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  • Abia 2015: Who succeeds Orji?

    Abia 2015: Who succeeds Orji?

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji will step down next year, after completing his two terms of eight years. The succession battle is gathering momentum in the Southeast state. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examines the chances of the aspirants and the issues that will shape the governorship poll.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abia State chapter, has resolved to zone the governorship to Abia South Senatorial Zone in 2015. This decision also enjoys the backing of Governor Theodore Orji.

    The zone is populated by the Ukwa/Ngwa ethnic nationality, which has not produced the governor, since the state was created 22 years ago.

    Orji has reaffirmed this decision at different fora. When the people of the zone organised a reception for him at Aba, the commercial nerve centre, and when he hosted Ukwa/Ngwa professionals from Lagos and Abuja to the Government House Umuahia, he reiterated that the decision on power shift was sanscosant. Many stakeholders have applauded the governor, saying that he was laying a solid political foundation based on equity, fairness and justice. The decision, they said, would give a sense of belonging to the zone.

    In 1999, Dr. Orji Kalu from Abia North Senatorial Zone was elected and he served for eight years. Orji is from Abia Central Senatorial zone. By the time his tenure elapsesnext year, an indigene of Abia South is expected to mount the saddle.

    Eyes are on Senator Nkechi Nwaogu and Gen Azubuike Ihejirika. But, there are other aspirants in the race. Orji returned to the People Democratic Party (PDP) after a brief stint in the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). He has demonstrated a strong political will to unify all the political divides and this has culminated into the oneness and unity that remains the strength of the PDP in Abia State.

    Unless there is a political miscalculation, it may be difficult for any other political party to upturn the political fortunes of the PDP in the state. Orji has managed to carry the majority of the political stakeholders along in his administration. As a result, his ruling PDP remains a party to beat.

    For the PDP, the searchlight for Orji’s successor has been beamed to Abia South where many governorship aspirants have indicated their interest in the number one position.

    Among those eyeing the job are Hon. Uzor Azubuike, Mr. Friday N. Nwosu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Nkechi Nwaogu. Hon. Acho Nwakamma, Chief Emeka Wogu, Dr Okozie Ikpeazu, Ambassador Okey Emuchay and Chief Marc Wabara.

    These gladiators are from Abia South, except, Hon. Uzor Azubike and Senator Nkechi Nwaorgu, who are of the Ngwa ethnic nationality, but geographically located in Abia Central.

    Senator Nwaogu is representing Abia Central. She will complete her second term in the Senate next year. She was a member of the House of Representatives. She was born in Umuapu in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area and married to a gentleman from Osisioma Local Government. Both communities are located in Abia Central Zone, but are part of Ngwaland.

    Her co-traveller in this race is Hon. Uzor Azubike. He is from Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Abia Central. He is representing Aba North/Aba South constituency in the House of Representatives Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, has always been populated by non-indigenes. This makes the city politically vibrant.

    Orji is believed to have demonstrated enough political will and sagacity in the last seven and half years and he may leave power on a blaze of glory, if he makes good his promise to give the 2015 governorship ticket to an aspirant of Abia South extraction.

    But, in the view of many observers, if the PDP leadership offers the ticket to either Nwaogu or Azubike, it would mean denying Abia South the ticket and the opportunity to occupy the position. That, they say, would amount to retaining the position in Abia Central, thereby denying Abia South a sense of belonging.

    The odds may favour either Nwosu or Abaribe, Wogu, Emuchay, Nwakamma, and Nwabara, to succeed Orji.

    Nwosu is a legal luminary from Umuora town in Obingwa Local Government Area. He is one of the strongest contenders to the number one seat. He is believed to have made wide consultations within the state. He has been involved in various political activities of the PDP, at the local, state and federal levels. He has also excelled in all party functions, activities and responsibilities enthrusted on his shoulders.

    He is a lawyer to the registered Trustees of Nigerian Governors Forum and he successfully defended the forum in the case of Lagos State Governor vs Jonah Jang of Plateau State.

    Nwosu was the PDP counsel at the Abuja High Court which set aside the order of injunction restraining the PDP convention of August 2013.

    Nwosu is a team player, who can be confided in. He is detribalised and non controversial.

    Abaribe, another contender for this position, is a two term Senator and former deputy governor. He contested for the governorship on the platform of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003. He is currently the spokesman of the Senate. He hails from Obingwa Local Government Area.

    Nwakamma, was the deputy governor to Kalu and Orji.

    He is also from Obingwa Local Government Area. He contested the senatorial election in 2007 under the PPA and lost to Abaribe.

    Wogu is the Minister of Labour and Productivity. He is from Aba South Local Government Area. He was the former vice chairman and later, chairman of the council.

    Ikpeazu is the Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) in charge of Aba and its environs. He is an in-law to one of the aspirants and former Deputy Governor Acho Nwakamma.

