Posted by By Ike Nwankwo on
JUST as Chris Uba who declared for governorship in Anambra State has commenced his retreat by denying ever being interested in the coveted seat, another joke emerges. This time, it is Nicholas Ukachukwu.
JUST as Chris Uba who declared for governorship in Anambra State has commenced his retreat by denying ever being interested in the coveted seat, another joke emerges. This time, it is Nicholas Ukachukwu. Ukachukwu is the one who almost made it to the Senate based on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) moon-slide rigging in 2003 elections in Anambra but the gods shouted abomination.
A few months ago, I commented on this young man's penchant for power and titles. I did inform 'Anambrarians" in particular and Nigerians in general that though this young man was organizing crusades around the state during the day, at night, he embarks on his heart's desire which is political power acquisition. In fact I mentioned that his crusades are actually his way of commencing his campaign as that in his calculation will lure the good people of Anambra State into believing that he is a true man of God sent to heal the state. Not a few people believe that it was God that gave Mr. Peter Obi his mandate and protected it. This has made people like Ukachukwu to strategize and decide to use religion as a means to acquire his much desired goal.
Ngige may have gone but that he has taken the Anambra Governorship seat beyond mediocrity. This not withstanding, Ukachukwu has embarked on try your luck. Could this be a way of negotiating to be a senator? Once again I insist that though Senator Ugochukwu Uba has not given us decent representation at the Senate, he is learned enough to defend his position even if it is only for the support for third term.
What then is the antecedent of this young man that must rule Anambra State? Not much can be written about him other than the fact that he has money. He is a moneybag. He was in the House of Representatives sometime ago, he owns industries and estates but who really is this man? Like Frank Olize of NTA went to Kaduna many years back to get an answer to the question of "who is a common man?", I went to his village to obtain crucial answers to a very burning question.
Upon making contact with his village men and women, I was told that his declaration can be likened to Chief Alex Ekwueme's 2003 election declaration. Chief Ekwueme left Anambra his state of origin, Enugu, the Regional Capital of the East, Lagos his abode and went to Minna to declare his interest in the 2003 presidential election.
The first man I met dismissed the bid as not only unserious but laughable. Then his question which I could not answer came. Why did he not declare his interest in our village? Why did he have to go to Amichi, a neighbouring village, to declare his interest? Many other information which were not solicited for were made available. These information were corroborated by as many people as I spoke to. When I sought to know why they did not seem to be interested in his candidacy knowing that it will benefit the village if he succeeds, the answer was that nothing good could come out of that family. Why this belief, I asked and the next information came. I was told to go to Nnewi High Court and confirm that the entire village is in Court against him and his family. Just like Mr. Olize left Kaduna with more questions than the answers he got, I left the village.
As I was going back, I was pondering in my mind. Why would this type of joke befall Anambra? If it is not Chris Uba, it is Andy Uba! If it is not Andy Uba, it is Ukachukwu. Who knows the next joke? What I am able to decipher from the political calculation in Anambra State is that the fight against the hawks must be intensified. The state can only be plundered if the people sleep on their right to elect credible candidates and protect their mandate.
Meanwhile, once I was told about Ukachukwu's declaration, my first question was, under what party? I was told that he said he would not reveal that yet. I wish he would reveal his platform because I know that there may not be vacancy in APGA; PDP is obviously under the Uba control; ACD has an Ngige anointed candidate who may just make up the number. I am, however, not ruling out some other cut and join, one man party. I will even not rule out the possibility of his floating his own party like our dear Rochas Okorocha who will be busy advertising his party and the elections will be over.
Like the other jokes, this one will also pass.