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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
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!
By Sunny Igboanugo
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” – Martin Luther King
On the evening of Thursday, October 2, 2025, I was one of the scores of faces at the Lagos Continental (LC) arguably one of the most prestigious hotels in Nigeria today – an imposing sightful structure somewhere on Kofo Abayomi Street in Victoria Island in the nation’s commercial city. By the way, it is advetrtised as the tallest hotel in the whole of Africa.
I nearly cursed my ill-luck for being in Lagos at the time, because outside Lagos, I would have had a more cogent and verifiable reason not to attend the event. When my boss forwarded the invite to me on WhatsApp, I had paid little heed to it, knowing it was not a place for me.
But then, my boss informed me later that I was going to accompany him. That was when, as the Americans would say – the nickel dropped! All attempts to hedge and dodge on the matter, were conveniently dismissed. I had hoped the – strictly black-tie event, also inscribed on the card, which sounded more like a warning than information – was going to be a convenient excuse. But it wasn’t.
“Then go get them. They’re in the market.” That was my boss, when I complained that I wore suits and ties last some 20 years ago and that my wardrobe had warned me that they were now an anathema and no longer welcome within its bowel.
I had actually read an interview, where the late Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, famous academic and later monarch of Ndikelionwu community in Anambra had once warned that even at death someone put a tie on him, he would wake up and strangulate the person with it.
I shared the sentiments behind his position, but thank God, mine wasn’t that extreme. So, I did get one and attended the event. In the end, I was glad I did, because had the bolts and nuts, bits and pieces, odds and ends of my sentiments stopped me, I would have missed one of the greatest events I ever witnessed in my over three decades stretch in my career as a journalist.
Yes, only a “one kain” journalist – to use the Nigerian parlance would have spent such a long period on the job and still be too fascinated about dinners, banquets, luncheons. For me, they hold no special place, especially those involving crossing seven wildernesses and seven seas to attend, such as driving in the drudgery and tortuous Lagos traffic to do so, more especially late at night.
Not only have I attended tonnes of them – at the instances of government houses, political organisations, global institutions, corporate bodies, foreign embassies – and gained therefrom experiences that would last me a lifetime, but my palate has become so saturated from the diverse cousins and dishes, at each point, some tasteful, others banal that my taste bud itself is now confused. In other words, I have other ideas of killing my time.
So, trust me in giving my honest review on this one when I say it is one of the grandest I have ever experienced, if not the grandest. I can’t possibly recall a grander one. This became evident from the first step I took into the foyer of the third floor of the imposing structure, leading into the array of immaculately-attired men and women sharing drinks and having hearty conversations – of course – virtually all in black ties or something resembling it.
I would have mistaken that Thursday’s breathtaking experience for the grandeur of the ambience were it my first time here. But apart from attending several other functions within, LC was one of the preferred choices of residency for my former Minister boss, whenever we travelled to Lagos from Abuja, especially if the function had to do within Lagos Island. So, I was somewhat on a familiar ground.
This is the creation of human mind and construction of human hand, I said to myself, as I eventually sat in my corner inside the dinner hall from the cocktail arena, where I was ushered to by one of the delicate-looking but professionally nuanced ladies aiding the guests.
Having quickly switched on to my professional garb, I began to watch the scenery continue to unfold, thenceforth, pretending to mind my business, while actually minding other people’s businesses, which is actually my business and the business of every journalist.
At The Guardian in those days, the primary injunction to reporters, was to look out for something unique – something that must have missed the eyes of other people – it was one of the elements that made it the flagship of Nigerian journalism at that time.
I took in every detail of the sequence – strung together like the delicate knitting of a weaverbird. Like the fine brushstrokes of Michelangelo’s The Sistine Chapel or Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the choreography was a complete work of art – complete in its forms and ideas. It was a kaleidoscope of concepts and colours.
I took in the assemblage of the guests. It was not only a full rollcall of Nigeria’s high and mighty but a clear statement on the country itself in terms of how the sharp differences in its diversity could melt away and like a good seasoning, enhance the taste of the food rather than destroy it.
Even the menu presented its own allure. The literature on each food and drink, was delivered to the minutest details in specific language couched in elegant prose that presented in itself a mastery of its own art forms.
Finding ukwa – cooked breadfruit seeds, mashed in African red cooking oil with a sprinkling of chili-pepper sauce and served with a choice of dried fish sauced in native spices – my own words since I couldn’t remember how it was captured – among this list, was heavenly. I could give a finger for this unique Igbo delicacy.
