Henry Umahi
Public affairs analyst, Dr Jude Umahi, has x-rayed the content and character of the forthcoming election, saying that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the man to beat.
He also said that Uche Nwosu and Acho Ihim of the Action Alliance (AA) would shock Imo.
Between Buhari and Atiku, who stands a better chance?
Everybody is tired of this nasty and vindictive administration of President Muhammad Buhari, and wants a breath of fresh air. For this reason, one can say that victory is for Atiku and Peter Obi, considering the pulse of the moment. Nigerians are tired of Buhari’s negative tendencies and seriously desirous of positive change. The way things are, only Atiku and Obi presidency can afford that change. The icing on the cake is that the great American forecasters have predicted victory for Atiku. That is exactly the position.
What is your take on Uche Nwosu/Acho Ihim ticket in Imo?
As former Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu is amply qualified to be governor of Imo State, notwithstanding his affinity as son-in-law to Governor Rochas Okorocha. Though Nwosu is relatively new in politics, age is on his side, and I believe Imo people will appreciate him based on his outstanding performance as Chief of Staff. I believe his rich CV will speak well of him: He is a former student union leader, personal assistant to the Special Adviser on Inter-Party Relations to the President and Commander-In-Chief, director of finance, Action Alliance (AA), deputy chief of staff and commissioner for lands, survey and urban development.
For the ebullient Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Dr. Achor Ihim, he is eminently qualified to be the next deputy governor of the state. I have known Ihim for a long time. We grew up together in Uburu, Ohaozara LGA in the present Ebonyi State. He’s from a very religious family: His father was a minister of God. Ihim was reputed for his high intellectual acuity and mobilization ability. His success as proprietor of schools in several parts of the Southeast is an eloquent testimony that he’s a whiz kid. He was a one-time chairman of Okigwe LGA, member of Imo State House of Assembly and currently, the Speaker. Mr. Speaker’s tenure has been one of the most stable since the current Republic. He has a wonderful relation with House members, and this is why his achievements are enviable and laudable. The Speaker has good working relationship with the governor thus ensuring that the rapport with the executive has engendered peace and progress in the state. Of course, before now, he had fantastic relationship with Nwosu when he was the Chief of Staff, and that is why it did not come as a surprise to some of us, who have been keen followers of Imo politics, that the duo is vying for the office of governor and deputy governor under AA. It is a beautiful match: combination of young brains with great ideas to take the state to the next level of El Dorado. Interestingly, Ihim has endeared himself to Imolites, when he described the vexatious “Grazing Bill” before the House as “dead upon arrival,” and Nwosu also has the sympathy of Imolites, who feel that being son-in-law to a sitting governor, does not obliterate ones’ right under the law. Consequently, good conscience, equity and fair play may work in favour of the duo-as governor and deputy in the offing.
What’s your take on the state of the nation?
Nigeria is passing through turbulence as a result of misrule of the present administration at the federal level. Nothing seems to be working. All we hear every day is bad news. Nigerians are disgruntled and disenchanted. There is hunger in the land. Insecurity is the order of the day. Lawlessness abound. Might is now right. Good is rewarded for evil. Jobs are lost with ignominy. State of emergency is desperately required in all sectors of our lives. Nigeria needs a messiah. Atiku and Obi are outstandingly qualified to change the current dirge narrative. The duo is tested and trusted job creators, capacity builders and nation builders. The forthcoming election is an ample opportunity for right decisions. Nigerians should get their PVCs, vote wisely and ensure that their votes count. May God help grant the dream of our yesterday, hope of today and reality of our tomorrow.