DR UCHE OGAH, HIS NEW PARTY, AND THE ABIA REDEMPTION PROJECT 

SUNNY IBEH JNR

The name, ” Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah,” has grown from grass to prominence in the Abia political landscape. Even those who don’t like the name; and the oligarchic few who are scarred of it wouldn’t argue this!  Prior to the 2015 electioneering showdown in Abia State, the name was already a household name in the Nigerian industrial sector, with affiliate subsidiaries in Oil and Gas, Banking, Real Estate, amongst others. Consequently, the fact that Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah was already an emerging industrial heavyweight in Africa, prior to the Abia gubernatorial contest can’t be confuted.

However, the name took another shape of popularity and fame in the Abia political terrain in 2015 – with a lingering political battle that ended in May,  2017.  It’s worthy of note, that the name has already gained substantial prominence which was basically anchored on philanthropy, love and unequalled humility – within and beyond the fringes of Abia State. One would wonder the enormity of acceptance, wide popularity and love that were accorded to the ‘bearer’  when he took the bold step; despite all odds, to contest for the governorship position in Abia State. It was simply a glaring hallmark; anchored on a perceptible antecedents. Today, this hasn’t changed even though there seems to be some sorts of cynical views and reservations that have trialed the industrial master in his bid to liberate his people.

Let me begin by commending Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah for remaining a man of his mien, beginning from the preliminary years of the 2015 elections, up till this time. We are aware of some politicians in Abia who come out annually –  only to be induced with mouth watering offers along the line. To say that what Dr. Ogah went through in his bid to redeem Abia was a hectic one is a fact that can’t be refuted. The fights, squabbles, attacks, brawls and character assassinations that accompanied Dr. Ogah’s  ambition could at best, be left for ‘posterity’  to judge. Against all political falsifications, threats and subtle intimidations, the man whose intention for Abians was ‘pure’ and ‘sincere’ never gave up in his quest to reclaim what he believed was his.

If there were topics of controversy, before, during and after the Abia State Governorship Election, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah’s topic wasn’t one! Hence, the fact that his ambition was a clear response to “redeem” the mal-governed and indigent Abians from a situation that was pathetic, condemnable and deplorable in itself remains unrefuted. No! It wasn’t intended to maximize affluence nor was it propelled by the desire for political power for a self-driven motive. Rather, it was squarely a response to a call for ‘liberation’. Of course, we all know that our people need liberation.

There are very few with such a noble intention, that would tenaciously hold unto such legal battle, that was surrounded with pleas, tempting offers; and finally, with subtle threats, up till the end. The fact that Dr. Ogah could be counted worthy amongst a very slim spectrum of men who wouldn’t compromise theirs stance, any time , any day,remains  an applaudable virtue that needs to be acknowledged by his teeming  supporters, and Abians at large.

However, the crux of this piece isn’t predominantly hinged on the 2015 political drama in Abia State, of which Dr. Ogah was amongst the political actors that shook the stage  remarkably – but it’s intended to paint and project the future, through what is known as the Abia Redemption Campaign , that I have otherwise tagged, ” The Abia Redemption Project,”  with a prospect for a better and liberated Abia State.  And with Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah as a focal point of its maiden edition.

It’s no longer news that a few months, after the Supreme Court gave its final Verdict on the 2015 Abia legal tussle, Dr. Ogah defected from his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  to the All Progressive Congress (APC). This strategic move has been shrouded with reactions and counter reactions, both from supporters, and from those on the opposition Camp. Yes, I call it ‘strategic move’ because it was the only viable option left for the oil magnet. Different arguments have also followed suit with Dr. Ogah’s political drift, which came to many as a ‘surprise package’. While some have argued that the defection in question marks the end of the road for the industrialist, with respect to his political career, others have however countered such argument.

Personally, I don’t think Dr. Ogah has  shot amiss, with his defection choice. No doubt, the APC, is yet to be widely accepted in the Southeast as it stands, yet, I believe the ” Personality Factor ” can  change the music tone from that which isn’t accepted to a widely accepted one, for the APC, in Abia if Ogah is fielded in 2019.

What Abians need  right now is no longer a political party, but a ‘Personality Party.’ Ogah isn’t just a name, he is a ‘party, and a ‘movement’ of his own. Abians have been cajoled, deceived, and mesmerized  by the “political party syndrome. “ Our party, their party!  The trajectory that has been made palpable in Abia by these political acolytes of ours could be at best described as “worrisome.” It has gone beyond a norm that could be condoned to that which nettles the subconscious of the average Abian.

In the past eighteen years, Abia has been retarded, retrogressive and practically underdeveloped in diverse ramifications. This was simply brought by the people’s resolve to go with the PDP, and its candidates, after every four years.

The fact remains that Nigeria isn’t a country where basic party ideology thrive in unison. Hence, to a very large extent, the “Personality Factor” has been found responsible for distinctions in development trends as could be seen in some states in Nigeria today. Yet, Abia, still rumbles and dances with “underdevelopment”  as a strong ally of the people.

The same PDP, that couldn’t transform Abia in the past seventeen years, has transformed Akawa Ibom, Ebonyi and  Enugu in South-South, South-East respectively. Today, Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, has not only consolidated on the achievements and legacies left by his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola, but has also redesigned Lagos with the substance of good governance. Lest, we forget, Lagos is an APC State. The only reason why Ariaria Market  in Aba hasn’t been able to advance over the years like Alaba in Lagos is simply leadership failure. I’m yet to see the ingenuity and craft in Aba in any other indigenous market of ours here in Nigeria.
I beg to disagree that this same APC that has transformed Lagos to a magical place of a sort, can’t do same in Abia if a humane and God-fearing  personality like Ogah is fielded!

Although he is yet to decide, whether or not, to reappear amongst the political combatants for Abia state Government House in 2019, yet, should he appear, as many have speculated,  it would be a strategic approach for a new dawn in Abia.

I have come to realize that personality differences can quell the intensity of party ideology, where it seems harsh, vile and detestable and unacceptable to the governed.

I’m not one of those who believes that all hope is lost for Dr. Ogah should he decide to vie for the Abia  governorship position, come 2019.

For now, I would say without mincing words, that Dr. Ogah remains the best option for Abians. He is the only candidate that would fly the All Progressive Congress, APC,’s flag in Abia State, in 2019, that would shake the feet of other political parties and as well make the APC is a strong option in Abia.

His antecedents speak volume. Asides politicking, Ogah has a better grassroots advantage over his friends in the opposition! The business mogul has proven beyond reasonable doubt to be both a technocrat, a seasoned industrialist and a  philanthropist extraordinary. This explains his grassroots popularity.

It’s my honest belief that a man who had successfully changed the face his community, empowered the poor, the  less privileged, Abia men, women and youths, even before he dreamed of vying for any political seat in Abia, obviously would change the face of Abia if given the opportunity.
Moreso, a new political party in Abia, would not only strive to gain wide acceptance, but will also strive to conquer a prevailing cornucopia of wrongs insinuations by making people feel the dividends of democracy the way they should.
I still believe that the destiny of Abia, lies in the hands of Abians. This is the simple truth! This time around, Abians don’t need to be religious and sectional. The state needs a new political framework; and this can only be achieved with a new political equation that is devoid of party sentiments.
The Abia Redemption project is not a “Party Project “ but a “personality project.”

Sunny Ibeh Jnr is an activist, a public affairs analyst, and ardent facilitator of the Abia Redemption Project.