Equity Cannot Be Selective: A Call for Moral Consistency in Umunna

Equity is one of the noblest principles upon which any society can stand. It promotes fairness, strengthens trust, and assures every community that has a rightful place in the collective destiny of the people.

However, equity loses its moral force the moment it becomes selective. It ceases to be justice and becomes mere convenience. That is the contradiction many discerning minds are beginning to observe in our political discourse today.

It is difficult to understand how some individuals passionately defend a candidate on the grounds that “it is his turn” under an agreed rotational arrangement, yet refuse to make the very same argument when another community’s turn arrives.

If equity is truly the basis of one’s conviction, then it must be applied consistently. If it only matters when it favours a preferred candidate or political interest, then it is no longer equity—it is hypocrisy dressed in the garments of principle.

The timeless maxim reminds us that “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.” One cannot invoke fairness while simultaneously undermining it. One cannot preach justice and practise discrimination. Such inconsistency weakens the moral authority of anyone claiming to be a defender of equity.

This conversation is particularly important in Umunna, where our stakeholders painstakingly nurtured a culture of rotational leadership to preserve harmony among our constituent communities. That arrangement was never designed to benefit one community alone. It was established to ensure that every part of Umunna enjoys a sense of belonging, dignity, and equal opportunity.

No community in Umunna is more Umunna* than another. Every village, every clan, and every family has contributed to the history, growth, and identity of our collective homeland.

Therefore, no community should be treated as though it is more entitled to political opportunities than the others. Mutual respect can only flourish where fairness is consistently upheld.

The rotational governance formula should not be abandoned simply because political circumstances appear convenient. Principles are tested precisely when they require sacrifice. If we discard our agreed formula whenever it becomes inconvenient, then we are no longer governed by principles but by expediency.

It is equally difficult to justify a situation where one community continues to occupy a position beyond what fairness requires while another patiently waits for its rightful opportunity. Such an imbalance breeds resentment, weakens unity, and erodes confidence in our collective agreements. If we permit that to happen, we must honestly ask ourselves whether the brotherhood we proudly proclaim is genuine or merely a beautiful illusion.

Respect for rotation is not about promoting mediocrity; it is about preserving justice, unity, and lasting peace. Every community in Umunna is blessed with capable sons and daughters who can provide visionary and effective leadership when given the opportunity. Rotation ensures that competence and fairness coexist rather than compete.

As Umunna continues its political journey, let us reject selective morality. Let us defend equity not only when it serves our personal interests but also when it demands impartiality. A principle that cannot be applied equally to all is not a principle worth defending.

If we truly believe in justice, then let us uphold the rotational arrangement faithfully and without bias. What is good for one community must be good for every community. Equity cannot be seasonal, selective, or self-serving. Only by applying it consistently can we build a stronger Umunna founded on justice, mutual respect, lasting unity, and a shared sense of belonging for both present and future generations.

It is Alayi turn by equity. Barrister Jonas Udensi is here to represent Umunna in the abia state house of assembly Bende North constituency.

Written by Bishop Godwill Chinedu Awa (DG) Jodens Reality Organization