Then came the entry of Benedith Orama, the man of the moment. It was decked in its own unique fanfare obviously directed at interpreting his persona. The well-choreographed theatre, bespoke of not only originality, but itself a study in pure creative skill. With all eyes turning to the entrance, at the sounding of the opi, the picturesque characterisation showcased a man who despite conquering at the global environment, had not lost touch with home.
Opi, an Igbo trumpet accompanies only great men – not only titled men, but great achievers. In tow were the masquerades – the Atumma – elegance and beauty, the Okwomma or Mgbadike for energy and valour and of course the old, fearsome one for wisdom and authority – depicting Orama’s diverse but complete identity as a man of many parts.
Put together by Fidelity Bank, Plc, the event, titled: Celebration of a Titan, was a way of honouring the erudite scholar, author and Professor of International Trade and Finance, as he bows out as President and Chairman of Board of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), where he had served since 2015.
Summing up the entire package, left me with little imagination on why the bank maintains a prime position at the top level of Nigeria’s financial industry over the years despite all odds. I was not the more surprised that the person that curated the scenic choreography is the same Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, whose transformational identity has attracted immense celebration locally and international.
Such flawless, pin-drop efficiency, as was on display on Thursday, could only be achieved by someone not only with eyes for the minutest details but with the ability, capacity and authority to employ such attributes to create things beyond the average.
As she mounted the podium to speak, I quickly ran a further check to update my knowledge about her stint in the bank and discovered that virtually everything about her were in superlatives. Lawyer, administrator with PhD honoris causa in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) – The Banker of the Year 2022 –-Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 – Top 25 CEOs in Nigeria, etc., it was quite a mouthful.
But beyond this tall profile on paper I could decipher the more distinct and compelling attributes that only well-trained eyes for details could fathom. Even hidden behind the glittering allure – beauty, elegance, ornamental wardrobe – that accentuated her femineity as she stood there on the podium to welcome her guests, they still stood out – intelligence, power and authority – elements that when nailed together with education and long-term experiences are bound to create the strong platform for the erection of the formidable edifice that Fidelity Bank has become under her watch.
That the institution was among the first to meet the new capitalisation threshold – just few months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the new policy, might just as well be attributed to the visible display of grit, passion, focus and competence.
Quietly taking everything in from my vintage position at my table and gobbling down every aspect of the event including the classical choral performances, poetry renditions, and sizzling displays by the legendary Theresa Onuora of Egedege Dance Group and Flavour, Nigeria’s celebrated singer and performer, I began to surf through the history of powerful women across the globe to ascertain in which genre the top banker could fit in perfectly.
Margret Thatcher of Britain, Aung Sang Suu Kyi, the Myanmar politician and leader, Angela Merkel, former German Chancellor, our own Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. Though great women of history none fitted into the character I was looking for.
Then it hit me! Madelein Albright – first United States female Secretary of States. Sweeping through the assemblage with my eyes, many of the characterisation in “Madam Secretary” – where the iconic US top diplomat told her own story in that highly-acclaimed autobiography came to the fore and began to play out before me like a reel from the cinema tape.
Only the mental acuity, rare intelligence, power of influence and the ability to harness and manage both human and material resources, with which Albright held together the Bill Clinton administration, making it one of the most memorable in recent US history, could gather the quality of individuals, create the ambience to capture and sustain their interests far into the night and ultimately lead to such loud applause at curtain-fall on that Thursday.
Now, as I sat, capturing all the moments, a thought also flickered through my mind. I began to imagine this iconic banker and achiever in the garb of a governor – particularly that of my state – Anambra,. Certainly, her type is the best advertisement anyone could make for women in power. Hers could achieve more results than just wordy advocacy and even legislation.
I won’t be surprised to hear that one United Nations agency or global institution has head-hunted and taken her away from our clime to a place where her talent would not only blossom, but where it would be best appreciated.
But before that happens, it would be my remit to use every opportunity to inform her that whenever her stint ends on this her present job, some of us will be waiting with a greater assignment back home, to her birth place.
Don’t be surprised. The next time you see yours truly, it might be in the streets protesting and mobilising in lieu of this project. For such a project, I could swim across the River Niger without life jacket to make it happen.
Leg crossed, sipping my drinks contentedly and waiting to call the party sometime in future, it will be more appropriate to say: Take a bow, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, our own Madelein Albright – not the US Madam Secretary – but Nigerian Madam Banker! Take a bow, Achalugo, Ugobeze, Nwa-afo amuchara amucha. Take a bow, Adadioramma!
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