Former Enugu Governor Senator Chimaroke Nnamani is still licking his wounds for choosing the wrong person as his successor in 2003.
The Ebeano politcial leader has said it severally that it remains his greatest mistake in life.
Few months after handover to his annointed Successor, his travails began.
Not only was he dumped by his supposed politcial son, EFCC was sent after him. The rest they say is history.
The coming of the humble and accomodating Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi would change his life and bring him back to politics.
After 13 years the Enugu politcial godfather returned to the Government House in a well mobilized thenk-you visit to Ugwuanyi.
It was an emotional Chimaraoke who was moved to tears as he poured encomiums on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi you singlehandedly gave him the PDP Senatorial ticket for Enugu East Sentaorial District.
Fast forward, it’s another time for decision making. Choosing a successor from among thousands of qualified friends, loyalists, allies and party members.
Beyond picking one who can continue in his good works as Governor, Ugwuanyi would be hoping to chose one who will not bite his fingers.
Already an array of aspirants have lined up, from Commissioners, members of the House of Assembly, Current and former Local Government Chairmen, Current and former National Assembly members, accomplished professionals and businessmen.
In the midst of contentious issues like zoning, Ugwuanyi is expected to name his successor sooner than later.
The big question is; will he make a similar mistake to that of Senator Nnamani whose choice of Sullivan Chime has continued to hunt.
Barr. Ray Nnaji, a former Commissioner, former Local Government Chairman, former National Auditor of the PDP doesn’t see Ugwuanyi making such a mistake.
Hear him: “They are not the same people. Ugwuanyi is very intelligent not withstanding that he doesn’t talk much.
He is always very calculative. He has been a shrewd politician right from time. He went to House of Representatives three terms. It’s not a mean achievement. So, he knows the game very well unlike Chimaroke who had never been in any political contest before becoming the governor.
“What happened with Chimaraoke was that he had never been in any political party game before becoming a governor. But Ugwuanyi grew through the ranks. So, he is a better politician and I believe he will learn from the mistakes of others. He will not make mistakes because if he takes it for granted that he has a structure that can deliver his choice, he will pay dearly for it.
Q: If you are the governor, will you be going for a politician or a technocrat as your successor?
And: One thing I like about Ugwuanyi is that he listens to people and gauges their opinion before taking any action. Call it a smokescreen conference because he might have made up his mind on the subject before calling for a meeting. But it is a way of making people to believe that they are important. And there is nothing like that in politics. When you take decisions without consulting people that matter, it hurts.
The essence of consultation is that during such a meeting, you might have people who will give you a better reason to change your mind.
So, I believe with time he will start making consultations, calling people and seeking their views before he finally makes the decision. I don’t think he will make a mistake because it will be costly knowing full well that Ekweremadu is lurking around like a scavenger waiting to capitalize on his mistakes.
