Chief Mmekwe urged the governor not to relent, calling for urgent attention to critical infrastructure in Awka North, particularly roads that would connect agrarian communities to major markets and the local government headquarters in Achalla.
He listed priority projects to include the Ebenebe–Mgbakwu bypass via Radio Nigeria Purity FM, Mgbakwu Community fence–Urum–Amanuke-Amanuke Secondary School road and Amanuke–Ugbene–Ugbenu road, as well as Mgbakwu–Isu-Aniocha–Urum–Amanuke road via Isu-Aniocha Secondary School -Ekeagba Isu-Aniocha.
According to Chief, improving these roads would unlock the vast agricultural potential of Awka North, widely regarded as one of the food baskets of the state.
He further stressed that well-meaning and financially capable stakeholders across Awka North and South should also rise to the occasion by supporting this shared vision, through financial contributions, material resources, and strategic backing, recognising that it is a collective project for the growth and future of the people.
*Healthcare Concerns and Erosion Threat*
Chief Mmekwe also drew attention to the deteriorating state of the General Hospital in Amanuke, built in the 1980s, describing it as the only general hospital serving the area.
He appealed for its urgent transformation, alongside the upgrade of the community health centre, while also calling for immediate intervention to address severe erosion threatening the facility.
*A Defining Moment for Equity in Anambra*
Reaffirming the position of his group, Chief Mmekwe declared that the 2030 governorship presents a historic opportunity to deepen equity, unity, and balanced development in Anambra State.
He stressed that Awka North and South have consistently supported the state’s political structure and deserve reciprocal support in line with the zoning arrangement.
“Let zoning work. Let fairness prevail. Awka North and South have capable hands ready to lead, and this is the time to make it happen,” he concluded.
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