    His aspiration seems to have severed his relationship with his in-law.

    Also, his rumoured support for the son of the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Orji, has not gone well with many chieftains and leaders of the PDP. The speculation about imposition may tear the PDP apart. But, the governor has refuted the rumour that his family had endorsed him as his successor.

    Ambassador Emuchay and Chief Nwabara are from Azumini and Ohambele in Ukwa East Local Government Area. The former is the country’s Consular General in South Africa while the later was former chairman of the defunct Hallmark Bank.

    But, beyond the political pedigree of these aspirants, other factors that will shape or determine the emergence of a candidate include the ability of the candidate to forge unity in the chapter.

    However, some of these aspirants are employing various methods to get the governor’s endorsement.

    Others are working hard to market themselves to the party leaders and members. But, all of them would be judged based on their performances.

    But, apart from these PDP aspirants, it is expected that other political parties willing to make any impact in 2015 to zone their governorship tickets to Abia South. This is to ensure equity and assuage the feeling of marginalisation in the zone.

  • Who succeeds Orji in Abia?

    Who succeeds Orji in Abia?

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji will complete his second term  in 2015. Correspondent UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE writes on the succession battle in the state chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Six years ago, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji succeeded his former boss, Chief Orji Kalu, against all odds. He was in detention when he won the governorship election. In two years, he will face the same challenge of succession. The resolution of the challenge, observers contend, will be crucial to his post-2015 political calculations.

    Since the state was created, Abia North District has monopolised the number one seat. The first governor, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, hails from Uburu in the present day Ebonyi State. The second governor, Dr. Kalu, hails from Uburu, Bende Local Government. Orji, a native of Ibeku Kingdom, served him as the Chief of Staff.

    Following the protracted feud between Kalu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the former governor defected from the PDP to the Progressive Peoples Party (PPA), on which platform Orji was elected. But when crisis broke out between Kalu and Orji, the latter defected to the PDP. Although Kalu has also returned to the PDP, the crisis between them has not abated. Today, in Abia State, the internal opposition leader in the ruling PDP is the former governor.

    Both Kalu and Orji are from the Bende Division. Therefore, as agreed by the founding fathers of the state, power should rotate to the Old Aba Division, which is the Ngwa/Ukwa axis.

    Party sources said that Orji is interested in implementing the rotational agreement between the Old Aba and Bende. However, there are some hurdles to cross. Despite the fact that the governor had assured the people of old Aba division that a man from that area will succeed him, some politicians from the South are still itching to succeed the governor. Their argument is that, when Kalu and Orji were struggling to become governors, the people of the Bende Division also showed interest in the race.

    The governor has insisted on the previous agreement. At a recent meeting with the traditional rulers from Isiala Ngwa, Orji said: “Mark my words, the people of Abia South are going to produce the next governor of the state”.

    The assurance has become a tonic for the PDP chiefs from the Abia South. Traditional rulers from the zone have also added their voice. The Umuola Egbelu monarch, Eze Love Wogu, called on the political parties zone the governorship to the district in the interest of equity, justice and fair play. He said there is no shortage of competent politicians to fill the slot. Eze Wogu said that it will be wrong for the position to go to another district in 2015, urging the Ukwa/Ngwa people to also put their house in order.

    The monarch said that the leaders of the area will back any candidate from the zone. “So long as he or she comes from Ukwa/Ngwa area, we are ready to back the candidate”, he maintained.

    The traditional ruler recalled that the state had subscribed to “a charter of equity” as its guiding principle, which says that elective positions would be shared between the old Aba and old Bende, adding that the charter must be obeyed in the interest of political stability.

    Eze Wogu said that, since the creation of the state 22 years ago, the people of Old Bende have ruled the state. “Therefore, it is expedient that power should rotate to Ukwa/Ngwa for the political stability of the state”, he stressed.

    The monarch praised the governor for endorsing power shift. He said that courage is rare in politics, urging him to maintain that integrity till the end of his tenure. The state has two blocs, the old Bende and old Aba, and not the senatorial zones. This issue of senatorial zones should be discarded. The Ukwa/Ngwa people should be allowed to compete for the post of the governor. The people of the old Aba are one happy family”, he said.

    On whether the zone can agree on a consensus candidate, Eze Wogu said that decision cannot be taken by traditional rulers. “But, it is the right of the political parties to do that through their primaries or congress and not the people or the Ezes”, he added.

    He noted that the governor had already made a promise to his people that he would want the governor of Ukwa/Ngwa extraction to succeed him, “We are expecting the governor to fulfill his promise to this group of people, as a promise is like a debt, which must be paid”, Eze Wogu said.

    The traditional ruler said that as the people of Ukwa/Ngwa clamour for power shift, they should also remain dedicated to the struggle for the creation of Aba State. He said, if the new state is created, there will be a balanced equilibrium among the six geo-political zones.

