Charles Ogbonna: The Tragedy Of Folly In Old Age

EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD 

Charles Ogbonna appears determined to turn his personal political frustrations into a campaign of tribal division in Abia State. His recent allegation that Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, privately told him that “Ndi Ngwa enwegi brain”, meaning that Ngwa people lack wisdom, is not only grave but deeply irresponsible, especially coming from a man who ought to know better.

If Ogbonna truly believes Governor Otti made such a statement, he should produce the evidence. The burden of proof lies with the person making the allegation. A purported private conversation cannot simply be turned into a political weapon against an entire people because an election is approaching.

What makes the allegation even more disturbing is Ogbonna’s own antecedent. Ndi Abia have not forgotten his earlier public declaration, made while pouring libation, that an Ngwa man would never become Governor of Abia State again. Today, the same man appears to be presenting himself as a defender of Ngwa interests while accusing an Ngwa governor of allegedly insulting the very people he now claims to represent.

Ogbonna currently serves as Director General of the Campaign Council of the Abia APC governorship candidate. If he supports his candidate, he is perfectly entitled to do so. But the proper thing is to sell his candidate’s competence, character, programmes and vision to Ndi Abia, rather than attempt to generate resentment against Governor Otti through an unverified allegation.

Governor Otti is not a tribal governor. His administration has consistently projected a government for all Abians. As an Ngwa son himself, there is no credible basis for the claim that he would deliberately denigrate Ngwa people or any other ethnic group. His stated focus has been on rebuilding Abia and delivering development across the state.

It is therefore difficult not to see Ogbonna’s latest allegation as an attempt to create a wedge between Governor Otti and his Ngwa brothers and sisters. Unfortunately for him, Ngwa people are not political pawns. They are capable of thinking for themselves and assessing any government on the basis of its record.

The old politics of tribal division has brought Abia enough problems. We do not need politicians resurrecting it because they are determined to stop an incumbent governor.

Ogbonna should focus on his candidate. Tell Abians what he intends to do differently. Explain his programmes. Present his competence. Criticise the government’s policies where necessary. But leave Ngwa people out of this politics of ethnic provocation.
Governor Otti has chosen to campaign on the record of his administration. His opponents should do the same.

At his age and with his political experience, Ogbonna should be an elder who builds bridges, not a politician who tears them down. Nobody becomes an elder statesman simply by growing old. Elder statesmanship requires wisdom, restraint and responsibility.

Sadly, Ogbonna’s latest outing suggests that he has embraced the very tribal politics Abia should have outgrown.
He should provide evidence for his allegation or withdraw it.

Ndi Abia deserve politics of ideas, competence and performance, not politics of tribe, bitterness and character assassination.

Charles Ogbonna may choose his political path. But he should not drag the entire Ngwa nation into it.

Let him sell his candidate. Let Governor Otti do his work. And let Ndi Abia decide their future.

 

 

Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa writes as an Ngwa son and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.