– Cautions Against Monopoly, Gluttonous Acquisition Of Appointments
A former member of the National Assembly, Rev Dr Uche Nwole, who represented Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency of Imo State in the Federal House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, has said that it is the turn of Mbaitoli East, comprising all the communities in Mbieri, to produce the next Chairman of Mbaitoli Local Government Council, in line with the principles of equity, justice and fairness.
Rev Dr Nwole, Founder/General Overseer of Christ Restoration Church of God Int’l Ministry (CRC), while addressing journalists at his residence in Owerri, the state capital on Wednesday, July, 31, 2024, expressed dismay at the way and manner some people in their desperate and gluttonous bid for power, have been taking advantage of their closeness to the corridors of power to corner all appointive and elective positions, even within the traditional institution, for their cronies, as if the local government area is their personal estate.
Dr Nwole, a renowned philanthropist, international business man and grassroots mobilizer, who, reportedly, was instrumental to the emergence of many political gladiators, including former Governor Achike Udenwa, late Senator Evan Enwerem, who he played a cardinal role in his becoming the Senate President, among others, said, “it is unfortunate that my good friend and ally, Chief Leo Stan Eke, with whom I discussed the need to balance the political equation in Mbaitoli LGA, by ensuring that the next Chairman of the council comes from Mbieri, as advocated in a communique issued by Mbaitoli Leaders and Stakeholders after a meeting they held at the Onitsha Road, Owerri, office of Chief Barr Marcelinus Nlemgbo (Marcon), is still, clandestinely, sponsoring and projecting one Austin from his community in Ubommiri to emerge as the next Chairman of our local government council, despite the fact that one of the immediate past Commissioners, Martin Eke, is his immediate younger brother, while another former top government appointee, a female Professor, is his wife’s immediate younger sister. It is also a well known fact that he facilitated all these appointments that were meant for Mbaitoli Local Government Area”.
Nwole, who retrospectively narrated how he funded the campaign of former Governor Achike Udenwa and provided him with campaign vehicles, the same way he assisted Owelle Rochas Okorocha during his governorship campaign in 2011, also expressed regret that the same marginalization that the people of Mbaitoli East are lamenting, is also presently rearing it’s ugly head in Mbieri, where an apex leader of the All Progressive Congress APC, who hails from Ezinihitte, has continued to appropriate all political benefits for his family and associates.
“For instance, the said leader, grabbed the position of Special Adviser to the Governor for his son, who is presently not residing in the country, in addition to securing an official car for him, when there are capable Mbieri people who can occupy the position and perform creditably because they reside here. But he chose to give the opportunity to his son who only collects salary and allowances without doing the job for which he was appointed. That was probably why some people described his as a clannish leader who is more interested in self gratification, rather than the good of the majority who he claims to represent”.
Continuing, the frontline politician, and businessman turned clergy, said, “Mbaitoli comprises three political blocs, East, North and South. The Deputy Governor of the state, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, comes from the South, the member representing Mbaitoli State constituency, Hon Innocent Ikpamezie is from the North. Equity, justice and fairness therefore, demand that Chairman of the council should come from the East that has even before now been politically and otherwise marginalized”.
“It is true that before our amiable Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma assumed office in January, 2020, Hon Okey Onyekanma, who hails from Eziome, Mbieri, was representing the L.G.A, in the House of Assembly. But presently, the setting has changed as the South now occupies the position of Deputy Governor. Unfortunately, Leo Stan Ekeh^s preferred chairmanship candidate, and younger brother who he had earlier endorsed during the past administration is still insisting that he will occupy the position with the tacit support of Chief Leo Stan. This is completely unacceptable.
Leo Stan as an intelligent, enlightened and highly respected personality, can attest that his family and community, Ubomiri, have benefitted immensely from Governor Uzodinma’s magnanimity and milk of human kindness. He should also know that Ubomiri, though highly favoured, even before the emergence of Governor Uzodinma, is not the only community in Mbaitoli. Hence, the need for him and others of like domineering mindset to align with the wishes and aspirations of the people, who are clamouring for paradigm shift.^
“I once suggested that elective positions in Mbaitoli for the September, 21, 2024 local government election be streamlined and harmonized to avoid rancor and acrimony, but some people because of their selfish ulterior motives and inclinations, rejected my proposal. As I speak, about 10 people from Ezinihitte Ward, have purchased the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to contest the chairmanship election, while there are only two aspirants from Amaike Ward. This does not project our people in good light. Even among themselves, the people of Ezi are accusing those of Ihitte of short changing them politically. It is as a result of all these that my people from Old Amaike are mounting pressure on me to contest the Mbaitoli Chairmanship election because of my antecedents and pedigree. They know that I am not going there for personal gratification but to enhance the socio-economic development of Mbaitoli, her people and the state at large”.
“For instance, 37years ago, when I had no intention of going into politics, I single handedly brought electricity to my community in addition to sinking a borehole with a 10, 000 over head tank water reservoir that serves most of the neighboring communities. I have offered scholarship to thousands of brilliant indigent students, in addition to empowering several women and youths who are presently doing well in different fields of human endeavour. The Almighty God has blessed me beyond my imagination. Hence, I have decided to dedicate my entire life to the service of God and humanity. Besides, charity, they say, begins at home”.
“As a matter of fact, most people consider my decision to contest the upcoming local government election as an insult on my person. But, as far as I am concerned, answering the call of your people to come and better their lot, especially, when they are being looked down on or relegated to the background, is a worthy and noble sacrifice that cannot be faulted because, it is hinged on patriotism, humility and selflessness”.
I, also doff my hat for our Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma (Onwa Oyoko) for his determination to conduct free, fair and credible election and for his commitment towards ensuring a level playing ground for all, in line with his zero tolerance for oppression, intimidation and undue monopoly^
