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Enugu 2023: Between power, politics and equity
Nothing aptly describes politics like the name given to it by Ndigbo – ndoro-ndoro ochichi. Though it literally translates to struggle for power, but the full import and implications may not truly register to those who don’t understand the Igbo language.
It is this deeper meaning that has now become evident in the current political climate in Enugu State, one of the states in the South East, with fairly-evident and demonstrable dividends of democracy, as political gladiators unsheathe their swords from the scabbards.
All eyes are virtually on the 2023 governorship election. By the morning of May 29 of that year, the incumbent, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi would be completing the circle of 24 straight years of unbroken government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But that would not be all. On that day, he would have completed the full circle of seamless adherence to a deed of equity, which would have seen the three senatorial zones occupying the Lion Building, the seat of power in the state without let or hindrance.
Ugwuanyi would be the last to be handed the baton and is expected to breast the tape in the last lap of what had been a tripartite race, begun by the inimitable Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, the doyen of the Ebeano family, who put together structure housing the current political warriors. Nnamani, who represented Enugu East, was the first to maintain the philosophy of equity, by handing over to Sullivan Chime from Enugu West, who made sure that the baton went to Ugwuanyi, from Enugu North.
But with that feat comes the snag. Where else would it go? Naturally, many had expected that the circle would return to where it started. But that seems not to be the case. Instead, all manner of permutations are being created and launched into the arena, some of them, somewhat compelling, others highly inchoate, and yet others totally outlandish.
For instance, elements from the Nsukka axis, representing Enugu North, where the incumbent is from, are putting up the argument that Instead of the three senatorial zones, the sharing formula should revert to the original bipolar structure of Enugu and Nsukka divisions. What this means, in their calculation, is that Nsukka, still has eight more years to go to catch up with the Enugu division, which had taken the first two slots between Enugu East and Enugu West – Nnamani and Chime.
This was the crux of the argument of Senator Chukwuka Utazi, the Senator representing the zone, during a strategic meeting a few weeks ago. Utazi, who cut his political teeth as the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly in the ill-fated Military President Ibrahim Babangida regime that was terminated by the June 12, 1993 political saga, was seen in the meeting urging the people to brace up for another go at the office after Ugwuanyi.
Besides, the lawmaker also emphasised that the period of 16 years when the Enugu Division was in power, was used to enhance massive development and creation of infrastructures in their area to the detriment of Nsukka and therefore it deserved to similarly serve for another eight years to do a catch-up in the spirit of fairness and equity.
However, Utazi’s argument, forceful as it appears, is being seen as a smokescreen for a larger but nebulous political calculation. There is the insinuation that he is a front for Senator Ike Ekweremadu, former Deputy Senate President. Ekweremadu, is said to have played a major role in his emerging as a Senator and that Utazi wanted to pay him back by throwing a spanner in the works for the emergence of an Nkanu (Enugu East) governorship. Though he denied the allegation flatly, saying he was not open to manipulation by anybody, the tag continues to trail him.
For elements from the Enugu West, the argument is that since the position had gone round amongst the senatorial zones, the fresh circle could begin from anywhere. This is the loophole Ekweremadu, believed to be a strong contender for the office, is said to be exploring. Unlike Utazi, who has held an open meeting to advance his argument, that of the former DSP, has remained nocturnal in the main, even though he is said to be putting up a formidable force to make his ambition come to fruition.
Some political watchers find it strange that the five-time Senator, who entered into the upper legislative chambers of the National Assembly in 2003, is not having his eyes in Abuja, either for outright presidency or at worst vice presidency position, which is sure to come to the South East instead of returning to the state. But compelling as it might be, the Ekweremadu camp, appears to believe that the governorship might be an easier pick, especially as Ugwuanyi is believed to be eying an executive office at the national level.
Enter Enugu East. This zone posits what seems the most compelling argument. It believes that there should be no contest over the issue as it clearly settles itself. Water must return to its source in line with what has worked for the state and saved it from the rancour and bitterness that had resulted from the winner takes all mentality that has become the bane of politics elsewhere. It is all about the equity behind the logic in three pieces of meat in a plate with three people, which has clearly shared itself.
In fact, the thinking in the zone is that by the time Nnamani handed power to the other zone, he had the capacity to enthrone another Nkanu man to replace him, because the power dynamics favoured him. Just like in the neighbouring Imo State, where one zone has produced the governor since the turn of democracy at the same period, he could also have found hundreds of reasons to support the decision.
