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Deconstructing Enugu gubernatorial race
M. O. ENÉ New Jersey, USA
Friday, November 22, 2002
PREAMBLE To deconstruct, you analyze within a set standard -- as in the concept of deconstruction. The set standard here is simple: that Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts free and fair elections and that there would be no ‘winning within the system,’ out-rigging the master riggers, or everlasting silencing of opponents; in other words, no political jiggery pokery, no thuggery, and no sleazy sleight of the hands as in 60,000 voters voting and vamoosing as former U. S. President Jimmy Carter turned around to blow his nose!
Beyond this simple set standard, buyers beware!
THE NEWS It is no longer an open secret: World-class, award-winning robotics engineer professor and former Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Bartholomew Okechukwu Nnaji, has formally joined the ever-growing list of gubernatorial aspirants of Enugu State origin trying to unseat the incumbent Governor Chimaroke Ogbonnaya Nnamani (Ebeano), an American-certified OBGYN medico. I had figured it out when he (Bart) suddenly resigned his chairmanship of Nigeria Peoples Forum (NPF). I knew something was brewing; I knew it could not have been a palace coup or a takeover by Dr. Bato Amu's government-guided NIDO (Nigerians in Diaspora Organization). I immediately called Bart’s cell phone on getting the NPF email broadcast, and he promptly promised to let me and a few fellow Enuguites into the brew the following week. So late last August, before I arrived at the annual Enugu USA Convention in Dallas, Texas, Bart had confided in a few friends and close confidants that he would be seeking the highest office in Coal City State. Soon enough the Convention floor was abuzz with the story. So, as soon as I was able to extricate myself from the chores of chairmanship of the group’s Board of Directors, we got to talk the talk tête-à-tête.
Three months later, Professor Nnaji stepped out with the Catholic establishment allegedly, or is it reportedly, powering his freshly mint partisan political wings. According to the story, Nnaji stepped into the fray and took a frontrunner seat amongst an army of APP/ANPP aspirants. I have no reason to doubt the veracity of the story. I was in the Enugu a couple of days before the announcement. The news circulated that yet another Americana was going to join the pool of probably the largest state gubernatorial aspirants anywhere in the world. However, I doubt that the Catholic Church establishment -- as presently fronted by the Vicar General of Enugu Diocese and Bishop-in-waiting Monsignor Professor Obiora Ike and fiery Reverend Father Ejike Camillus Mbaka of the Adoration fame -- has anointed an aspirant.
THE POOL Professor Bart Nnaji joins a long list of gubernatorial candidates from six registered political parties. Besides the incumbent, who has not formally declared but is expected to make a dash for a second term, Enugu has indeed a fat field of gubernatorial wannabes, and they include a prominent female candidate, Chief Loretta Aniagolu of the United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP) (See www.aniagolu.org). The emergence of Nnaji at the front row does not in any way make matters easy. There are so many factors riding on these elections and selections, and no one factor will determine the eventual winner. On the contrary, Bart introduces further complicating variables -- especially in his Nkanu community, from whence the incumbent hails. Beyond the intricate peculiarities of Nkanu society and its prevailing population dynamics -- which are beyond the scope of this piece, the other senatorial zones may not readily endorse another governor from Nkanu (a component of Enugu East senatorial zone). This is attributable to the unwritten rotation rule, which stipulates that each zone takes its turn and steps aside for another to step in; i.e., Jim Nwobodo (East); C. C. Onoh (West); Okwesilieze Nwodo (North); Chimaroke Nnamani (East); :::: (West?) ….
Following this argument, the people of Enugu West senatorial zone feel it is their turn to produce the state chief executive. It is therefore not surprising that no less than TWENTY wannabes have indicated some interest in the battle for the Lion Building, as the Government House Enugu is known. They include Chief Loretta Aniagolu, from Eke in Udi Local Government Area; Dr. Anthony Anigbo (also Eke, Udi) -- another medico from U. S. of A.; retired military administrators Group Captain Joseph Iloabanafo Orji (Nenwe, Awgu) [http://www.orjiforenugugovernor.com]; Commodore Anthony Ogugua (Mgbowo, Awgu); Chief Paul Eneh (Umuaga, Udi); Barrister Akputa (Ihe, Awgu); Barrister Joseph Mamel (Owa, Ezeagu); Hon. Dubem Onyia (Ngwo, Udi); Dr. Obed Kim Uke (Achi, Oji River); Mr. Ugochukwu Agballah (Udi, Udi); Architect Alex Obiechina (Oji River); Dr. Walter Orji (Abor, Udi) -- another recent U. S. import; Chief Victor Agu (Ngwo, Udi); Richard Ozobu (Owa, Ezeagu); Emeka Eze (Amokwe, Udi); Emeka Nwankpa (Oghe, Ezeagu); Chief Charles [C.O. C.] Egumgbe (Obinagu, Udi); etc.
