It
is wisely said that each new experience shapes who we become. Who has
the former Governor of Abia State become since he left office in 2007? I
am one of those who heavily criticized the former Abia state Governor,
not because he did not do anything as most people alleged, but simply
because he did not live up to my expectation as a modern and maverick
leader that represents new thinking and complete departure from our old and tired idiosyncrasy in Nigeria and the SouthEast region in particular.
Unknown to most Nigerians, SouthEast leaders are under certain unspoken rule and burden to do all that is required and expected of them and a little bit more. Because this is a region that suffers from perennial neglect and marginalization from the Federal government that seem to have a hard time getting past “win the war mentality”.Virtually No federal govt presence in the region and in most cases out of the political equation in appointments except in the immediate past GEJ administration.
In that respect South Easterners expect much more than an average from their leaders. This is where the former governor lost an opportunity to become a preeminent leader not just in Abia state, but in Nigeria. Many sitting South East governors seem not learn from this simple leadership flop and lost opportunity. It still flabbergast so many on how an Aba brought up like Gov. Orji Uzor kalu did not turn Aba into a mini Taiwan that it is destined to be. My guess is that this young leader then, as many may recall was embroiled in so many battles with the powers that be, and for most part on behalf of the entire Igbo race.
Just like his counter part, former Gov. Tinubu of Lagos state who also stood up to President Obasanjo got distracted and Lagos stagnated so did Gov. Orji Kalu. But the difference is in their successors. While Gov. Fashola succeeded Tinubu, Gov Theordore Orji a groomed and pretentious chief of staff succeeded Gov. Orji Uzor kalu albeit to the very dismay of many. Gov. Theodore Orji wasted no time in charting his own course that saw Abia sink to all time low. This is one area that Gov. Orji Uzor gets blamed. Not for incompetence, not for lack of political will and courage; not for political strategic alliances across the entire geopolitical zones, and not for lack of passion and commitment to his people.
Anyone who has the opportunity to interact with the former Governor will see a man that has gone through deep introspection, a man that has matured both spiritually and intellectually, a man that simply want an opportunity to help shape the political landscape in the unfolding Nigerian political landscape in which we have witnessed the clandestine master stroke of Southwest/North alliance to the detriment of SouthEast.
This is the time to deploy the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu to help stem back and reverse the SouthEast dwindling political fortune.
In game theory and strategic thinking paradigm you must not play the game designed by your opponent, you will lose, you must change one or two aspects of that game to corner that game. In my view among the emerging and current SouthEast leaders Gov. Orji Uzor is someone that the South Easterners must unleash or deploy to the center, perhaps through his Senate bid or any other means to help checkmate the increasing political castration and emasculation of SouthEast.
He’s not only experienced politically, he has matured and evolved holistically as a human being and a leader. What’s more he knows and understands the idiosyncracy of the key players in the unfolding political drama and uncertainty. He can engage them, he can confront them with vigor and courage that may be lacking in some upcoming aspiring leaders. He’s been there and done that. He has the benefit of hindsight , which is 20/20 vision. We all have our mistakes and regrets and so does Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu. And the beautiful thing about experience is that it is the best teacher for those who are predisposed to learning, because a wise man is that person who allowed himself to be educated by all things.
The quest to revive Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu politically is no longer his personal ambition, but instead it is what the South Easterners should consider a strategic dispassionate move to confront what is unfolding politically in Nigeria. With all due respect to Senator Tinubu Ahmed, he is in no way a better leader from all ramifications than Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the difference is that the SouthWesterners, the Yoruba tribe in particular strategically driven. They know and realize that everyone of them has a nuisance value. Even their thugs can be elevated over night to speak for them. Political enemies can close ranks over night to achieve a common objective. This is why Tinubu is today being celebrated and some Igbos are busy castigating and vilifying people we need to elevate due to exigencies and political realities of today.
Perhaps the upcoming Senatorial election in Dr. Orji Uzor kalu’s Senatorial district in Abia state in which the former governor is a candidate under (Peoole Progressive Alliance PPA) is yet another opportunity to redeploy this man to the center, not for power sake, not even because he is the most liked, but simply because he’s the only one with the requisite knowledge, experience and courage to deal with the crop of leaders that have just emerged from other regions. He knows them and they know and respect him.
This time it is not about his ambition, but because of our collective strategic interest. So let us prevail on the people of his Senatorial district to think beyond their district and think of someone the Igbos need at this particular time in our national political redesigning and mathematics.
This is why President Buhari and indeed many progressive Nigerians want OUK in the Senate.
Chris O. Maduka is a Public Affairs/policy analyst and Consultant.
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