Yet, regardless the immense powers at his disposal as the czar of the moving train, called Ebeano family, he shelved every primordial sentiments in favour of the sacrosanct zoning arrangement.
Edeh
What other argument could be more compelling? Incidentally, the former governor is at the vanguard of the agitation for his people in the attempt to defeat the arguments of the other zones. Recently, at the palace of the Odenigbo Nike, Nnamani, now the Senator representing Enugu East, put up a powerful show to galvanise his people for this purpose.
But in all these, comes a completely different, but equally compelling position altogether. It is the argument being advanced within the Nkanu people themselves. A loud cry from Nkanu East seems to be drowning other sentiments within the political climate in the state. They claim that the principle of justice, equity and fair-play compels other areas from the Enugu East zone to hands-off the contest for the number one job in the state.
Anayo Edeh, former member of the House of Representatives, gives impetus to the agitation, by encapsulating all the arguments to show how his people had been forced to hold the short end of the stick in both elective and appointive offices in the state since Nkanu East Local Government was carved out by the late General Sani Abacha in 1996.
At a meeting he convened on April 20, the former lawmaker, delivered a powerful message to remind the people of what is at stake and to rouse them to action, towards removing the unenviable tag of the most marginalised area in the zone.
At the meeting attended by leaders of thoughts, political heavyweights and traditional institutions, he presented a chart of the distribution of appointments and elective offices to underscore the fact that the area remains the only one that has never got the position of Senator or Governor.
Hear him: “From inception till date, Nkanu-East has remained the most neglected and marginalised Local Government Area in Enugu State. Nkanu-East is the only Local Government Council in Enugu State, you must pass through four other Local Councils before you can access its Headquarters. A less than two kilometer bridge across the Inyaba River would have made direct access to the headquarters possible and reduced the pain our people are subjected to in order to gain access to their Council Headquarters. But this is not possible because of our exclusion from strategic positions in Government at all levels.
“It is painful to note that till date, Nkanu-East has neither produced a Governor nor a Senator in the history of Enugu State.
“It is incontrovertible that political power is necessary for the creation of wealth. Our inability to acquire political power has caused impoverishment, social alienation, infrastructural decay and loss of esteem among our people.
“While we wallow in deep marginalisation and exclusion, our neighbor, Nkanu-West has attained and leveraged on all major elective and appointive offices in Enugu State.
“The French Philosopher and Scholar, Fanz Fanon, once said that; “the future will have no pity for those men who, possessing the exceptional privilege of being able to speak words of truth to the oppressors, but have taken refuge in an attitude of passivity, of mute indifference and sometimes of cold complicity”. The future will not forgive me and all of us who are the prominent sons and daughters of Nkanu-East, if we keep silent or conspire with those who keep our people down through maginalisation.
“We owe the present and future generations of our people a duty, to ensure that we take our place in the scheme of things. At this juncture, I must pay tribute to our heroes who, while they lived, fought for the progress and development of Nkanu-East. They include: Igwe Emeka Nnaji, Igwe Nathan Ogbu, Igwe Agu and Chief Sunday Edeh. History will be kind to them for their struggles to properly position our people.
“In the words of Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe: “we must show the light so that people can find the way”. As leaders, we must properly guide our people to change the narratives and rebuild Nkanu-East.
“As the 2023 general elections approach, all hands must be on deck in the struggle to ensure that one of our sons become the next Governor of Enugu State. This is a legitimate aspiration and our right as natives of Enugu State and citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The zoning arrangement in Enugu State must be kept intact. Those who claim that it (the zoning arrangement) is not written, lack a sense of justice and equity. We plead with the great sons and daughters of Enugu State to help Nkanu-East obtain justice. They include: His Excellency, Senator Jim Nwobodo, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, His Excellency, Chief Sullivan Chime, His Excellency, Dr. OkwesilizeNwodo, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi among others. Posterity will be kind to them if they ensure that all parts of Enugu State are treated equally.
“This gathering marks a water-shed in our aspiration for de-marginalisation and equitable treatment. I urge all our sons and daughters to take this message home and re-assure our people that the march to their political emancipation has begun.
“Finally, no-one will give us power on a platter of gold. We must take it through collective struggle. All hands must be on deck.”
