I have to crave for the indulgence of numerous readers who may be expecting the next part of an earlier work I started last week on factors that would determine next Imo Governor. The feedback mechanism I receive suggest that in recent times, this column has given considerable focus on the governorship and national assembly race regretting that the contest for 2015 Imo House of Assembly election has been neglected. Agreed, the last time I commented on those willing to make laws and represent their respective constituencies was still premature for meaningful predictions.
Since the political climate is gradually gathering momentum for the 2015 election and the key players embarking on covert and overt constituency exercises to regain their support base for another mandate, it was necessary to revisit the ambition of present lawmakers of the state legislature seeking second tenure.
In the history of the state, second term in Imo Assembly is not outlawed and at variance with the Electoral Act and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While there is no law barring number of tenures a legislator can represent his people in the legislative arm of the government unlike the executive, where two tenures only are granted to a governor, legislative experience cannot be divorced from quality representation.
However, in our clime where several factors are considered and in view of our peculiarities coloured by primordial tendencies of the popular slogan “Mmanu akara di uto, onye ratu ibe ya aratu” bean cake is sweet, (when you take, your neigbour will also take), zoning and other clannish interests have turned House of Assembly to a “turn-by-turn” show. Therefore, the issue of “second missionary” journey has become a melting point in the life of a serving lawmaker wanting a another chance.
Without mincing words, some lawmakers are upbeat about continuing with bills, motions and oversight functions after 2015 election. Irrespective of the encumbrances facing them, they are gathering massive war chest and turbo-charged for another round of battle to not only get their party’s tickets but also emerge victorious at the polls. It is not in doubt that the Speaker, Ben Uwajumogu (Ihitte Uboma) and his Deputy, Donatus Ozoemenam (Oru West) are going for higher positions as their body languages dictate, others who may not fall into the returnees categories except they want to try the God of luck are ranking lawmakers;
notably, Ikenna Emeh (Isu), Simeon Iwunze (Isiala Mbano), Stan Dara (Oru) Sam Daddy Anyanwu (Ikeduru), Obioma Ekennia (Ezinihitte) and Celestine Ngoobiwu (Obowo), and of course the likes of Dan Ikpeazu (Owerri North) said to be interested in Reps ticket.
Dependable sources reveal that while the Speaker and Sam Daddy will be trying their strength for Okigwe and Owerri zone senatorial tickets respectively, Iwunze, Dara, Emeh, Ngoobiwu are eyeing the seats of the respective federal constituencies for the House of Reps position.
That however leaves the home front battle for the following who are said to be re-engineering the strategies in their localities to have another shot in the hallowed chambers of Imo Assembly.
NGOZI PAT-EKEJI (ABOH MBAISE)
Fondly called Olaedo, it is no longer in doubt that the wife of famous sports administrator and former National Director of Sport, Pat Ekeji is eyeing a second tenure. Mrs Ekeji of the PDP and Minority Leader in the House came in a jiffy in 2011 when she caused upsets by shoving aside his predecessor Mike Iheanatu. How Olaedo made a mince meat of the famous Akwa Akwuru of Mbaise during the 2011 PDP primaries cannot be explained in this page.
Olaedo, no doubt has remained one of the strongest PDP pillars in the present House. The Aboh Mbaise representative has remained unshaken in showing solidarity and support to the party that granted her opportunity to be a lawmaker. It is a known fact that Olaedo never abandoned the structures that brought fortune to her political life as she has sustained the cordiality for the task ahead. Political pundits are of the opinion that Olaedo is banking on the partnership and filial relationship with a political top shot in the area and Deputy Speaker of House of Reps, Emeka Ihedioha to get a return ticket. There is hardly any move Ihedioha who is believed to be hungry for the Governor’s office, makes without Olaedo available. She is said to be gumming the Deputy Speaker for some favours. Though, there are zoning conditions in Aboh Mbaise but Olaedo is banking on the fact that since Oke/Uvuru, Enyiato and Nguru blocks constitute Aboh Mbaise political divide, she would use political mathematics to advance her ambition.
The zoning arrangement in Aboh Mbaise with regards to Assembly seat has had a smooth sail till date irrespective of the qualities of the lawmakers that represented the area in the past. With the birth of our nascent democracy in 1999, Godfrey Dikeocha from Oke/Uvuru block represented the area in the House.
Nguru block had Alex Emeziem before Enyiato’s Iheanetu. Because Ihedioha was from Oke/Uvuru block and was running again for Reps Seat shared by Aboh/Ngor Okpala in 2011, the block was shot out leaving Nguru where Ekeji hails from to grab the position. It was gathered that Ihedioha’s guber dream will still keep off his block thereby guaranteeing her a second chance.