    So far, six governorship aspirants are on the track. Although they have not openly declared their intention, they are holding consultations with the stakeholders. They have been visiting home more regularly in recent times. All of them are from the old Aba Division. They are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Chris Nkwonta, Labour and Productivity Minister Emeka Wogu, Acho Nwakanma, and F. Nwoso, a lawyer. Others may still join the race next year.

    Nwoso is an experienced lawyer and friend of the governor. He has handed some legal briefs for the PDP. Many party chieftains admire him for his humility and dedication to the PDP cause. But, he is not perceived as a politician in the real sense of the word.

    Wogu is a popular politician and he enjoys intimacy with the governor. He also seems to have political structure. But his close associates denied his ambition, saying that he prefer to focus on his ministerial job for now.

    Abaribe has a good profile. In the Senate, he is not a bench warmer. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media.

    Nwogu is an Amazon. She has the supporters of the women and youths. She also has a grassroots appeal.

    Nwakanma is a former deputy governor. He also close to the governor.

    However, a source said that, since Orji will want to remain relevant in the state after his tenure, he may support a candidate, who will do his bidding, defend his legacies; a candidate who will accord him the respect of a leader. However, many people fear that this may not be possible because permanent political loyalty is a scare commodity in Abia politics.

  • Who succeeds Obi?

    Who succeeds Obi?

    Political parties are warming up for the next governorship election in Anambra State. Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU examines the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirants.

    The next governorship elec tion is expected to be a milestone in Anambra State. Governor Peter Obi will bow out in March, next year, following the expiration of his second term in office. Will he hand over to another All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governor? Will any of the opposition parties steal the show and instal his successor?

    The political parties are warming up for the epic battle. The contest may hold in November. The governorshipaspirants have started positioning themselves.

    Four parties are in contention. There is the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is fusing into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Labour Party (LP). There are two other parties-the African Democratic Party (ADC) and the United Peoples Party (UPP).

    The PDP, which is the self-styled largest party in Africa, is in disarray in Anambra State. The ruling party,APGA, also has its problems, although the governor has done it proud by performing in office. The fearsome APC is being expected when the merger plans between the ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are concluded. APGA is basking in the euphoria of the power of incumbency. But ACN has said that this will collapse on poll day.

    There are three zones Obi is pushing for power shift to Anambra North Senatorial Zone. He is mobilising party leaders to support the rotational principle.

    The governor has pointed out that since the creation of the state in 1991 by the former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida the zone has not produced any civilian governor.

    The Central Senatorial Zone produced Obi (2006 till date), Dr. Chris Ngige (2003-2006), Dame Etiaba (November 2006-February 2007).

    The South produced Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju (1999-2003), Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (January 1992-November 1993) and Dr. Andy Uba, who was deposed by the court. Thus, in the last 22 years, the South has produced three governors and the Central has also had a stint.

    Anambra North has only been playing the second fiddle. The former deputy governor, Dr. Chidi Nwike, who was recently murdered in Asaba, Delta State capital, hailed from the zone. He was until his demise the National Vice Chairman of the ACN in the Southeast. Chief Chinedu Emeka, who was deputy to Mbadinuju, is also from the zone.

    The various groups and associations calling for power shift to the North have been strengthened by the governor’s position.

    However, the aspirants from other zones are not deterred by this clamour. Those of them who belong to the ruling party have vowed to resisit the governor’s move to back a contender from the North.

    From all indications, the aspirants from the other zones seem to be stronger than those from the North. Therefore, observers contend that the North may end up producing another deputy governor.

    Already, the posters of the aspirants have flooded the nooks and crannies of the state. Those who have not come out with posters said that they are consulting with the stakeholders.

    The aspirants include ACN strongman, Senator Ngige, who represents Anambra Central, the federal legislator from Anaocha/Njikoka Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Senator Andy Uba, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. Others are Chief Olisa Metuh, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba, Mr. John Nwosu, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Oseloka Obaze, Senator Emma Anosike, and Sir Godwin Ezemo.

    PDP has more aspirants than other parties. APGA has a sizeable number. But ACN seems to parade the strongest aspirant.

    There are some aspirants still floating without any political platform. Some are just in the race to seek relevance. Some of them lack a strong financial base. More aspirants may still join the crowd.

     THE ASPIRANTS

    Ngige (ACN)

    He is the political bulldozer.

    The dimunitive, bearded politician is very popular in the state. Many admire him for his courage and strong will. He is vocal on the podium and he has mobilisation skill. Ngige is running for the third time. He ruled the state between 2003 to 2006, before he was removed by the Appeal Court in Enugu, which ruled that Obi won the 2003 poll.

    He has a good leadership style. He also performed creditably as the governor. Ngige constructed many roads that have continued to remind the people that he cared for them. The roads opened up many communities.

