[OPINION] Equity Mantra: Ebere Umunneochi 2023

Around 1997, a young man in his late teens, whom was imbued with charisma and oratory, launched himself into politics with the belief that someday he will be a shoulder on which many will lean. It was NCPN for me and UNCP for him then, yet he was enthusiastic and focused. At the time of PDP, he was already a known face in the polity. After graduation as an Accountant from the Abia State University Uturu, he worked briefly with Inland Bank (now First City Monument Bank) and later left the bank and took to business.

He again left the business and returned to school to pick another Degree in Law. It was based on politics and his genuine drive for stewardship that he bagged his Law Degree in view of service to his people. Bearing in mind that equity will smile on his part of the LGA someday, he got prepared beforehand.

Upon graduation from Law, he indicated interest to contest the 2016 Local Government election but he was advised to step down. He was disadvantaged because an Umuchieze man just left the seat. He heeded the advice of the elders and that earned him an appointment as Supervisor for Agriculture and Mineral Resources in Umunneochi LGA. He was later appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media. When he saw an imminent vacancy in the Umunneochi State Constituency seat in the ensuing gameplay, he started negotiating for his people and himself.

He coined “Equity Agenda” as his Mantra for the contest. He lobbied the high and mighty with the appeal; to get the seat zoned to Umuchieze and so offered himself to serve in that capacity. He started heating the waves in January 2022 and has spent a fortune relating to people and engaging in charity. Across the party line, he reached out to people of the opposition party aligning with them to support him.

He succeeded in negotiating with hopefuls of APC and APGA and they had a pact to stand down their aspirations on just one condition. They assured him that they will not run if the ticket of PDP is given to him but if given to another person, it will turn into a free-for-all battle. Just when his negotiations and lobbyings were gathering momentum and attention from the powers-that-be, other people are indicating interest to run for the election. As we speak, there are four aspirants from this Umuchieze and two from Isuochi.

Ebere Nwankwo :

He is the propagator of the Equity Agenda; a recognition of the right of representation of Umuchieze people. He is the Chairman, of Regal Group of Companies. He is an Accountant and a Lawyer. And a lawyer is best fitted for law-making if the business of the House of Assembly is business of law-making. He is a service-driven young man. He has gone through the steps to the corridor of power, and he is a grassroots. He is the kindest man I met in recent time. Popularly known as Ebere Umunneochi, he is boundless in reaches and socialisation. He is loyal and humble. Though all other contenders are as well qualified Ebere is a more viable option.

He is academically ahead of them all; he is financially independent. He was the first to express interest and so started routing it to their zone. He was the first to pick the nomination form and completed the same in record time. He came out when nobody was willing to come out due to fear. A courageous and motivated Ebere Umunneochi allayed the fears and took the bull by the horns. He is from Lokpaukwu (the oldest clan in Umuchieze).

Suffice you to note that Lokpaukwu has the highest number of registered voters in Umuchieze. If for fairness the ticket is given to them, they will produce a block vote for PDP starting with the House of Assembly and Governorship, National Assembly and Presidency. Simply put, many (including opposition parties) are willing and ready to vote for PDP if EBERE NWANKWO becomes the standard-bearer of PDP. Then again, according to sharing formula in the land of Umuchieze and Igboland in general, the oldest takes his turn before others.

In 2008 during the Local Government election, it was not fair for Oliver Egeonu from Leru/Lekwesi ward to first take what comes to Umuchieze if not for his imposition on Umunneochi by mother Excellency Eunice Uzor Kalu. But as seniors, they exhibited uncommon understanding to allow peace to reign. As it is, the entire Umuchieze is set to make amends by narrowing down the House of Assembly to Chief Ebere Nwankwo, Esq of Lokpaukwu.

In an unanimous voice, they didn’t hide their admiration and preference for Ebere Nwankwo and they will be ready to issue a communique in that regard. A sample of opinion from opinion leaders in the area puts EBERE NWANKWO as a candidate, not an aspirant.

Written By:
Hon Toby Chuks Egeonu
Public Affairs Commentator and Political Analyst
29:04:22