And I am yet to declare!
SOME FACTORS Seriously speaking, the people of Enugu West present compelling arguments beyond the unwritten and undemocratic turn-by-turn arrangement. There is a perceived lopsidedness in development and, truth be told, it didn’t start with Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. A very good example: The people of Umuaga Udi are just a stone-throw away from Oji River Thermal Power Station, which supplied power to the entire Eastern Nigeria and beyond before Kainji Dam. Yet, to this day, there is no electric supply, no macadamized road, and no major government presence in Umuaga, a town that has given so much to so many. Its famed water project was primarily a community effort. Yet, a daughter of Umuaga sits in the State Executive Committee. Another: the entire Enugu West senatorial zone has no institution of higher learning -- not even a pre-college campus of the state university, ESUT, yet it has given Nigeria Supreme Court justices, vice chancellors, prominent professors, and a World Court jurist. Geography should not determine the benefit of projects to a people, but the paucity of attendant amenities fuel the desire to wrestle power. People are really worried; it will take more than promises to placate them to let Nnaji and Nnamani battle it out.
Another compelling factor is the Catholic Church which, rightly or wrongly, feels that the Governor has not dealt it a fair hand. Religion is no stranger to politics; but at no time in the history of Enugu has the Church indicated such an alarming interest in politics. It is alarming because we are talking of an overwhelming Christian city that elected a Northern Muslim its first mayor. While the Catholic Church has not said it would be supporting a Catholic, it is most unlikely that the arrowheads of this front, who are of Enugu West, would casually and so openly support the candidacy of Prof. Bart Nnaji without extensive consultations with the pockets of power block in the area. On the other hand, any blatant support of one candidate could compel other denominations to reposition themselves in an attempt to contain the continued conquest of Catholicism, and we could be headed to the Belfasting of Enugu.
Then there is the Nwobodo factor. Senator James (Jim) Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo (Onwanaetilioha) has put all his bags of political tricks on a fast-moving train headed towards Governor Nnamani. Nwobodo wants Nnamani out, and he has not minced words in vowing that he would unseat the Governor, whom he allegedly and or reportedly installed, even if in a fast-flowing river of blood -- which he claimed to be making attempt to avoid by deploying the now failed impeachment ploy! Senator Jim Nwobodo is a man on a mission to save his legacy. He failed to retire Chief Christian Chukwuma Onoh (Aninaefungwu) in 1983. Will Nnamani succeed in retiring Nwobodo in 2003? This is Nwobodo’s last stand; if he loses to Nnamani, he might as well sing his Nunc Dimittis.
It is not just Enugu East and West, Jim Nwobodo and the Church, there is the Enugu North (Nsukka) senatorial zone. Here, the success of Chief John Ogbonnia Nwodo, Jr. (Ike Ukehe) in the APP/ANPP presidential bid could dampen the growing field from the senatorial zone. Eminently qualified and connected, it is widely expected that Nwodo could not go wrong. The least he would get is agree to bid his time as a running mate for four years -- if Ndiigbo buy into and play the 2007 card. In Dallas recently Nwodo flatly denied racing for “running-mate.” If either happens, the candidacy of Hon. Fidel Ayogu (ANPP Chief Whip in the House of Reps) and Barrister Peter Chigozie Okonkwo (Ohamadike) could fizzle out. Deputy Governor Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, the loyal Ukehe native, is not known to harbor any visible urge to unseat his boss. So Nsukka could become the beautiful bride, if Enugu West is not placated and if the zone decides to battle with one credible candidate from the plentiful pool of potential pretenders.
THE CONTENDERS No one takes any aspirant lightly, and no one in his right mind writes off an incumbent. At the 2001 Houston Convention of Enugu-USA, the presence of a lightweight gubernatorial wannabe, who has since silently gone away with the wind, was so disconcerting to a particular member of the Governor’s entourage it nearly marred the event. Ironically, this now ex-Governor’s aide is aspiring to unseat the Governor!
Politicians sef!
Inasmuch as no one should be wished away with a wave of the hand, some names are in it for a little more than resume-enhancement and party political posturing. So as not to disrespect any of the aspirants, I will zero in on four credible parties and some names more in the news than others; AD and NDP are not in contention, especially since neither supports the Igbo agenda: a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction.
Lady first!
UNPP Chief Loretta Ngozichukwu Aniagolu [Adadinamba n'Orba (Nsukka) and Adanaememma n'Abor (Udi)] is a surefire candidate of the United Nigeria People Party (UNPP) -- the party to watch in the coming elections. The pussyfooted projection of Dr. Anthony Anigbo is not likely to stir any storm she shouldn’t weather with ease. Unless some serious aspirant tossed from another party forces his way into UNPP at the last minute, Loretta is set to be the candidate of UNPP for Enugu gubernatorial race. Ms. Loretta has a date with destiny. She could become the first female governor in Nigeria. She could be God’s gift to a State that has not recorded remarkable first ladies since Flora Azikiwe, Lady Ibiam, Adamma Okpara, and Chinyere Asika (nee Ejiogu).
