By Our Correspondent
Youth leaders in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State have called for the zoning of the House of Representatives seat to Aguata (I) South, citing the need for equity and balance of political power ahead of future elections.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued by Aguata (II) North Youth Forum after a meeting of the Aguata (II) North Youth Forum (ANYF), held on Monday in Ezinifite.
The group, which comprises youth leaders and stakeholders from 8 communities, 11 wards and other youths organizations in Aguata II State Constituency, said the call became necessary as Aguata II will be holding the position of the Local Government chairman.
According to the communiqué, maintaining both the chairmanship and the House of Representatives seat in Aguata II would be “unjust and unreasonable,” especially as the zone has held the federal constituency position for eight consecutive years from 2019 to 2027.
“Since Aguata II presently holds the seat of the Local Government Mayor, the House of Representatives seat should, in the spirit of fairness, be zoned to Aguata (I) South,” the group stated.
The forum acknowledged concerns over what it described as a “historical imbalance” in the distribution of political offices within the local government, noting that Aguata II has occupied a significant share of the council chairmanship positions since 1999.
To address the imbalance, the youths proposed a framework that would ensure rotational balance between the two zones, suggesting that when one zone produces the chairman, the other should produce the federal lawmaker.
Beyond zoning, the group emphasized the need for competence and capacity in leadership, warning against what it described as entitlement-driven politics by failed politicians.
“Elective political leadership should not be based on ‘Emi Lokan’. Aguata deserves the best leadership without compromise,” the communiqué read.
The youths also stressed that a second term in office should not be seen as an automatic right but must be earned through performance and service delivery.
On youth participation, the forum urged political parties to field credible young candidates, pledging support only for aspirants with proven commitment to youth development and empowerment.
ANYF, however, commended Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for what it described as his developmental strides and inclusion of young people in governance.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, equity, and youth inclusion, calling on stakeholders across Aguata Federal Constituency to embrace fairness in the distribution of political offices.