    Recently, Ngige said that he was not coming back to play but to continue the good work. He explained that his motto now is: “Operation totality for restoration of the abused system”.

    However, he will have challengers in the ACN, although there is the pervading feeling that he will get the ticket.

    Ngige’s popularity has reflected in the outcome of past polls in Anambra State. His party won six House of Assembly seats, one House of Representatives seat and a senatorial seat. During the senatorial election, he defeated the former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof Dora Akunyili of APGA.

    If he emerges as the ACN candidate, he will be the candidate to beat.

    Ekwunife (APGA)

    Uche Lilian Ekwunife has endeared herself to the hearts of the people because she is a colourful politician.

    Recently, there was the rumours that she is only interested in becoming the deputy governor. But she debunked it, saying that “if anybody is thinking of such a thing, it means the person does not understand what politics is all about. I was there in 2010 and I want to state it here again, that I, Uche Ekwunife will be running for the governorship of this state. Why should I vie for deputy? I am not joking about it.”

    Ekwunife is contesting on the platform of APGA. She is from Central Senatorial Zone and the only woman running for the position at present.

    She is the House Committee Chairman on Environment. She has given scholarship to over 300 students, not only in Anambra, but also in other states. She has widows and other less privileged persons on her pay roll.

    In the state, Ekwunife is described as the woman with the heart of gold. The only thing that disturbs her mind right now is the crisis tearing her party apart.

    Already, the aspirant has visited the 21 local government areas for the inauguration of her campaign committees.

    Ekwunife, Ngige and Ifeanyi Uba are the only contenders for the governorship position who are serious with their projects at the moment.

    Uba (PDP)

    Andy Uba, who represents Anambra South Senatorial Zone in the Senate, had tested the carrot in 2007 when he won the seat under (PDP).

    But his tenure lasted for only 17days, following the interpretation of tenure by the Supreme Court that returned Obi to power.

    In 2010, PDP denied him the ticket and handed it over to the former Central Bank Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo. Uba moved to the Labour Party, but he failed to make an impact. Many believed that he was in the race to reduce the chances of Soludo.

    After the election, Uba returned to the PDP, where he has been consulting with stakeholders on his ambition to return to power . This seems to be yielding dividends. Although he has not formally launched his ambition, political hangers-on have been urging him to contest.

    Analysts believe that Uba may make an impact during the election, if given the ticket by his party. However, others are equally going for the same ticket. The only problem he may face is clearing the mess of his enfant terrible younger brother, Chief Chris Uba.

    Political observers say he may not likely pursue his project on the platform of PDP because of his alleged romance with LP , if he is denied the PDP ticket, which is likely to happen.

    Nwankpo (PDP)

    Many believe that he has the backing of the Presidency to grab the PDP ticket. He is the Secretary of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), which has been enmeshed by controversies.

    The man, who hails from Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area, has been acquiring chieftaincy titles since 2012. He has also actively participated in alleviating the sufferings of the flood victims.

    However, some people have been alleging that he does not have what it takes to rule Anambra State and that he is not a grassroots politician. Alhough he has not corrected such impression already created by delving into the foundation work, analysts still believe that he still has a lot of work to do.

    A close look at him could convince one that he is a gentle man, but the question remains whether he could swim in the political water of Anambra State, despite his closeness to President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Nwankpo is believed to be in the good books of all the appointees of the President, but can he get the ticket?

    Ukachukwu (PDP)

    In 2010, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu contested the governorship on the platform of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), but failed to secure the ticket.

    Today, he is back to the PDP . He has not formally announced his ambition, but insiders in his camp told The Nation that he is seriously mobilising for the exercise.

    A dogged fighter and mobiliser, Ukachukwu is known for contesting every election in the state. He contested and won the House of Representatives seat in Abuja Municipal Council in 1999.

    Already, he has taken a full duplex in Awka for his campaign, with his photograph boldly displayed in front of the building along Onitsha-Enugu Express Way.

    His major problem now is how to get the PDP ticket, which is also being contested by Nwankpo and Uba. If he eventually emerges, he is likely to face stiff opposition from some party chieftains.

    Obaze (APGA)

    A career diplomat, Obaze returned to the state on Obi’s request to become the Secretary to the Government.

    Described as a gentleman and a hard worker by his admirers, Obaze replaced his younger brother in Obi’s executive council, Dubem, who was referred to as de-facto governor of the state during his time as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

    The Nation gathered that the ground is being watered for him by APGA to replace Obi, despite the number of interests in the plum job.

    The Ogbaru Local Government born-diplomat, returned to the country in 2012, when he assumed his new position. Many APGA faithful believe that the party may be embarking on a suicide mission, if eventually he picks the ticket because he is a political neophyte.

    But what is going for him is his humility, sense of direction and organisational acumen.