Loretta Aniagolu and Bart Nnaji graced the recently concluded Enugu USA Convention in Dallas, Texas. Both stressed the need to move Enugu State forward without delving into partisan politics nor calling anyone names. It was simply a class act from the lady and the gentleman. But Loretta stole the show, turned heads, and revised the hearts of those who had dismissed her candidacy on account of her gender. Many fell in love with her delicious dialect and powerful presentation. Ms. Aniagolu is not a small fish. The daughter of retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Aniagolu, she holds a masters degree from the United States; she was an economic adviser to governors, and she runs an international consulting firm in Enugu. The election, she figures, should not be about her gender but about her agenda. She has encapsulated the agenda in the acronym HEAT: Health and Housing, Education and Employment, Agriculture and Arts, and Transport and Tourism. Double HEAT! If a woman is going to become a governor in 2003, she is the one to watch.
PDP Let this be known: If the gubernatorial election were held on 11/11/02, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani would have stripped the pants off the pool of peripatetic pretenders. He has a well-oiled grassroots network that could have effectively stopped the field of opponents. The “Divine Mandate” poster I saw in Enugu would have been a fait accompli. And it wouldn’t be because the others are no good; rather, his success would be credited to the cushion of incumbency. With all due respect, Emeka Eze, Uche Nnaji (the senator-elect who offered his seat to Jim Nwobodo), C.O.C Egumgbe, and other wannabes present little threat to Nnamani in the present PDP setup in the State.
Chima, as his friends affectionately call him, has a date with history: No governor has played a return match here, but someone is going to break the jinx someday. It could be him, who knows. But his worries do not stop with a second term; to win, he must win and win well. This entails installing Chief Ken Nnamani in the Senate to replace Jim Nwobodo, settling scores with Hon. Ogbonnaya Asogwa-led legislators currently sitting/vacationing in Abuja, decimating the Ugo Agballah-Ifeanyi Nwobodo, Jr.’s so-called “holy alliance,” and securing the generational power shift to become a powerbroker. C’est pas possible? Qui! Would it be easy? Hell no! First the Governor must win the PDP nomination. Perhaps the strongest indication that he is set to rerun is his support of Chief Tony [Fix-it Leader] Anenih’s ‘Port Harcourt Proclamation’ that “the PDP will re-nominate all its governors for next year's general election.” Contends Nnamani: “[I]f the party does not re-nominate you, the party has already passed a vote of no-confidence on the governor, what the party has done is to say that the governor has not done a good job, so if the governor did not do a good job obviously the party did not do a good job.” Then this caveat, “but in Nigeria we do not see it that way.” [http://www.vanguardngr.com/articles/2002/southeast/se219112002.html]
If I read the Governor correctly, he seems to be saying that he wouldn’t mind a serious challenge. His latest statement confirms that the toughened politician is set to weather the internal storm. [http://www.thisdayonline.com/news/20021122pxt05.html] But, with his apparent pitching of camp with the Anenih leadership, Vice President Abubakar Atiku's PDM political machine might draft the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dubem Onyia to make a bruising run for PDP ticket, since none of the other wannabes could ruffle the incumbent’s feathers in a gubernatorial primary where he controls almost all 206 wards. If Atiku’s PDM strikes, the situation will become even more complicated; yet, because Onyia did almost nothing for Ndiigbo, his emergence will in no way signal the end of the road for Nnamani.
The forces being marshaled against the Governor are enormous, but he still maintains the powerful advantage in his incumbency, plus a big nod from Aso Villa (the Presidency). His greatest headache right now is the Catholic Church. [See http://nigeriaworld.com/articles/2002/nov/212.html]. This factor could make a whole lot of difference -- even though not all lay Catholics are going to follow the political or even spiritual dictates of their clerics. How Nnamani overcomes this "holy obstacle" will be a proclamation of his political pragmatism. It is surmountable; he only needs a few superior souls with good heads who would not, in the privacy of the kitchen cabinet, tell him what he wants to hear.
APP/ANPP One of the unanalyzed surprises of the run-up to 2003 is that APP/ANPP is waxing stronger in the southeast while its national setup is coming apart. It is also ironic that Ndiigbo flock to “the party of Shariah” in an unholy alliance that falsely promise to deliver a president of Igbo extraction. It won’t happen, unless we are talking of the type Dr. Ogbannaya Onu got and lost to Chief Samuel Oluyemisi (Olu) Falae before his acceptance speech. In Enugu State, the anti-Nnamani alliance found a base in this party. This is where Bart Nnaji has pitched his tent -- they say. It is highly unlikely that the two ex-MILADs (Ogugua of Imo State and Orji of Gombe State) will just walk away and allow a new comer to corner the party’s nomination. And another Nkanu man to boot.
