The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State, Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakaibie), is an Enugu “boy” through and through. There is nothing about the challenges and development trajectories of Enugu state that he is not familiar with since he started his life in the coal city state.

Chief Nnaji was born into the family of Chief & Mrs. Obed Nnaji of Akpugo Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. He is the first of four children. All his educational pursuits were in Enugu State.

He attended Santa Maria Primary School, Enugu (now Ziks Avenue Primary School), St Patrick’s College, Emene, Enugu, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus. This background earned him the label of an unadulterated “Enugu Boy”.

Nwakaibie lost his father in 1978. His father’s sudden demise left his mother as the family’s bread winner, a responsibility she lived up to by all standards. She managed her late husband’s estate excellently and ensured that all her children received a unique upbringing and sounde education

Uche’s early exposure to the business world greatly benefited from his mother’s enduring value for resource management with integrity and hardwork – traits which became manifest during his service as a Youth Corper at NASCO and Jos International Brewery, all in Plateau State. Both organisations expanded his outlook and further equipped him with good business practices and general procurement skills. Towards the second half of his Youth Service, his mother gave him N10,000.00 to persuade him to settle down for paid employment upon completing his service year. At that time, N10,000.00 could conveniently

fetch him a Peugeot 504 car, rent a 3-bedroom flat and keep him reasonably comfortable for quite a while in paid employment.

Nwakaibie, however, had other intentions. As soon as he got the N10,000.00 he ventured into business. He first got a return ticket to London for N400.00, went and procured CLAFORAN INJECTION in vials, notably with other pain relievers. All were eventually sold at good profit to Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, under the late Dr. Jacob Igwe, then CMD, and late Mr. Chukwueke, Chief Pharmacist, at the time.

This very successful start in business encouraged him to continue in private enterprise.

Nwakaibie consequently delved deeper into the importation and procurement of various items, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, motor spare parts, and other equipment.

This business took him to many countries, including the UK, Germany, Taiwan, India, and Hong Kong. He traded vigorously on these items and, within a short time, became quite successful, securing huge contracts, and transited from importing items through air-cargo to large consignments through shipment by sea.

One of the significant contracts that defined his status as a successful entrepreneur was the procurement, installation, and commissioning of all specialized hospital-grade sanitary wares and plumbing materials for the then NEW UNTH, ITUKU/OZALLA. He participated actively in the hospital equipment procurement and installation contracts. He still maintains a good presence there. His involvement in hospital and medical procurement and installation at a young age put him in a vantage entrepreneurship position. He benefited from several

interactions with much older senior executives and imbibed the virtues of patience and humility; and later learned that he was the youngest and the first African to procure a CT scan from PHILIPS MEDICAL, Hamburg, Germany office in mid-1980s for Nigeria.

With these accomplishments, the young Uche Nnaji (Nwakaibie) was lured into politics and took particular interest in assisting the marginalized category who lacked the financial resources to actively participate in the political process. He funded many of them to achieve

their political ambitions.

During the UNCP/GDM/DPN political days, Uche led his senatorial zone to ensure that Chief Jim Nwobodo handed a heavy defeat to Senator Ken Nnamani against the instructions of the then Military Administrator of Enugu State. The loss of Ken Nnamani of UNCP in the first senatorial election of Enugu East earned him the first baptism of political imprisonment. Nwakaibie spent about four months in detention for what they termed ‘derailing’ the Abacha transition program and sponsoring anti-government candidates in Enugu State.

He regained freedom from political detention when General Abacha died, and the Head of State who succeeded him, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, released all political detainees. At the advent of party politics in 1998, Nwakaibie played major role in the formation of PDP in Enugu State.

He was to run in the senatorial election of Enugu East Senatorial Zone under PDP but the then National Secretary of the Party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, replaced his name with that of Senator Ken Nnamani, who decamped to PDP from APP. Piqued by the unfairness, he moved to the Alliance for Democracy (AD), 72 hours before the election and still won 65 Wards out of 66 wards against Senator Ken Nnamani, the PDP candidate.