However, the Minority Leader may be wallowing in fool’s paradise if she relies on that shaky bargain as opposition against her dreams thickens. The rotational structure of sharing political offices may end with Olaedo in 2015 since she was also a beneficiary of the “Mmanu akara di uto” policy. The Oke-Uvuru block who produced a lawmaker last in 1999-2003 in Dikeocha may not watch the second chance slip away again on the flimsy reason that Ihedioha is running for governor.
INNOCENT EKE (OWERRI WEST)
He is better known and addressed as MasterChef. The Ihiagwa-born politician who jettisoned his catering business in Port Harcourt to be Owerri West man in the state Assembly is among those oiling their political machinery for a return ticket. Said not to be a political force to reckon with before 2011 election. The APGA wave that blew across all obstacles threw him up in Owerri West politics. Eke is relying on the strategic partnership the few lawmakers especially those of APGA who decided to join the APC has with the governor for a second chance ticket to achieve his dreams. The belief that a second tenure ticket has been reserved for them is the tonic firing APC lawmakers to seek a second round ticket. Again, MasterChef is banking on the power of incumbency and the fact that he has garnered some cash to throw around and gamble for support in Owerri West. The socialite who is also doing a reach out program to his constituents has records of effective representation where his impact has been felt in some quarters, to seek a repeat of lawmaking duties at the Imo state House of Assembly.
Master Chief will go extra mile to succeed in his fresh ambition to be Owerri West spokes man in the state legislature. To grab APC ticket will be a another litmus test considering the growth of factional crisis ravaging Owerri West APC. The no love lost between him and another major stakeholder in his Ihiagwa ward and constituency, Ugochi Nnanna Okoro will definitely rub the shine off his ambition.
Except, there are face-mending overtures, it would be difficult for MasterChef to gain the needed support base at his Ihiagwa country home in APC fold, to counter other challengers since Nnanna Okoro reported to be interested in Owerri zone senate. It would be absurd that both Ekeh and Nnanna Okoro, from same Ihiagwa ward would be gunning for different positions using APC platform. Apart from the schisms rocking Owerri West APC, Ekeh may be on wild goose chase if he ventures to attempt a second tenure considering the fact that nobody has merited a second chance in Owerri West for Assembly seat beginning from 1999 till date. Similar to Aboh Mbaise, Owerri West has a rotational pattern that entitles the three blocks to a zoning arrangement. The arrangement has not guaranteed second tenure for any lawmaker beginning from GAS Amadi (Oche block) Ikenna Elezianya (Umunwoha block) and Ukachi Amaechi (Ara block). Since Master Chief is from Oche block which has merited another chance, Umunwoha block is entitled to have it in 2015 and the Ihiagwa man born lawmaker cannot deny the fact there is no capable person worthy enough to be in the House of Assembly from Irete, Orogwe, Ndegwu, Ohii and Amakohia Ubi in APC. I am privileged to know that Owerri West has a cemented zoning arrangement and as 2015 approaches, Ara is entitled to produce council chairman, Umunwoha, House of Assembly and gets Ochie party chairman/Vice chairman of the council.
Another factor that may likely spell doom for Masterchef in his race for second term bid is the APC move.
Having gotten the mandate through APGA, Ekeh moved to APC that is considered unpopular in Owerri. Considering the caliber of political heavy weights in APGA and PDP in the local government area and unconfirmed rumour that some APC figures will soon return to PDP, Masterchef may be running a lone race for 2015 Assembly seat.
UGONNA OZURUIGBO (NWANGEL)
One outstanding lawmaker in the Imo State House of Assembly whose name must not be missed from list of those seeking second tenure is member representing Nwangele state constituency, Ugonna Ozuruigbo (OZB). It is a well known fact in Nwangele circle that OZB as the lawmaker is fondly called, wants to equal the records of his predecessor, Amaechi Nwoha, who spent eight years in the House of Assembly.
OZB’s interest to run again has already pitched him against his former political associates in PDP and the altercation is an indication that Nwangele is one particular locality to watch out for in 2015 election.
The desire of the business mogul with special interest in telecommunication and hospitality industry to have another shot is brewing crisis in the area. OZB may have decided to launch a come backbit considering the enviable records he achieved on the floor of the House and necessary oversight functions for his constituency. While some constituencies have been bench warmers who possibly came to view the glowing chamber of the Imo State House of Assembly, Nwangele people can be proud of OZB. He not only spoke their voice but instituted empowerments that space cannot be available to accommodate in this page. I can recall vividly that when the Okorocha government tinkered with the idea of removing the school of Health Technology, Amaigbo in his Nwangele constituency, OZB was said to have facilitated protesting people of the area to meet with the Speaker and officials of state government on the need to halt the exercise. To crown his new toga as possibly the “Man of the people” for Nwangele, he showed rare legislative dexterity to facilitate a motion requesting the state government to stop moving the school to Orlu from Amaigbo. Therefore, the relocation plot became a “nunc dimitics .
