Imo North Senatorial District: Prince Chikwem Onuoha, A Face Of The Future, Why The Political King Uzzaiahs And Herods Are Not Comfortable

NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA

The asymmetrical power relations that engender a sense of insecurity, fear of the unknown, power tussle, supremacy war or rivalry among individuals, groups and the elite have always shaped human social existence and  experiences. These experiences are variegated, shaped and disseminated in diverse narrative patterns; ‘pull him down syndrome’, ‘Sponsored political propaganda’, ‘He will never be allowed to beat our records’, We are the lords of the manor’, etc.

Regrettably, these outdated  political philosophies, which cannot be tolerated or accommodated in the contemporary political leadership, have been playing out in Okigwe Zone over the years; as a group of ‘select cabal’ held sway the destines and common patrimony of the Zone without giving others some space in the political arrangement and configuration of Imo North Senatorial District; which has partly or completely silenced the emergence of a new generation of leadership until the likes of Prince Chikwem Onuoha  broke that the jinx through a well  deserved appointment as SA Special Duties and subsequently Deputy Chief of Staff to the former Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Ikedi Ohakim.

Arguably, it was his sterling performance as a young public office holder in Okigwe Zone that ignited the passion and spurred interests amongst the new generation of political leaders  to aspire for higher elective or appointive positions from the Zone against the old norm. Thus, Okigwe Zone recorded the presence of young Federal lawmakers in the National Assembly; the likes of Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, who represented Okigwe South Federal Constituency of Ehime Mbano |Ihittee Uboma|Obowo LGAs in the House of Representatives between 2007-2011, Hon. Obinna Onwubuariri, Okigwe North Federal Constituency of Isiala Mbano|Onuimo|Okigwe LGA between 2015-2019, Deacon Chike Okafor representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency between 2015 till date, Princess Miriam Onuoha currently representing Okigwe North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

While these young, articulate and vibrant Federal lawmakers from Okigwe Zone can be said to have done well at the National  Assembly, the same cannot be completely said about the older Federal lawmakers as one of them , ‘Rt. Hon. Chief Matthew Omegara’, whose 8 years stint in the National Assembly, was described as ‘colourless’ in a recent political rift with a savvy Professor of Law, former Commissioner and critical  stakeholder in Okigwe Zone, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri.

This sense of jittery manifested itself ugly self among the ‘political Herods’ and ‘King Uzzaiahs’ in Okigwe Zone on April 11, 2011, when Prince Chikwem Onuoha, then standard flag bearer and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Okigwe North Federal Constituency, was kidnapped by alleged uniformed unknown gunmen during the National Assembly elections on April 9, 2011.

As the wishes and aspirations of the electorate could not be subverted nor the truth buried, while in captivity by the background orders of a certain ‘political warlord’ in Okigwe Zone, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the election having pulled a total of 27,734 votes, beating the ACN candidate, Chief Mathew Omegara, who pulled a total of 22, 265 votes, the humble writer authoritatively gathered (Source: Safer Africa group.WordPress) https://www.google.com/amp/s/saferafricagroup.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/kidnapped-house-of-reps-elect-chikwem-onuoha-freed-in-imo-state/amp/

Youthful, useful, dynamic, proactive and loyal Chikwem Onuoha has remained relevant in the political leadership discussion of Okigwe Zone as he has been able to hold very firmly his political structure and the army of young men and women, who have identified with his brand of grassroots politics of building relationships across party divides; while touching lives very positively. No doubt, he is on ground and has walked his way into the hearts of the people except a few mischievous ones, who are ready to play the spoiler game to thwart his good intentions to serve his people in government.

The way and manner this young grassroots political strategist, Chief Chikwem Onuoha, has consistently carried on the roles so far played as a respected community leader, is such that at any given time when the peoples wishes are allowed to be counted in decision making and electoral process, they will resort to that same young man, who had identified with them in times of need and challenging wilderness experience than those who temporarily lure them with peanuts because another election is in the offing.

However, if the politics of imposition of candidate on the people is eschewed, I doubt any of those jostling for the soul of Imo North Senatorial District in the Red Chambers can match his popularity and acceptability across party divides and political structures. Chikwem is one individual who can represent the different demographics in the artery of the Okigwe nation’s  body politics. The naysayers said he is desperate, but keen observers of Okigwe politics including the pundits said not true; he is driven by passion and love to serve his people. He is not desperate for anything having been relatively blessed by God to take care of his immediate needs and the people around him.

Funny enough, the above assertion is not taken by his traducers, who do not see his concerted efforts to serve his people as either progressive or value adding in their reckoning, particularly a certain category of people among the ‘old political warlords’ otherwise considered ‘recycled politicians’ in the Imo North Senatorial political firmament, who had been trying fruitlessly lately to square up with him as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled October 31, 2020, as a date with destiny for ndi Okigwe Zone.

“It is only when a tree produces fruits that it attracts stones”. Therefore, in the heat of the battle, the mind tends to lose its balance. Too many things confront you at the same time – unexpected setbacks, criticisms, sponsored political propaganda. There is also a danger of responding emotionally with fear, depression or frustration. But it is very important to keep your presence of mind, maintaining your mental powers whatever the circumstances. Good a thing, Prince Chikwem Onuoha has demonstrated this rare virtue of a strong character, determined and focused despite the Egyptian Armies and the Red Sea before him; as the sponsored political attacks over the years never deterred his convinced ideology that the ‘narrative’ must be changed for the better and gets ‘Okigwe Zone Work Again.’ 

The onion now lies in the Sir Cosmos Iwu’s led APC Senate Ticket Constituted Harmonization Committee to critically and dispassionately look into the antecedents, pedigrees, track records and selfless community service delivery of a number of these political gladiators jostling for the soul of Okigwe Senate ticket.

At a time when Okigwe Zone wants to measure up with other Senatorial zones in Imo State, having been lagging behind in terms of poor infrastructural development and absence of Federal presence in the zone, they do not need ‘a sleeping and snoring Senator’ but one with the personal drive and energy to fix these. A man who is on ground. A man who can unite Okigwe Zone and galvanize supports for the Shared Prosperity Government led by Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma.

As the months run into weeks and weeks run into days, the people are willing and ready to make a bold statement through their votes with Chikwem Onuoha in their minds. May the wishes and aspirations of the people prevail in the forthcoming Imo North Senatorial District bye-election.

Njoku MacDonald Obinna
Media Consultant, PR Expert,
Publisher,
4thestaereporters.com