In this transcript, former Governor Sullivan Chime plots a timeline on zoning in Enugu and how late Igwe Abangwu planted the idea in him.


Sullivan Chime

Chime, a lawyer, is currently the most admired former Governor of Enugu State. He ruled from 2007 to 2015.


The idea of zoning began was when I was campaigning for second tenure as Governor. And it was born at Nsukka where we went to campaign. Late Chief Abangwu was still around and he instigated it.

He was like the father-figure to Ndi Nsukka.

On our campaign visit to Nsukka, we went to visit him. He actually assembled the Igwes from Nsukka to his palace to welcome us.

He said he was speaking for the people of Nsukka who had resolved to support my second term bid. Igwe Abangwu said his people were happy with the way our government was managing things. He assured me that Nsukka people were willing to support us and that they have told other aspirants from their zone that they were on their own.

It was after this that he came up with the following words:

“As you can see, Enugu East have produced a governor and you are from Enugu West.

“It will be nice if at the end of your tenure you will support someone from Enugu North to rule.”

I was re-elected in 2011 as governor.

Then in 2013, we were at Nike Lake Hotel holding a town hall meeting when a journalist raised his hand and asked me the question.

The Defining Question

He said: “This time that you have gone halfway into your tenure, it’s almost ended. When it does end, which zone will produce the next governor?”

I gave him a straight forward answer.

“It will go north,” I said.

It was at this meeting that everybody knew my position about it and the fact that it was going to go North.

My expectation was that after going North, the circle would have been completed and we can start (the process) again.

I also hoped that this rotation will continue so that we can forget all these inordinate struggles for power.


Chime spoke to a delegation of Nkanu East stakeholders who paid him a courtesy visit to support their aspiration to have the governorship micro-zoned to Nkanu East.

Abangwu planted zoning idea in me says Sullivan Chime

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