    Ezeemo (ACN)

    For now, he is the only person to battle Ngige for the party’s ticket, having been with the party when he was in London. He is a party financier.

    Sir Godwin Ezeemo’s gestures to churches, markets, artisans, corporate organisations and has really brought him closer to the masses.

    Moreover, his support for Ngige for a period of over seven years has made people to believe that, if given such opportunity, he is likely to surpass what the former governor did.

    The amiable young man built a two-storey edifice for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Anambra State. It is worth over N80 million. Previous and present administrations could not achieve that.

    Not only that, in May 2012, the Orient Magazine and Newspaper publisher took another giant stride in collaboration with the Anambra State NUJ by organising a one-week public conference on value re-orientation.

    He is a formidable challenger to Ngige.

    Ubah (APGA)

    Ifeanyi Ubah is the man the Uba Dynasty in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area, refers to as Ubah with “h” in the state. The Chief Executive of Capital Oil and Gas hails from Nnewi. It was believed that his travails recently were the handwork of some people in the state because of his political ambition.

    Apart from Ngige and Ekwunife, who are on the lips of ACN and APGA faithful, Ubah is the next person in line that has appealed to the people.

    In 2012, he distributed kerosene to many homes at the peak of scarcity which hit the country. He ordered that a litre should be sold at N50 when it was being sold at N150 per litre elsewhere.

    Many associations have been formed in the state by the youths and the women in support of Ubah with “h”, while Nollywood actors and actresses have been following him to every nook and cranny to show their support.

    Before now, he has supported the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, who is battling other party leaders for the soul of the party. His subtle endorsement earlier by Umeh was what triggered off the sour relationship between Obi and his chairman.

    However, political observers believe that, with Uba and Ekwunife pairing , APGA is likely to give other candidates sleepless nights as being speculated.

    Anosike (PDP)

    The only thing that has been hampering Emmanuel Anosike from kicking off his campaigns is the crisis that has bedeviled his party in the past eight years.

    The senator, who represented Anambra North, but was replaced by Senator Joy Emodi following a Court of Appeal verdict, has been holding meetings in his country home, Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.

    Anosike had equally represented his Anambra East and West in the House of Representatives between 1991 and 1993 where he excelled.

    Since then, he has not looked back in Anambra politics and is regarded as a political buldozer by his admirers and supporters.

    He seems to be the only person in the PDP that has officially announced his interest and readiness to represent the party during the election. Furthermore, it is believed that “Opete Umueri” has the ears of the powers that be in the party. He is close to the Presidency, which was the reason for his being made the Southeast Co-ordinator of Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation during the 2011 presidential election.

    Apart from these gladiators, there are other candidates in other smaller parties. They include Dr. Chike Obidigbo, who hails from Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area. He is the Southeast Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). He has been going round to canvass for support and relies heavily on the promise of Governor Obi that the North should produce the next governor.

    There is also Dr. Alex Obigbolu from Onitsha, who was the chairman of the Anambra State Local Government Civil Service Commission. He contested the governorship in 2010 on the platform of African Political System (APS). Later, he defected to the PDP. He sees himself as the most qualified among the candidates. Though his backers are not known, but from all indications, he has a large following at the grassroots. The only thing that can hinder his chance is the lack of strong financial base.

    An orator and a gentleman, Obiogbolu’s intelligence is another strong point. Recently, a PDP chieftain told The Nation that the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, is also interested in the plum job. He however, said Metuh is studying the crisis in the party, which has failed to abate.

    Other aspirants are John Nwosu and Patrick Obianwu. The list may swell as time goes on. The Nation learnt in Awka that Obi’s deputy, Emeka Sibedu, may throw his hat into the ring.

    A source said that the pendulum may swing to his favour, despite the clamour for a candidate from the North.

    However, his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Madu, told The Nation that those behind such speculations are on their own, adding that his boss has never has no ambition.

    “My boss is only interested in giving his full support to his oga, his Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, in making sure that Anambra State becomes better than they met it”, he said.

    The whistle has been blown. The race is on. Whoever emerges as flag bearer of his party would work harder to replace Obi n 2014.

  • Rivers 2015: Who succeeds Amaechi?

    Rivers 2015: Who succeeds Amaechi?

    Ahead of the 2015 general elections, politicians have returned to the drawing board. Can the proposed All Progressives Congress (APC) dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State? BISI OLANIYI examines the intrigues and power-play by members of the ruling and opposition parties competing for the Government House, Port-Harcourt.

     

     

    The Brick House, Port-Harcourt, is an enviable seat of government. For 13 years, it has been occupied by the governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But the four political parties that have formed the All Progressives Party (APC) are now challenging the ruling party to a duel. Will power shift to the opposition in 2015?

    Following the birth of the new party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have swung into action. They have been sensitising their members to the significance of the merger and its implications for the 2015 general elections in the state.