See the chart:
| LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA | ELECTIVE AND APPOINTIVE POSITIONS HELD | NAME OF OCCUPANT OF POSITION |
| ISIUZO L.G.A | Enugu-East Senatorial Seat.
Managing Director Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
National Population Commission (NPC) Federal Commissioner.
Presidential Liaison Officer to National assembly (House of Representatives).
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and the Vatican. |
Late Senator Isaiah Ani
Late Festus Ugwu
EjikeEze
Hon. ChijiokeEdeoga
His Excellency, Kingsley Ebenyi |
|
ENUGU – EAST |
Enugu–East Senatorial Seat. |
Senator Gilbert Nnaji |
|
ENUGU – NORTH |
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Governor
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Namibia. |
Hon. DubemOnyia
C.C Onoh
Her Excellency, Ambassador LilianOnoh |
| ENUGU – SOUTH
|
Governor.
Enugu – East Senatorial Zone Seat.
Senate Presidency. |
Senator Jim Nwobodo
Senator Ken Nnamani
Senator Ken Nnamani |
|
NKANU – WEST |
Senatorial Position.
Minister of Information.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Federal Commissioner.
Federal Permanent Secretary.
Member, Police Service Commission.
Member, Public Complaints Commission.
National Orientation Agency.
APC Chairman, Enugu State and Member, Consumer Protection Commission (CPC).
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland. |
Senator ChimarokeNnamani (Two-time Senator)
Chief Frank Nweke (Two-time Minister)
Chief Victor Chukwuani
Chief ChiyakaOha (rtd.)
OnyemaucheNnamani
AfamNnaji
Barr. OguguoOruruo
Chief Ben Nwoye
His Excellency, Ambassador Chris Ugwu |
|
NKANU – EAST |
Minister of Power.
Permanent Secretary (rtd.).
Governor
Senator |
Dr. Barth Nnaji
Raymond Okenwa
NIL
NIL |
Utazi
To the argument being advanced by his fellow Nkanu compatriots that his quest was akin to jumping the gun and that he must be adhere to the local saying that one must first secure the space before looking for the mat, he has refused to be persuaded, saying that the struggle for the ground must go together with the search for the mat.
Ultimately the arguments must come down to the table of Ugwuanyi, who like most governors in Nigeria, hold the aces. A lot depends on how much he is persuaded by the positions of the contending forces. There is no telling that whichever side he takes, has won more than half of the battle. The question therefore is would he pander to politics or sentiments? Would he toe the line of his predecessors or play the winner takes all? Would he give justice or resort to power politics?
Posted by Editor | 27 April 2021, 02:07pm
Seyi Adewunmi, President of the Lagos Country Club (LCC), launched into his third term in office on Tuesday, with the eternal words with which William Shakespeare depicted the pleas of King Richard 11 to British noblemen at daggers-drawn in his forecourt, some 431 years ago – forgive, forget, reconcile and be agreed.
It was his way of offering his olive branch to seek healing for members still lacerated with old wounds of the bitter battle for the soul of the club, which ended up in courtrooms after failure to settle it inside the games-room, the tennis courts and other troubleshooting arenas.
Flanked by his wife, Ify, whose contribution he lavishly acknowledged, Adewunmi, at his inauguration at the club’s main hall, apparently recalling the incident, which nearly crippled affairs at the family club, said: “To those who are still aggrieved, I speak to you now, directly and without condition. Whatever the disagreement, the Club is bigger than any single dispute, and its future is far more important than any lingering bitterness.
“Whatever the words that were said or the decisions that felt unjust, I invite you, today, to lay it down. No dispute is worth dividing us. I extend to you my open hand and my open heart. This is your club. It needs you. I need you.
“The chapter we are about to write is better written together and it MUST be written. So please sheathe your swords. Come home. The gates are open, the seats are ready, and the work is too important for any of us to sit it out.”
The President, who was full of praises for the club’s Board of Trustees, was particularly enthused with the contributions of Aare Kola Oyefeso, the leader of the exulted body, whom he described as “a conscience and compass of this club,” for donating his wealth of experience.
Hear him: “To our Board of Trustees, and to Chief Kola Oyefeso in particular, I offer my deepest respect. You have been the still, small voice of wisdom in the seasons of noise.
