[OPINION] Umunneochi State Constituency; The Context Surrounding The Contest

Since the creation of Umunneochi LGA in 1996 and subsequent delineation into four zones, we have had four representations viz:

Chief LAWRENCE NWANKWO – zone 2 – one term
Engr MATTHEW IBEH – zone 3 – three terms
Prince IKEDI EZEKWESIRI – Zone 1 – two terms
Barr OKEY IGWE – zone 2 – one term

In view of the above, it is a fact that zone 4 (Lokpaukwu, Leru/Lekwesi and Lokpanta) are the only constituent part of Umunneochi yet to take a turn in the Assembly seat. Therefore, in the spirit of equity and upon existing zoning arrangement in the LGA, it is the turn of Umuchieze to represent Umunneochi in the House of Assembly come 2023: so said the voice of the people. The leaders and stakeholders of Umunneochi have agreed in principle that the batton exchange to zone 4.

May I seize this opportunity to thank some of our big stakeholders who maintained a strong resolve to be fair to the people of Umuchieze in this regard. Many thanks to Chief Sir Chris Odinaka Igwe (Mgboejiagbaenyi Isuochi), he is highly phenomenal to reaching a peace accord with ‘Equity’ as a pivot.

He promised the people of Umunneochi that what was good for the goose, would also be good for the gander. He ensured equity for Nneato when they negotiated the LGA chairmanship, and now again, he is poised to being fair to ndi Umuchieze.

Chief Sir Ndidi Okereke (Nwachinyeremba Isuochi) is another respecter of equity and fairness. He stated unequivocally that House of Assembly is for zone 4 in obedience to the subsisting zoning formula in Umunneochi. He affirmed that anyone coming out from another zone is either a spoiler or gambler.

Chief Ifeanyi Okechukwu (Ide Nneato), also in consonance with the equity agenda, gave his consent to power shift to Umuchieze.

Barr Okey Igwe has yet proven to be a man of his words. First, he said he was going to be in the House of Assembly for one tenure just to set a pace on how representation should be. In deed, he set a standard and thus made a mark. Second, he said he would support a shift to Umuchieze after his tenure. Again, he respects that pronouncement.

The Executive Chairman of Umunneochi LGA Chief Ifeanyi Madu (a product of zoning) has been all in for the sustainability of equity which according to him will continue to engender peace and harmonious coexistence among the three major towns that make up Umunneochi LGA.

Other notable stakeholders in zones 1, 2 and 3 who are in agreement that the power be shifted to zone 4 include but not limited to:
Sir Romanus Madu (Ikeoha Isuochi)
Barr Chima Grant Mgbeke (Agu ike)
Chief Ugochukwu Okpara (Fearless)
Elder Richard Agbadogo (Mbanefo)
Chief Chima Chukwu
Dr Jasper Uche
Mr Chukwuemeka Mba (Bobos)
Mr Uche Dim
Chief Mattias Ukaigwe (Omemma Oil & Gas)
Chief C.C Olima
Chief Oliver Chukwu (Akaraka Isuochi)

Equity Mantra:
Around 1997, a young man in his late teens, in whom was imbued 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. As at the time of PDP, he was already a known face in the polity. After graduation as an accountant from Abia State University, he worked briefly with Inland Bank (now FCMB) and later left the bank and took to business.

He again left business and returned to school to pick another degree in Law. It was on the basis of politics and his geniue 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 own part of the LGA someday, he got prepared before hand.

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 to the advise of elders and that earned him appointment as supervisor for Agriculture and Mineral Resources. He was later appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor. When he saw an imminent vacancy in the Umunneochi State Constituency seat in the ensuing gameplay, he started negotiating for his people and for 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 since January 2022 and has really spent a fortune relating to people and engaging in charity. Across party line, he reached out to people of 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 to 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 the election. As we speak, there are four aspirants from this Umuchieze and two from Isuochi.

1. Ebere Nwankwo
He is the propagator of Equity Agenda; a recognition of right of representation of Umuchieze people. He is the Chairman 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 grassrooter. 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 but 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 nomination form and completed 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 block vote for PDP starting with 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 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 an 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 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 a 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 as a candidate not aspirant.

2. Obinna Ude
He is a prince with royal birth, a progeny of H.R.H Eze Sir Udeh. He is the PDP Youth Leader in the LGA, an S.A to the Governor of Abia State. His profile extends to being the DG of Chris Odinaka Friends Club (CFC) Umunneochi. It was on the basis of his position as DG of CFC that many believed he was being sponsored by Okosisi Abia Sir Chris Igwe. But they may be wrong because Mgboejiagbaenyi is a man of principle. He has made it abundantly clear that he will only support any person who emerge in primaries.

That, he was not going to influence the emergence of any aspirant. Incidentally, Udeh was first heard of around 2018 during the build-up to the PDP LGA Congress and thr succeeding general election of 2019. Prior to that time, he existed as a private person – a good guy though. EbereUmunneochi is his senior in the field of politics and so more advantaged.