Nwakaibie’s accomplishments in politics during this time include:

• Won election as Senator, Enugu East Senatorial Zone 1999 (unconditionally relinquished seat to HE Chief Jim Nwobodo).

• Foundation Member–PDPSouth East Zone, 1998.

• Convener–PDPEnugu State, 1998.

• Caucus Member- PDPEnugu State, 1998.

• Member–PDPNational Finance Committee & Poverty Alleviation, 1998.

• Member–PPAC Sub Committee on Rural Development, 1999.

• Caucus member UNCP, Enugu State, 1996–1998.

• Financier–UNCPEnugu East Senatorial Zone, 1996-1998.

He also served in the following public positions:

• Member–Board of Directors Federal Capital Development Authority [FCDA].

• Chairman–Finance and General Purpose Committee FCDA.

• Member–Establishment Committee FCDA.

In time, his desire for entrepreneurship and human capital development in the economic sector was rekindled and Chief Nnaji returned to his business in year 2000. He became more involved in the health-care sector of the economy. He engaged extensively in business transactions with federal/state institutions in areas of procurement, installation, commissioning and maintenance of high-resolution health-care equipment and machinery, including specialized cancer diagnostic/handling equipment.

In addition, his business group also runs equipment maintenance agreement for cancer in several University Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria, including UNTH Enugu, KDTH Ebonyi State, AKTH Kano, and UDTH Sokoto. Also, his group executed multiple contracts in Borno, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, and Bauchi States. These included supply of medical equipment, health-care devices, and hospital furniture for the hospitals and health centers. Similarly, the group constructed

120/100-bedded hospitals and their referral centers of 200-bedded hospitals in each Senatorial Zone of the State.

These ground breaking investments were all commissioned by the then President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR. Also, his company executed several road and drainage construction contracts for

Federal/State governments, commissioned by President Mohammadu Buhari. He is also involved in the oil and gas industry and participated, in conjunction with other foreign and local partners, in seeking investments in several exploration and production opportunities in

Nigeria, Chad, and Niger; and further involved in real estate business and develops luxury apartments for high-net-worth individuals, companies, and diplomats in Abuja and Lagos. In conjunction with his foreign partners, a leading finance and investment entity in the Middle

East and other regions, he has supported some businesses in start-ups and expansion projects. Under the partnership, he hopes to turn Enugu State into an industrial hub and human capital development.

In the spirit of “AKULUOUNO”, Nwakaibie is currently building an integrated industrial complex in his hometown, Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. The goal is to contribute, substantially, in spurring primary economic activities and addressing the menace of high unemployment in Enugu State.

The industrial complex, on completion, will host:

• Rice Mill with production capacity of 300 tons per hour.

• Bag manufacturing factory with production capacity of 41,000bags per 10hours work-shift.

• 6-Colour retro-graphic printing factory (prime technology).

The industrial complex is about 80% completed and will start operations Q2 2023.

Chief Uche Nnaji never fails to attribute his modest accomplishments to the grace and mercies of God Almighty.

Nwakaibie is blessed with a lovely wife and children.

Contrary to the decision of pro-Wike governors not to identify with the presidential campaign of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, many stalwarts in their states are mobilizing for their presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The party faithful, whose positions are not going down well with their governors, have started setting up pro-Atiku structures to be used in campaigning for the former number two-man and his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Their decision, was informed by factors which mainly include post and pre-primaries intra-party crises and fear of losing House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives elections in 2023.

Structure
In Rivers, Benue, Abia, Oyo and Enugu findings show that Governors Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Seyi Makinde, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi respectively are making real their threat of not identifying with Atiku’s campaign as they haven’t put any structure on the ground to that effect.

However, several party chieftains are already working for Atiku and Okowa despite the opposition of the state governors.

Some of the chieftains, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said they were already putting together Presidential Election Campaign Councils in their respective states regardless of the position of their governors who have vowed not to campaign for Atiku.

The governors, led by Wike, had said until the PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, steps down, they won’t support Atiku for President.

They had together and individually, at several fora, said Ayu must resign for a southerner to emerge as Chairman.

The five governors carried out their threat with the boycott of the inauguration of PDP Presidential Campaign in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Wike group members earlier stayed away from the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council last month.