    However, governorship aspirants from the four parties will now the eyeing the number one seat under one party. Thus, the leadership of the new party may have to contend with a fairly large number of governorship aspirants.

    To the ACN, the merger would end misrule and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria. The Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Jerry Needam, noted that ahead of the 2015 general elections, said the new party has ended one-party system in Nigeria.

    The politician also believed that APC will install a credible leadership and foster prudence and accountability in governance.

    “The merger will further bring about healthy political competition in Rivers State that will produce exceptional office holders and end PDP’s style of handpicking mediocres and political jobbers as government officials.

    “The merger family in Rivers State, which constitutes 75 per cent of the population of the state, shall swallow the inconsequential number of opportunists, who have been mismanaging the state’s economy,” he said.

    However, PDP chieftains disagreed with him. Its Publicity Secretary, Mr. George Ukwuoma-Nwogba, said that the ruling party had nothing to fear, in view of the impressive performance of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

    He went down memory lane, saying that mergers, alliances, and fusion of parties are not new. Ukwuoma-Nwogba said that efforts by the opposition to unseat the PDP have failed since the begining of this political dispensation.

    “PDP in Rivers State has nothing to fear because we are fully on the ground. Governor Amaechi has done very well and has given Rivers people the cause to be with the PDP. Jerry Needam should concern himself with and dispense his energy on the outcome of the merger, to know whether he will still survive as the publicity secretary of the APC or not, ” he added.

     

    Can APC produce a

    consensus candidate?

     

    With the merger, the opposition politicians in Rivers State are restrategising ahead of 2015. Sources said that they may be compelled to present a formidable front, especially with the “civil war” in the PDP, over who succeeds Amaechi, whose term of office expires in two year’s time.

    In the spirit of the merger, it is expected that many opposition aspirants would have to work together. The main opposition aspirants in the state; Dr. Abiye Sekibo of the ACN and his APGA counterpar, Sir Celestine Omehia, were “defeated” by Amaechi during the April 26, 2011 governorship election. Before the merger, they planned to contest in 2015.

    With the latest development, either Sekibo or Omehia, who is Amaechi’s cousin, will step down. Party sources said this is necessary so that other aspirants can be mobilised to support a consensus candidate.

    Amaechi’s deft moves

     

    Amaechi ‘s deft moves may also affect political calculations. Initially, the governor was said to be warming up for the senatorial contest in his native Rivers East Senatorial District. Sources said that Senator George Sekibo, who is representing the zone, is to be compensated with a key appointment, if he concedes the slot to him.

    The calculation may have now changed as the governor is said to be interested in becoming a running mate to a Northern presidential candidate. In fact, it is being speculated that if the Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, is running for President, Amaechi may emerge his running mate. This may ultimately pitch him against his Niger Delta kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, who is seeking re-election in 2015. But, like many politicians would do, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has denied the ambition.

    Already, Jonathan’s men are turning the heat on the governor. He has been accused by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, of poor performance, misuse of state funds and neglect of the infrastructure battle. But he promptly replied the minister, saying that he is a failed Niger Delta Affairs minister.

    Besides, Amaechi listed some of his achievements in roads.

     

    Can PDP retain power in Rivers?

     

    To many, PDP relies on Amaechi’s achievements to seek the renewal of the PDP’s tenancy in the State House. The party believes that he has briought honour to the state as its former House of Assembly Speaker, two-time governor and Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) chairman.

    Amaechi, observers believe, performed well during his first term, especially in education, health, agriculture and power sectors. But Rivers people now complain that he has relaxed. They said the governor has stopped his surprise routine inspection of projects. Others said that he has been distracted by the NGF assignment and national politics.

    Most of the roads rehabilitated, reconstructed or dualised in Rivers State are now bad, after about six months, especially in Port Harcourt. Contracts are executed by politicians through incompetent contractors, residents college.

    Although he has not said he plans to run for any office, the popuplar thinking is that Amaechi is concentrating on his 2015 ambition because he wants to be relevant politically in post-2015. This posture contrasts sharply with his earlier intention to return to his alma mater, the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), to take up a teaching appointment.

    Amaechi recently told his Ikwerre kinsmen to forget about the governorship in 2015, stressing that it would amount to selfishness. He explained that the position should be filled by another ethnic group, in the spirit of fairness and equity.

     

    Contenders and pretenders

     

    When the governor canvassed for power shift to another ethnic group, it was believed that he was sending a warning signal to the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, an Ikwerre from Rumuepirikom community, who is eyeing either the governorship or the senato- trial slots.

    Wike, a lawyer, was the Chief of Staff in the Rivers Government House. During the electioneering, he was the Director-General of the Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011, before becoming the Minister of State for Education on July 14, 2011.

