A Commitment to Championing Nsukka’s Interests in the Senate
The Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sensor Okey Ezea, popularly known as “Ideke,” has sworn to speak in defense of Igbo Nsukka. During the 2nd Townhall Meeting organized by Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, the member representing Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South in the House of Representatives, held in Nsukka on Friday, Senator Ezea reiterated his commitment to advocating for the region.
He emphasized that he would quit the Senate if ever prevented from defending Nsukka’s interests. He urged traditional rulers in Nsukka to be courageous and speak the truth, encouraging a focus on personality rather than party affiliation when evaluating candidates.
Changing Mindsets and Addressing Regional Inequities
Senator Ezea expressed satisfaction with the changing mindsets of the people, stating, “Ndigwe, help us to change the politics of Nsukka zone, as we struggle to free our people from poverty, disease, and infrastructure decay.” He advised residents of Nsukka to judge individuals by their performance rather than their political affiliations.
Recalling his early days in the Senate, he highlighted his efforts to secure a ministerial position for Nsukka under President Bola Tinubu. “Ogun State has four ministers,” he noted, lamenting that “no Nsukka person since 1999 has been a minister or headed a parastatal or agency, someone who could give contracts to people.” He regretted past actions where certain individuals worked against the emergence of a governor from Nsukka in 2007.
Addressing requests for jobs, Senator Ezea clarified the roles of lawmakers versus executives: “Sometimes, our people don’t differentiate between the executive and the legislature. Even a local government chairman runs budgets because he gets allocation every month. Lawmakers have to lobby and beg—and that’s what we’re doing.”
On recent achievements, he acknowledged the challenges of road construction amid rising costs but assured that two small roads in Odenigbo, Nsukka, will soon be commissioned. Furthermore, he prioritized the construction of the critical Nsukka–Lejja road, emphasizing its importance for regional connectivity.
“If states are created, Adada State will undoubtedly be one, as it has passed all the necessary tests to qualify as a state. This development aligns with ongoing agitations for greater representation and resource control in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.”
Sensor Ezea noted the growing agitations for state creation across Nigeria, asserting that Adada State would meet the criteria for establishment. His remarks reflect a broader push for equitable representation and resource allocation in the country’s administrative framework.