“Every time this Presidency needed an elder’s hand on the shoulder, you were there. The Management Council and the Board have not merely coexisted during my tenure, we have collaborated, and the Club is better for it. I am indeed very grateful sir.
Expressing similar gratitude to other members of the Management Council Officers and the Chairmen of the various Sections and their Committees as well as the members, he enjoined them to prepare for the task ahead.
He added: “I see you all. I greet you all. And I am profoundly glad to be standing here, still standing, before you today. Let me begin with a confession. When I first stood in this position three years ago, I made promises. Big promises. The kind that sound magnificent from a podium and look somewhat different at seven in the morning when the contractor has not shown up and the cheque has not cleared….but I did not run away.
“I did not make excuses. I did not hide behind procedure or blame my predecessors. I rolled up my sleeves, as you well know I am rather fond of doing, and I worked. Two terms. Hundreds of meetings. Thousands of decisions. One attempted character assassination which, I am glad to report, the character survived.
“And today, you have returned me unopposed for a third and final term. Not because I cannot be challenged. Not because the road ahead is smooth.
“But because you looked at my record, you weighed me as a man, you made your assessment, and you made your verdict. I receive this mandate with the full weight of gratitude and the full fire of purpose. Lagos Country Club — your President is back. And this time, we will finish the work.”
He also expressed gratitude for various members of the club, who had supported in many ways to keep it going, recalling particularly the donation of equipment worth millions of naira by Tunji Amosu, the Vice President of the club, saying such a selfless gesture defined the idea behind LCC as a family club.
Hear him: “He (Amosu) reached into his own pocket, deep into his pocket I might add, and donated equipment worth millions of Naira to our new clinic. Millions. I want to be clear: this was not government allocation. This was not a corporate write-off. This was one man saying, ‘I believe in this Club enough to invest my own resources in its wellbeing.’ That is the spirit of Lagos Country Club at its finest, and it deserves to be celebrated.
“But let me also say that greatness is not only measured in millions. Gifts are never less precious than the grand gesture, and for this reason, I want to honour those who gave what they had, and gave it gladly. Confidence Yunusa (D12848) donated pillows to our clinic, and before you smile, those pillows matter. They speak of someone who thought about the comfort of a sick fellow member on a sick bed. That is love in action.
“Also, Femi Oduwole (D14027) gave us a water dispenser. Clean water. To all who gave in any measure: this Club sees you, this Management Council thanks you, the Board of Trustees appreciates you and history, as I speak is recording you.”
By Sunny Igboanugo
Despite consistent usage, it has remained a powerful reality, the age-long saying that the drum sounds for a great man – in life and at death. Rather than becoming a tiring cliché its reality continues to emerge as demonstrable evidence from time to time.
So, when on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the cap lowered on the head of Ben-Chuks Nwosu – astute lawyer, consummate politician, inimitable humanist, gifted public speaker and foremost community leader, it was not just another historic event, many of which have trailed him over the years, but a clear statement on the persona of the former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly – one meant to capture his import as a man who has conquered his territory and etched his name permanently on the sands of time.
The versatile lawyer and politician, was among the influential figures assembled for special recognition by Igwe Keneth Orizu 111, Monarch of the Nnewi ancient kingdom – one of the iconic traditional stools in Anambra State – to mark his 100 years of age and 62 years on the throne, as one of the features of the historic event.
The monarch, the oldest and longest reigning king in Nigeria was emphatic on why Nwosu made that list – it was an acknowledgement of his positive contributions, not only to the development of the ancient town, but to the advancement of humanity in general through his engagements in many aspects, especially his chosen career of law and his vocation as a politician.
Ostensibly, the royal father wanted to make that statement both as part of the records of his reign and to demonstrate the essence of the biblical saying – to whom much is given, much is expected – and how this son on of Nnewi land had over time, fits that bill perfectly.
For instance, not only the monarch, the people of Anambra, if not the conscious world, bore and still bear witnesses to how, the primus inter pares of the Anambra legislature, Nwosu unsheathed his sword from the scabbards to confront the political hounds that attacked the state at that time, in defence of his territory – democracy.
The echoes of that historic period in the state, have continued to reverberate across the firmament, while the imprimatur has continued to be evident in demonstrably bold terms even now, as the doyen has again donated himself to yet a fresh battle – that of rescuing the people of Anambra from the abyss of despair as the state approaches the edge of the precipice where the current minders are driving it, through bad policies and unwholesome politics.