    Wike was elected twice as the chairman of Obio/Akpor council. He was also the President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and a member of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Local Governments Forum (CLGF).

    In 2012, his wife, Eberechi Suzzette, was appointed a judge.

    Sekibo is also interested in succeeding Amaechi. But the governor is not supporting his ambition. This has led to a division in the party. Sekibo is said to be relying on his closeness to the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, who hails from Okrika, Rivers State, to get the PDP’s ticket. But the race will be tough for all aspirants.

    Another contender is the 42 year-old chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside. He is from Opobo, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. He was Works Commissioner. Considering the upland/riverine dichotomy, which has often played a role in the emergence of the governorship candidate, he is said to be favoured by the party.

    Senator Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, wants to make history as the first Ogoni man to rule the state, since it was created on May 27, 1967.

    Abe stood by Amaechi and remained loyal to him when things were tough for the former Speaker, before the Supreme Court ruled that he should be sworn in as the governor on October 25, 2007. Abe, who was a chieftain of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), was at that time the Information Commissioner in the Odili Administration. Between 1999 and 2003, he was the Minority Leader of the House of Assembly.

    Following his assumption of office, Amaechi appointed Abe as the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), the position he held before moving to the National Assembly.

    Observers say that if Abe, who hails from Bera, Ogoni, Gokana Local Government, emerges as the next governor, it may be a set back for the agitation for the creation of the Bori State by the people of Ogoni.

    Also in the race is the 2007 governorship candidate of the Action Congress (AC), Prince Tonye Princewill, who defected to the PDP after losing the election. He is very close to Amaechi.

    Princewill is the son of the paramount ruler of Kalabari Kingdom, King Theophilus Princewill, who is the former chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. Since the state was created, no Kalabari person has been governor of Rivers State. But the prince said that he will break the jinx.

    Amaechi’s deputy, Tele Ikuru, an engineer, who hails from Ikuru, has been quiet on his 2015 ambition, but he may not be ruled out of the governorship or senatorial race.

     

  • Who succeeds Akpabio in 2015?

    Who succeeds Akpabio in 2015?

    Politics of succession is in the air in Akwa Ibom State. Who succeeds Governor Godswill Akpabio in 2015? Correspondent Kazeem Ibrahym writes on the intrigues and underground moves by the governorship aspirants.

    he political parties are on the track. But the contest for the governorship is actually between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Will PDP maintain its hold on power? Will the ACN displace the party Akwa Ibom State sin 2015?

    Governor Godswill Akpabio will leave the State House, Uyo, on May 29, following the expiration of his second term. Ahead of the general elections, alignments and realignments among the politicians have started.

    Akwa Ibom State has three senatorial districts; Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket. The late Chief Akpan Isemin, an Etinan, had ruled the state between 1991-1993. But his tenure was aborted by the military intervention in politics. Preceeding his administration was that of Wing Commander Idongesit Nkanga, an Nsit Ibom man, who ruled between 1990 –1991. Both the late Isemin and Nkanga are from Uyo Senatorial District.

    Former Governor Victor Attah, who hails from Ibesikpo Asutan, ruled the state from 1999 to 2003. It was during Attah’s time that it was agreed that power should shift to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in the interest of peace, equity and social justice. That was how Akpabio, who hails from Ikot Ekpene, became the governor.

    The people of Eket Senatorial District are of the opinion that it is the turn of the zone to produce Akpabio’s successor. But this does not go down well with the people of Uyo Senatorial District, who are of the view that the governorship has never been zoned to any senatorial district in the history of the state. They argued that it has always been an open contest.

    Those supporting zoning and those against it are locked in scheming. The Elders Council’ of Uyo Senatorial District led by Otuekong Sunny Udoh is believed to be promoting the governorship ambition of the Secretary to Government, Mr. Umana Umana. It is not clear, if the ambition of the politician has the blessing of the governor.

    The elders are relying on historical facts as they forge ahead in their consultations on behalf of Umana. Udoh argued that Isemin contested against the candidates from the three senatorial districts in the Third Republic. He also recalled that, after his emergence as governor, other positions were zoned to the three senatorial districts.

    The elders said in a statement: “Former Governor Attah, who was the governor between 1999 and 2003, contested against the candidates from the three senatorial districts. That there was no zoning for the governorship was underscored by the fact that, even within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aspirants from the three senatorial districts were screened and cleared to contest the primaries for the position in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011.

    “The current governor, His Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, won the primaries in 2006 and 2011 on his merit, after contesting against the aspirants from the three senatorial districts who were duly cleared by the PDP. Governor Akpabio won the two primaries deservedly and not because the position was zoned to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. After the emergence of Chief Godswill Akpabio as governor, other positions; Deputy Governor, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Party Chairman;` were zoned, in line with the practice in 1993, 1999 and 2003, to the three senatorial districts. Against the above background, the Elders Council takes serious exception to the statements made by some anti-democratic elements that the governorship in Akwa Ibom State in 2015 will be exclusively zoned to a particular senatorial district.”