Wike, who was a presidential aspirant of the party but became aggrieved after losing the ticket to Atiku and the VP slot to Okowa, is leading a group of party loyalists demanding Ayu’s exit to achieve a “regional balance” since Ayu and Atiku are both from the North.

But the National Chairman has insisted he would not resign, saying he was elected for a four year-term.

It was for this reason that the governors distanced themselves from the party’s presidential campaign.

Findings in their states showed that party members, especially elders, are sympathetic to the Atiku/Okowa cause.

BENUE
In Benue, unlike Ortom, most party members are not opposed to Atiku/Okowa ticket.

Party leaders and faithful at all levels have been going about galvanising support for candidates ahead of the 2023 general elections.

But one noticeable feature in the campaigns and activities of the party is the fact that nothing seems to be happening on the side of government to suggest that it is backing the candidature of Atiku.

The PDP government and the party secretariat have been silent on any form of campaign for Atiku.

The development clearly indicates that though Benue PDP is going about its activities to seek the mandate of the people for all other elective positions, that of the President is left unattended until the leader of the party, Ortom, gives the go-ahead.

Regardless of that, some PDP support groups are mobilising for Atiku in the state. Atiku Grassroots Movement, AGM, is one of them.

The group, which came into being some months back, was convened by a former Chairman of Benue Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, Mr. Terzungwe Atser, who, with the support of others, has set up the state office where their activities are being coordinated.

The Convener of the movement has been able to gather some other important personalities including former Local Government Council chairmen and former political appointees as well as several others to drum up support for the candidature of Atiku.

The group is making efforts to have its presence felt in all parts of the state with the recent inauguration of local government wings.

It urged its members to swiftly move into the hinterland and canvass support for the Atiku presidency.

Speaking on efforts to galvanise support for the PDP presidential candidate, Atser said:”So far, we are in the process of setting up the structures statewide.

“We have put up the structures at the state levels, local government levels and zonal levels. “Last Monday, we held a meeting and charged the local government officials to set up structures at the sub-ward levels.

“We plan that in a week we will be going around to inaugurate the structures at the local government and ward levels.

“We have no hitches whatsoever. We have set up an office in Makurdi already. Individually some people are setting up offices in their local government areas. We are sponsoring our activities.

“But just like any other support group, we are expecting assistance and support from the national secretariat.

“I am a card-carrying member of the PDP, so I have to support my party. I am convinced that among the candidates  vying for the position of president of this country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the best candidate and has a better idea of repositioning Nigeria.’’

Similarly, Ayu’s kinsmen under the aegis of Jemgbagh Development Association, have threatened political consequences against Ortom should he continue aligning with those seeking to force him to resign.

The threat was contained in the text of a press conference read by the President of the association, Terver Felix Abor.

Abor accused the governor of pursuing a deliberate attempt to undermine the people of Jemgbagh namely: “The honourable Minister (of Special Duties), Dr. George Akume, the former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, and Senator Orker Jev.”

He further said:”We are disheartened that the governor who wants to be a senator for Zone B of Benue State comprising  Jemgbagh and MINDA will involve himself among those  destroying a Jamgbagh son, Ayu.’’

ENUGU
Party stakeholders in Enugu were found to be supportive of their presidential candidate. Some who spoke on condition of anonymity said that Ugwuanyi’s alignment with Wike’s stance is personal and not the position of the entire PDP members in the state.

They said it’s very unlikely that they would abandon the PDP presidential campaign because of Wike, who they said is fighting for himself and not the South.

For instance, the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Peter Mba, while fielding questions from newsmen, last Friday, said he had no reason not to support PDP in all elections.

Also, people like former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dubem Onyia, are known core supporters of Atiku.

“Our governor knows why he is aligning with Wike. The Rivers governor is not fighting for the South. He is fighting for his interest. Why should we align with such a person simply because he lost the party ticket? Enugu PDP members are for Atiku.

Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has written a letter to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), highlighting the problems with the inclusion of mandatory direct primaries in the Electoral Act amendment bill.

It was gathered that the AGF’s letter on the amended Electoral Act bill was received by the President two weeks ago.