Currently, the Chief of Staff (CoS) of the John Chuma Nwosu (JCN) Campaign Council, the ex-lawmaker, has become a central voice for the new advocacy in Anambra by JCN – the man, who has taken it as duty to rescue the state and reverse the evil political vehicle, fast galloping towards that inevitable destruction.
Ndubuisi Nwobu, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at the hosting of members of the council at a reception organised at his Nnewi country home, shortly after the event at the Igwe’s palace, spared no words in acknowledging this aspect of the former Speaker’s persona, particularly his contributions to both politics and human development in Anambra State and beyond.
Nwosu takes traditional greetings with Igwe Orizu
For Nwobu, himself one of the biggest names in Anambra political arena, bearing the scars of its different political wars, it was a recognition of a fellow warrior in the battlefield and a colleague in arms, whose contributions are vital for the mission at hand.
The former Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who represented the governorship candidate at the event was emphatic in guaranteeing that Nwosu would neither relent or be deterred by the arsenal of war being assembled by the anti-democratic, anti-progressive and clearly negative forces in the state, who seem intent on relentlessly asphyxiating it of life.
Hear him: “There is greater work ahead and I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll live up to expectation, because your passion for the service to mankind is exceptional. Whatever you set your mind on, you pursue it with so much gusto and vigour, as if your life depends on it. For you, there’s always no going back.
“Congratulations. The entire campaign council greets you. We thank you for what you have done and have no hesitation in our belief that with your contributions to this onerous task, we’re going to triumph. Remain strong. May the good Lord continue to strengthen you in the name of Jesus.”
Before Nwobu spoke, Prof. Zelinjo Igweze, Director, Women Mobilisation and Dr. CC Okeke, Deputy Director General (DDG) Political Matters, had also spoken in the same manner, paying glowing tribute to the Nnewi-born political juggernaut.
Ike Iwenofu, accomplished Engineer and Director General of the council, had earlier in his tribute on behalf of the members, also acknowledged Nwosu’s towering profile and invaluable contributions to the campaign efforts.
He wrote: “The entire John Chuma Nwosu Campaign Council bursts with joy as we celebrate our indefatigable Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Barr. Benchuks Nwosu, on this glorious day of honour and recognition by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi, during the historic Centenary Birthday Celebration.
“This royal honour is not just a mark of distinction, but a celebration of character — a recognition of your steadfast loyalty, uncommon humility, and tireless service to humanity and our great movement. You have continued to distinguish yourself as a pillar of strength and a shining example of leadership, loyalty, and integrity. Your honour today reflects the values we hold dear — service, excellence, and commitment to the greater good.
“We rejoice with you, Ogbalike Nwachinemelu, and pray that this recognition opens even greater doors of favour, grace, and impact in your journey ahead. A thousand cheers to a worthy son, a noble leader, and a loyal ally!”
Nwosu with Nwobu
But for the man of the moment, the event evoked memories decked in family history, particularly depicting a family of warriors, whose essence was captured in the roles they played in defence of the territorial integrity of the Obuofia Nnewi enclave in the years of yore.
He tells the story: “My father, Nwoke Modo was a warrior and it became his assignment to move from Obuofia to wage wars against our attackers. Where we live now is called Agawana, meaning war trenches. So, Eze Ugbuonyanta, the great grandfather of the person that gave me this title today, named him Ogbalike. That means, when things get tough, he is invited.
“So, when this came up about a year ago, I told the Igwe that I had a senior brother, but they said the knew the history, but that this was given to me in recognition of the special role I played as Speaker, particularly during the impeachment saga (of former governor, Peter Obi.)
“They said I proved some genetic trails when I did not betray him as then Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Council and I did not betray Dr. Dozie Ikedife, who was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. So, this has been in the making for more than a year. In line with tradition, I had to let my elder brother know and he gave his consent that I could go ahead and take our grandfather’s title. That’s what I have done today. Since he was a warrior, they felt that the role I had played in Anambra politics akin to that of a warrior, hence the title.”
With this historic aspect, it might no longer be surprising to anyone the line the former Speaker is toeing, why his battle-weary body is lacerated with the scars of war and why his path both in politics, law and other endeavours is strewn with courage and forthrightness. It lives in the family – an acknowledgement that Ogbalike Nnewi is not just a title, it is history!
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