Because of his touch with the people at the grassroots, OZB who was the only candidate in his entire federal constituency and indeed Orlu zone to deliver the PDP in the 2011 governorship election is hoping on his acceptability in Nwangele to return to the House.
But it will not be a smooth sail for the up coming politician that is accused of wearing a chameleon garb. Most of his critics and forces working against him in Nwangele indicate that he cannot be trusted to have another mandate considering the alleged betrayal of trust conduct leveled against him by his erstwhile PDP co-travelers. OZB’s sudden exit from PDP, the party that handed him ticket to House, moments after inauguration, to APGA and volte face to PDP before his fresh romance with APC could be said to be his greatest albatross.
His predecessor he wants to emulate, Nwoha could not be associated with such party junketing before he won a second missionary license.
OZB”s fresh love for APC and the common belief that Okorocha would pacify APC-compliant lawmakers could be the strength of the boss of OZB communications to throw his hat into the ring for another electoral contest. OZB is optimistic that irrespective of party platform, he will renew the magic to coast home with victory as his acceptability and constituency empowerment programmes to all nooks and crannies will act as the killer punch.
Apparently aware of the Nwangele politics and considering the influence of the power brokers and game changers who were instrumental to his 2015 victory, OZB may be suffering from grandeur of delusion if he overlooks some forces in the locality. It will not only be battle of wits and ego for the soul of Nwangele but other forces will come into play which no doubt can be unpredictable for the incumbent.
MIKE NDUBAKE (ORLU)
Another lawmaker who is also reported to be interested in returning to the House of Assembly is the member representing Orlu state constituency, Mike Ndubaku. Unarguably, Ndubaku, an Aba-based lawmaker is one of those who would have found it difficult to win a councilor position in his Ogberuru ward but for the APGA tsunami in Orlu zone facilitated by the Owelle Rochas Okorocha must rule crusade of 2011. That stroke of luck has been well managed by the legal professional who is not also among the first eleven in Orlu LGA politics.
Sensing that the love Orlu people may be having for Okorocha who no doubt has been give the local government a facelift with new road networks and the spate of developments, will also be extended to him, as the member who is representing the sate constituency when these government goodies came, Ndubuaku has also embarked on subtle measures to win the heart of his people for another chance come 2015.
Notwithstanding the numerous dividends of democracy he proudly announces to have attracted, the House Committee Chairman on Education has been consulting and embracing various youths and women group to consolidate his support base in Orlu LGA.
Moreover, Ndubaku is relying on Okorocha to gain a new opportunity. The lawyer turned politician is one of the pro-Okorocha lawmakers in Imo Assembly and reportedly belong to the House “kitchen cabinet” playing the governor’s bid in the state legislature would be to reward them with APC ticket for a second missionary journey as well backing them to victory during the 2015 election.
Though, it would amount to premature permutation asserting that Ndubaku could be on wild goose chase attempting a political miscalculation in 2015 by re-contesting the House of Assembly seat for Orlu LGA, but several forces will be working against Ndubuaku. Apart from tackles he would be receiving in the APC family since it would amount to greed that his Orsu clan in Orlu LGA will be holding the position for a record 12 years by 2015, opponents in Orlu LGA believe he can best be described as a bench warmer in the House. Orlu LGA has two political divides that share political offices. The clans are Isu and Orsu. Isu has areas like Umuowa, Umuna, Eziachi, Umudioka, Orlu town and Amike while Orsu comprises Amaifike, Ihioma, Okporo, Ofeahia, Umutanze Obinugwu and Ndubuaku’s Ogberuru. The Isu clan are aggrieved that they are at the losing end of the House of Assembly entitlement, when Ndubuaku, from Orsu block succeeded another politician from Orsu again in 2011. Onuora who represented Orlu LGA 2007-2011. The policy of rotation does not favour Ndubuaku even as several people are warming up in Isu block to challenge the incumbent lawmaker for the APC ticket.
The recent political re-alignment which saw the undisputed political arrowhead and former governor of the state, Achike Udenwa dump APC to PDP could be a death knell to Ndubuaku’s second term ambition. Udenwa is a force to reckon in politics of the area by commanding notable strong allies and foot soldiers to tilt the victory to PDP against the lawmakers APC in Orlu LGA. Even APGA members Ndubuaku abandoned for APC will have their pound of flesh from him for leaving them in the cold to join the governor in the new party.
Orlu LGA people will not only consider the number of bills, motions and meaningful contributions Ndubuaku made on the floor of the House but also judge his oversight responsibilities to give him a fresh nod.
In the coming editions, this column will focus on the suspected return bid of Kingsley Dimaku (Ehime Mbano), Luke Chukwu (Ohaji/Egbema) Robertson Ekwebelem (Onuimo), Obinna Okwara (Nkwerre) Chino Obioha (Njaba), and Ikechukwu Amuka (Ideato).
