Essential Ndubuisi
If it was three years ago, I would have left HE Peter Obi’s campaign team, never to go back, as Senator Victor Umeh not only came into the team but also got the Anambra Central Senatorial ticket of Obi’s Labour Party.
Yes.
But within the past two years, especially after the process that led to last Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Gubernatorial primary in Anambra State and subsequently the main election, I matured fast. I realised deeper that politics is all about permanent interests.
From that moment, I made up my mind that I must support Engr Chris Emeka Azubogu for whatever political position he is seeking. Of course, everyone knows that I will forever queue behind HE Peter Obi any day or night he indicates interest to be on the ballot. The parties they use would not matter to me.
I also decided after the last Anambra general election that I will never obtain any party ticket again in order not to be accused of anti-party activities in any election period. But I have already failed in this regard. The circumstances of today’s electioneering forced me to obtain a Labour Party membership card. For the second time in my life the man I say that came far ahead of his generation has made me to carry a card of a political party. For that great man, I have gone against many of my resolutions and I have never regretted. However, Labour should be prepared to permit me to promote Hon Azubogu for Anambra South Senatorial contest. Of course, I will vote for him. For all Mr. Project has done for my Federal Constituency in 11 years of quintessential representation, the only way for me to appreciate him as well as encourage others to copy his style is to promote and vote for him.
Back to Chief Umeh…I welcome him to LP with open arms. Because he is coming from Okwute’s senatorial zone, I will promote his senatorial aspirations, even when I am not eligible to vote for him.
At this juncture let me tell you a little story. About six weeks ago, I was privileged to be in same Air Peace flight from Abuja to Enugu with both Okwute and Ohamadike. I was seated very close to both and was surprised that they didn’t exchange pleasantries.
Before the airplane took off, I asked myself – what if we got hijacked in mid air, wouldn’t these two former friends put heads together to plan how to get us out of the jam?
Thank God it didn’t take any hijack to bring them back together. The same politics that tore them apart has brought them together without any reconciliation committee. They both did it for the interest of the Igbo man. The quest for a president from Southeast has made the former two-term governor of Anambra State to prove we have one with the capacity to contest for the presidency of this country…and hence entered the Labour Party. Then the former National Chairman of APGA, being a fox, who smells the coffee even before the table is laid, saw that this is a great chance to achieve his senatorial ambition after APGA had shockingly denied him ticket. The interests of both men merged and they miraculously buried the hatchet.
Chief Umeh is a great politician and despite the fact that he is after his senatorial seat, I am very confident that he will add quite a lot to the presidential aspirations of his brother. And of course, if, which is almost guaranteed, Umeh gets to the senate, he certainly owes that to the bravery and ingenuity of Okwute making sure he cornered the LP ticket.
Hence for me, it’s a win-win situation. And even more gladdening is settling a long-standing feud that disintegrated the hitherto very powerful Alo Immune down the middle. Expect our communique after our meeting soon.
I can’t explain how happy I’d be seeing both men sworn in on May 29, 2023 as President and Senator respectively. That is the spirit the camps of both great sons of Agulu and Aguluezigbo should imbibe for the good of Igbo land.
My very good friend and brother, Mazi Odera , please sheath your sword. The whole is always greater than its factions. Exemplary life is not one without quarrels but one that has the ability to forgive and settle all differences. I know you read the Holy Book very well. Remember 70 x 7.
#WeMove!
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