Though Obinna is eminently qualified to run, but his aspiration was an afterthought. It was after the Equity Agenda has successfully made a good case for ndi Umuchieze that he jumped into the ring. That is why the people of Umuchieze advised him to allow a more prepared and preferred candidate to emerge in Ebere Umunneochi. Though this is a hard decision to reach but he has to in the interest of peace and harmony. He is a lover of peace and a gentleman, so he won’t let his people and leaders down.

3. Hon. Pastor Kingsley Mezie
He is a former Councillor representing Lokpanta ward in Umunneochi Legislative Council from 2008 – 2010. He is a former Transition Chairman of Umunneochi LGA. He is a Senior Special Adviser to the governor. He is the presiding pastor and founder of The Elect Church in Umuahia. Another humble and gentle guy, Kingsley Mezie is another sound guy for any position but he was late also this time round. He had better supported Ebere Umunneochi so that Umuchieze’s vote will not be divided during the primaries. God willing, pastor will find a Scripture to soothe the pains of conceding to Ebere, as we pray for other opportunities to locate him.

4. Fabian Nwankwo
From afar you may think he has a blood relationship with Ebere Nwankwo, having the same surname in the same zone. But he is from Leru/Lekwesi ward while Ebere Nwankwo is from Lokpaukwu in Umuchieze. Fabian is an old man in the game of politics: old enough to be a king maker now. He was an elected Deputy chairman of Umunneochi LGA way back in the 90s when we (including Ebere Nwankwo) were yet undergraduates. He is a three time former commissioner and a two time Transition Chairman. He is the incumbent Publicity Secretary of PDP in the State. Methinks, he has gotten it all and should be content with what position he has at hand.

“The proverbial penis went looking for food to eat but ended up vomiting the one it had in its mouth.” This is an Igbo adage. His alias is Ana emenyu oku. Is it why he flamed more after his supposed younger brother Ebere consulted him in the manner of a major stakeholder. EbereUmunneochi had earlier consulted him twice to seek his support as a party leader in the state and from his own zone. Citeris Paribus, he ought to be Ebere’s torch bearer, but never to be helpful due to inordinate quest.

Rather than allign with his political student, he saw it as trying to quench his fire. He flamed up and went on to purchase form. I hereby advice him to remove the monkey’s hand from the pot of soup before it turns to human hand. I know there are people he listens to, let him heed to the voice of reason. We still rever him as a major stakeholder.

Talking about equity, these four aspirants are qualified to run the race, armed by equity. They all can approach the voters with equity. But *when two (or more) equities are in conflict, the first in time prevails.* Ebere Nwankwo is the first in time, no doubt about that. Let the rest of the contenders queue behind him to win it for Umuchieze.

Regarding the sharing of things in Umuchieze, Oliver Egeonu was an elected Chairman in 2008 and he is from Leru/Lekwesi. Fabian Nwankwo was an elected Deputy Chairman, three time commissioner, two time T.C Chairman and incumbent Publicity Secretary of PDP in the State and he is from Leru/Lekwesi ward. Today, he is seeking to be elected to the House, na only him waka come? Obinna Udeh is the LGA Youth leader of PDP, S.A to the governor, DG of CFC and he is from the same Leru/Lekwesi ward with Fabian Nwankwo.

5. Dr Oluebube Chukwu
He is from Amuda Isuochi. His political profile is not yet dotted with green leaves. He is very qualified as a young Doctor of Philosophy but business of law-making is beyond world of imaginary thought. Requisite action is key to quality representation. His greatest undoing is the fact that he is from the same community with the incumbent member Barr Okey Igwe. Even if their community produces best hands across board, there is a need to try something new. His aspiration is not in line with equity. He should be advised to walk away.

6. Jubilee Eze
He was and will remain a product of impunity as far as Umunneochi politics is concerned. When his father (the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo ) was the T.C Chairman of Umunneochi, he imposed him on Umunneochi as a Deputy Chairman of the LGA. While we are still nursing the wound of the impunious imposition, his father is raising his hand to slap Umunneochi again.

When he smuggled Jubilee into the foray of Umunneochi politics, everyone shouted ‘foul’ but the referee did not care, instead he allowed the offside goal to stand. However, since his imposition, he never came to work for a day till date as a Deputy Chairman. In fact, the Executive Chairman Ifeanyi Madu has been working alone without a subordinate. Ordinarily, the Umunneochi Legislative Council should start process of impeachment against him which will in turn provoke a recall from our Ezingodo ward.

Is it because his imposition was unchallenged that they have the temerity to declare for the state House of Assembly. A boy of less than 25 years of age; a neophyte and a newbie should not be counted as a contender for an office as big as House of Assembly. His father contested the position more than twice and failed, now he thinks he can get it through his small boy. Well, let’s see the magic he will perform this time round. Afterall, the world is full of gamblers. His father may be angling for another thing, if not, he is a spoiler as equity did favour him.

This post is especially important to delegates who will in a matter of weeks elect the flag bearers of the PDP.

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