When contacted on the telephone, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed that the President had received a communication from Malami on the bill.

He however said he was not privy to the content of the letter.

“Yes. I can confirm that the President has received a communication from the honourable minister on the matter but honestly, I am not privy to the content of the communication. I have not been briefed,” the presidential aide said.

But a source at the Ministry of Justice told one of our correspondents that Malami informed the President that making direct primaries mandatory for all political parties could cause confusion.

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An impeccable source in the ministry said, “The AGF has sent his advice on the Electoral Act amendment bill to the President. He has highlighted the problems of the bill.

“The AGF, however, did not quote any section of the law that makes it illegal which is unlike the previous letters he writes to the President.”

Also, source in the AGF office confirmed to The PUNCH that indeed Malami had written to the President.

He explained that the AGF was worried that forcing all parties to adopt the direct mode of primary would mean that all existing parties would have to change their constitutions.

The source stated, “The office of the AGF sent its position two weeks ago. They raised a number of issues. For instance, if you are asking political parties to run direct primaries, from a strictly legal point of view that would mean that only new political parties will be bound by the law.

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“Existing political parties will not, because they have registered their parties, they have filed their constitutions long time ago on the basis of what is contained there. And most of it is a mixture, if you check the parties, direct and indirect primaries are stated.

“So, are you going to change their constitutions for them? So, this is the legal opinion. But this is just one. There are several other legal positions which favours and disfavours the bill because, as the Minister of Justice, his duty is to tell the president the pros and the cons. It is now up to the President to decide on which way to go.”

The Spokesman for the AGF, Dr Umar Gwandu, when contacted, told The PUNCH that he was not in a position to confirm the development.

“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is attending the 2021 United Nations Conference of State Parties on Anti-Corruption currently holding in Egypt.

“I am not in a position to confirm whether any opinion has been proffered by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice over the Electoral Act amendment bill. I cannot ascertain the veracity of your claims at this moment.”

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It was reported last month that governors in the All Progressives Congress had lobbied Malami, asking him to convince the President not to sign the bill.

The Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, had confirmed last week that the President was seeking the advice of the AGF on the electoral bill.

Adesina said there are certain decisions the President will not make without the input of the AGF.

Responding to a question, he said, “There are certain things that never get done without the counsel of the attorney-general. You can be sure of that. And this falls right within the purview of the attorney-general. So you can be sure that every bit of the way, the attorney-general will be carried along.”

Meanwhile, our correspondent learnt on Thursday evening that the bill had still not been assented to by the President and no communication had been sent to the National Assembly even as Buhari had travelled to Turkey along with his wife and seven ministers.

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Buhari, who received the bill on November 19, has until December 19 to sign it or communicate to the National Assembly his feelings and comments about the bill.

But if after 30 days, the President refuses to sign the bill and the National Assembly is not in support of the President’s amendments, the Senate and the House of Representatives can recall the bill and pass it. If the bill is passed in the form it was sent to the President by two-thirds majority votes in both chambers, the bill automatically becomes a law even without the signature of the President.

The President had a few weeks ago written a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission seeking the view of INEC over the matter.

Several Civil Rights Organisations have been putting pressure on the President to sign the bill mainly because it empowers INEC to transmit election results electronically.

Also, some have argued that mandatory primaries would create a level playing field for all including women and youths.

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However, governors of the All Progressives Congress have openly opposed the mandatory primaries including Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.

PUNCH.

By John Egbo, PhD

No one has ever been generally accepted as a gubernatorial aspirant in Enugu State despite not having declared an intent for the coveted position like H.E. Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in 2013.

His following was overwhelming that PDP stakeholders of the three Senatorial zones of Enugu State took turn to converge at the governor’s lodge Conference hall at the beckon of Governor Sullivan Chime and endorsed Ugwuanyi as their accepted candidate even when he had not declared his intention to run for the Governorship of Enugu State.
No surprise, the Gburugburu phenomenon became a popular cliche and a movement that coasted him to a landslide victory in the General election never seen before in the state.