Here is why the two ex-MILADs won’t bulge: The Greater Awgu Peoples Protection Solidarity (GAPPS), an umbrella group of people of old Awgu province, maintains that Awgu should be given the opportunity to produce the next governor of Enugu State. It claims that in 1999 Chief Jim Nwobodo promised to facilitate this desire. So the Awgu people, forgetting that power is taken and not given, delegated ex-Minister of State for Health Chief Silas Ilo to be anointed; but, as claimed and reported, Chief Nwobodo chose kinsman Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. Not to be taken for a ride again, the group now parade two credible candidates in APP/ANPP, as one Awgu friend told me, “to make assurance double-sure.” Will this fly in the face of an unwritten zoning arrangement that stipulates senatorial zoning (Enugu West), not provincial (Awgu)? Will the old Udi axis sit back and watch its credible candidates canned? Only time and skillful negotiation will tell in a few short weeks; or, else, the Nnamani camp would capitalize on the district’s disarray and walk away with the trophy.
APGA Mr. Ugochukwu Agballah (Ebeanaeje) is the restive frontrunner in All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). A former right-hand man of Governor Nnamani and his 1999 campaign manager, he appears to be the crown prince of APGA, to which he quickly gyrated once INEC refused to register PLP. Ironically and unfortunately, the party mistakenly and naively touted as the Igbo answer to AD, has not precipitated the expected twister that would clean Igbo political landscape. For obvious reasons we won’t go into here, many prominent Igbo politicians have shunned APGA. However, the self-proclaimed “Ochiagha Ndi Nso” (Leader of the Holy Alliance) is so bent on unseating Governor Nnamani he could be talked into an unholy alliance with the promise of a juicy commissionership, say of works ministery. And with Agballah in any camp, enough itchy dust could be raised in Enugu West to drown a horde of hippopotamuses.
Agballah’s APGA foot soldiers are whipping up strong sentiments about “marginalization of Enugu West.” On my first weekend in Enugu, there was a fundraising for a priest’s abode at St Peter’s Catholic Church Umuaga. The political tribe descended and took over. One APGA operative worked the crowd: He wondered why the town “sits in darkness” when one of its daughters sits in the State Executive Council as Commissioner for Women Affairs. “Alu” (abomination) screamed an obvious plant. But the intensity of spontaneous “tufiakwa” disgust told me that the commissioner must be the most hated woman in town. Such strong sentiments transfer to the political fortunes of the Governor, regardless of the feel-good tales he hears from fawns whose only interest is the preservation of their sole source of daily bread -- not the success of the Governor’s goals. APGA showed that it is perfecting the art of appealing to base instincts of locals with things they can relate to, and the stories do not all have to be accurate -- they just have to make a modicum of sense and secure sincere sympathy.
CONCLUSION Enugu State is lucky to have star aspirants. The question is: Which one of the wannabes is the primus inter pares? Academically, Bart is head and shoulder above the rest. In his field, no peer comes close, and he is an asset to both Nigeria and the United States of America. But we are talking politics here, not academia. Bart needs grassroots network, political connections, financial resources in abundance, and a very thick skin that bounces poisoned political pens and vile verbal violence. Then there is the rise and rise of Loretta Aniagolu, the GAPPS goal, the rotation rule, and church establishments -- both Catholic and Protestant pulling political punches from pulpits. And at the end of the road sits a no-shaking incumbent with a network of soldiers of politics.
It’s all good!
Beyond the plentiful pool of political pretenders and endless electioneering, Enugu State needs ideas and programs that work and a solid legislative assembly devoid of Mickey Mouse masquerades and ‘Papalolo’ politicians. In all my stay in Enugu State and my wide travels as an ordinary citizen with ordinary citizens in ordinary forms of transportations and doing ordinary everyday things, from Nike Lake to Lejja and from Akægbe Ugwu to Ugwuoba, I did not meet anyone campaigning for a seat in the State House of Assembly. On the contrary, in villages and in towns, county-council and county-chairman aspirants are dozen a dime. This is why I propose an “Enugu Forum” to hold soon after the festivities in Enugu, at which those who live and thrive in Enugu will discuss Enugu renaissance. The focus on gubernatorial gymnastics and election intrigues is futile and even fraudulent. All lizards lie on their bellies: No one knows which one has stomach ulcer. In other words, our focus should be on government and the governed, not governor -- issues, not individuals.
Everything else is embellishment. |