Nde Ngor Okpala, There Is Need For Minimum Standards!

A brother here called me on phone, and we had extensive conversation on the shameful turn of events at the Imo State House of Assembly, vide the leadership malfeasance of Mr. Tochi Okereke. Let me be clear, I do not consider it appropriate to add the title “Honourable” to a person who has conducted himself  dishonourably. So, Mr. Tochi, as one kicked out of the legislative chamber, is stripped off all privileges acruable to the office, including the appellations. 

Back to my conversation, this brother called to react to my two previous write ups on the subject of Tochi’s ouster, and why we must not repeat the mistake that he has become. He tried convincing me on the need to support a particular Aspirant. When I asked him why, he said;

“O ji ezigbo ego, and o ji enye ndị Party akpa Rice na ego mgbe owula”.

Translation: “He has big money, and he fetes Party members with bags of Rice and cash regularly”.

I became sad, and promised him NEVER will I support a person who has “just money” for any leadership position in Ngor Okpala or anywhere at all. This was how Tochi came with “big Money” and they christened him “High Voltage”.

We cannot continue this way my people. There is need to set minimum standards on who leads us. In doing this, Money must NOT be a qualifying factor. We must adopt the “Ohazurume” ideology, so that we can give our bests the opportunity transform our fate as a people.

Happy New Year!

– Mazi Ejimofor Opara writes from Awka, Anambra State.