    But former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, who is from Eket, disagreed with the elders. He said it is foolhardy for anyone to argue that there are no credible candidates in Eket Senatorial District to run the affairs of the state in 2015.

    Essien condemned the anti-zoning elements in the state, stressing that zoning has always characterised PDP’s electoral calculations in the state.

    “The zoning arrangement has become a characteristic of PDP. In Akwa Ibom State, the first governor in the democratic dispensation emerged from Uyo Senatorial District. At the end of his second term in office, it was agreed that Uyo Senatorial District was no longer contesting the governorship; that it should go to either Ikot Ekpene or Eket Senatorial District. It was also expected that which ever senatorial district emerged in the 2007 election will stand eliminated from the race in the next round of elections for governor. As it is now, Uyo and Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts in Akwa Ibom have had their two terms in office. It automatically stands to reason that only Eket Senatorial District should present a credible candidate for the next round of elections.

    “May be, after the forth-coming elections, the best candidate, the best material and the highest bidder may emerge in the subsequent elections in 2015. But for now, the three senatorial districts have to be allowed to have their turns.” Essien said.

    In his letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Chairman of Ibom Mandate Assembly, Mr. Iniobong John, who is from Uyo, disagreed with the Uyo Senatorial District’s Elders Council. He said Eket Senatorial District is the only zone that has not produced a governor, since the creation of the state. He explained that the other two zones have enjoyed the slot for 20 years in 2015.

    The letter reads in part: “ Eket Senatorial District is the hub of the oil wealth upon which Akwa Ibom and Nigeria is fed and sustained. In spite of the fact that, with 12 local government areas, the largest among the senatorial districts compared to Ikot Ekpene (10) and Uyo (9), Eket Senatorial Discrict and her diverse ethnic groups of Oro, Ibibio, Ekid, Ijaw and others, the zone is systematically subjected to political marginalisation and economic exploitation.”

    John quoted Article 7 Section 2, Sub-Section C of the PDP Constitution to support his claim on why Eket must produce the next governor. The section of the PDP Constitution reads: “In pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of zoning and rotation of party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by appropriate Executive Committees of the party at all levels.”

    “Mr. President, it may interest you to know that, following the recently concluded public hearing on the constitution review held across the country, the overwhelming vote of the people for zoning and power rotation in Akwa Ibom reverberated in all the 10 federal constituencies, the three senatorial districts and even at the state level, where Governor Godswill Akpabio lent his voice in support of rotation of power, publicly acknowledging that, himself is a product of zoning.” John added.

    In Akwa Ibom State, 2013 is a mirror of 2015. The various groups are coming up as campaign platforms drawing attention to the aspirations of their sponsors. Observers are of the view that the preparation for the 2015 contest led to the resignation of the former deputy governor, Nsima Ekere, who is believed to be a strong contender for the number one seat. Ekere, who hails from Mkpat Enin, the Ibibio axis of Eket Senatorial District, is banking on zoning to succeed Akpabio.

    But Governor Akpabio recently told The Nation that the resignation of Ekere has nothing to do with the governorship tussle. “I don’t think the resignation of the deputy governor has anything to do with 2015. That is my personal opinion. I think it has a lot to do with the personal decision of a public servant who decides to face other things. It really depends on what make you fulfilled as a person. So, I don’t think it has got anything to do with 2015, but there is nothing wrong in reading political connotations into anything that occurs in any political atmosphere. So, I believe strongly that in 2015, Akwa Ibom people are most likely to say let Godswill continue to be done,” he said.

    Asked if he is interested in who succeeds him, Akpabio said: “As a citizen of the state, I am definitely interested in ensuring that the tempo of development is not relaxed and I will be very glad, if we can have somebody who will be as passionate and dedicated as the current governor of Akwa Ibom State.”

    The governor’s explanation notwithstanding, many people believed that Ekere was almost evicted out of Akpabio’s government before he resigned to avoid any embarrassment.

    However, many also believe that the loyalty of Umana to Akpabio would play a key role in deciding who succeeds the governor in 2015. Umana will need to contend with strong forces from Eket Senatorial District, which are shaping the preparations for the battle.

    These include Senator Helen Esuene from Eket Senatorial District, Effiong Abia, an Oron man, who is serving as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Okpolupn Etteh from Ibeno, who is the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly; Ambassador Assam Assam, former Attorney General of the state and the Ambassador of Nigeria to Russia, and Jerome Isangiedighi, a member of the House of Assembly representing Oron/Orung Uko.

    Observers believe that urgent steps are required by the PDP to address its zoning arrangement and the controversy it has generated to prevent internal chaos that could result in the break down of law and order in the state.