There comes another quiet performer, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, a retired federal permanent secretary with both state and federal services experience. This time the clamor for him to declare his interest in the Governorship of Enugu State has overwhelmed even those who had harboured interest for the position.
The question being pondered by many is how was he able to build this following and acceptance by many across all parts of Enugu State and beyond. As the popular saying goes, charity begins at home. In igbo language, Esi nu Uno amara nma a puta iro. Unknown to many was that Sir Chief Ohaa has been serving his Awkunanaw clan as their National President and in so doing has contributed immensely to building their civic center in progress, set up a scholarship foundation that has helped record number of university graduates, helping widows, indigents families with multiple births as in twins or triplets and contributing in burial of his kinsmen etc.
At the official positions he held both at the federal and state levels, he facilitated employment and promotion of many employees under him. Hardly can anyone, who had contact with him while in service come out without a positive comment about how helpful, humble, cheerful, sir Ohaa was during their contact.
Likewise the ministers he served under in the federal service have nothing but accolades for the man Chinyeaka. Upon his retirement on February 4, 2021, it was on your Mark’s, go! for different people and organizations clamouring to host Chinyeaka Ohaa. It became a frenzy of sort. The first known around Enugu axis was by Dr. John Nwokeabia (De Man Don Come). The event witnessed a beehive of activities in Dr. Nwokeabia’s residence, Independence Layout. Within a very few months later, his kindred family unit at Obuoffia went all out to welcome their son, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa who had gone out to work, retired at the pinnacle of service and came home safely. Children, men and women dancing troupes besieged the town hall, sir Chinyeaka Ohaa built for them. Within few weeks later, came another Reception by the greater Obuoffia communities that attracted a mammoth crowd that besieged the 4 communities despite a downpour that did very little to deter all in attendance.
A day later, the Methodist church of Obuoffia followed it with another Reception welcoming a devoted servant of God to the same church, sir Chinyeaka Ohaa had contributed immensely to build. The congregation was alive with all manner of songs, praises and worship. A good son went, conquered and returned a hero and a blessing to the community.
As if the Reception galore is not enough, came the mother of all Receptions hosted by the Awkunanaw Welfare Association, being the umbrella of 21 communities in both Enugu South and Nkanu West local Government areas.
The Reception judging by its fanfare, crowd, personalities, masquerades and canival-like atmosphere rivalled major state organized events at Okpara Square. It became an endorsement Reception cum Rally for a humanitarian with a wide array of experience to declare his intent to run for the Governorship of Enugu state.
He was investitured with a Chieftaincy title, Odalije, omeru mmadu omeru maa. (A kinder to man and spirit. An experienced servant leader personified.) Several people from all the three Senatorial districts of Enugu have benefitted from Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa’s public service and their positive testimonies abound.

Lessons to be learned from the Receptions, accolades and massive following being accorded to sir Chinyeaka Ohaa are that anyone with opportunity to serve in government or non governmental positions should imbibe performance, accountability, service to mankind without an eye on reward. One should use his or her position to empower people and not to suffocate others. Develop your area of abode with public infrastructure and other areas of need that may be far away from you. The reward for a good work is more work and receptions upon retirement. Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa’s impact while in service is now being rewarded by all and sundry. Let us emulate this icon rather than dwell on mundane issues. The Gburugburu phenomenon has changed Enugu politics for good. One’s personal record before contesting for a statewide elective office should take precedence over handout when an election is around the corner.
The Gburugburu phenomenon and movement are following sir Chinyeaka Ohaa in a thunderous manner, overtly and covertly. The phenomenon has changed Enugu politics that it’s no longer an era, where a person or dark horse can be picked to mount the saddle of Enugu’s Governorship position. The Workable Partners and Gburugburu Movement have transcended Enugu politics into one, where people with integrity, record of service and humble backgrounds with peaceful dispositions have become the order of the day. Our next governor must be one who has a lot to lose should he derail in his responsibility as the Governor of Enugu State. Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa’s reputation of being humble, people oriented servant, outcome oriented Administrator, peace loving, proven servant and transformational leader fits that mould.

Hon. John Egbo, Ph.D.
Deputy Sheriff rtd.
Consultant on Security Matters and Public Affairs

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