By Zika Bobby
Weeks after the peaceful conduct of the governorship election in Anambra State which incumbent governor, Willie Obiano won, the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct a re-run election for the disputed Anambra Central Senatorial District within 90 days. INEC, following the judgment, has fixed the election for January 13, 2018. In this interview, member, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka said enough is enough on the scheduled rerun election, saying the people of Anambra Central would no longer tolerate any further delay.
What is your overall assessment of the just concluded governorship election in Anambra State, which Governor Obiano won?
This is the first time we will witnessed an election where people jubilated. They were happy not just because their choice prevailed but because the election was peaceful. We in APGA are happy that our candidate, Chief Willie Obiano won and we are also happy that the election went well without any hitch. I want to thank President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allowing a level playing ground for the election. I also commend those who backed Obiano’s reelection. I give kudos to the campaign organisation led by Chief Victor Umeh, the traditional rulers, town unions’ leaders and the market leaders for their strong support. I commend youths who shunned negative vices like vote and die, ballot snatching, INEC, the police and other security agencies, and so many others. They all made it possible and peaceful.
How do you see the defection of Emeka Ojukwu Jnr to APC? Is it political gambling?
It’s not gambling by my own understanding. It was a sign of maturity on the side of Emeka. Let’s not forget that his father joined the National Party Nigeria (NPN) instead of Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), which was an Igbo party. So, sometimes you break shadows, bonds and stereotypes to move forward. As an adult and married with his own family, Emeka is entitled to make his own decisions, make his own choices and do things the way he feels are okay for him. So, his defection to APC is a mark of political maturity and I wish him well. He did not blackmail APGA.
INEC has fixed January 13, 2018 for Anambra Central rerun following the judgment delivered by the Appeal Court. Do you think the election will hold considering the fact that some are still kicking against it?
The Appeal Court has given judgment and INEC has fixed January 13, next year for the election. We will therefore not tolerate any further delay. Anambra Central must have a senator, elected and sworn in by January next year. There is no two ways about it. If the law as the court interpreted it says that you are not eligible to stand for the rerun election forget it and wait for another dispensation and stop wasting our time with litigation. Anambra Central must have a senator in January next year and nothing will stop it.
By March 2018, Obiano will take up a fresh four years in office. What are your expectations?
His major campaign highlight is centered on continuity and consolidation, meaning, he is prepared to continue from where he stopped. So, let there be no dull moment or backsliding. Let him ensure that the tight security that characterized his first tenure continues, the massive development in agriculture, attracting foreign investors, community development projects, road construction, uninterrupted payment of workers salary, good relation between the Executive and the Legislature, good relationship between government and relevant stakeholders like the traditional rulers, town unions, religious leaders and market leaders. Let him also ensure the continuity of the good relationship he has with the leadership of APGA at all levels.
Do you think the South east should back President Buhari’s reelection bid in 2019?
As far as I know President Buhari has not told anybody that he is interested to run in 2019, neither has he demanded support from anybody. We have people like Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido who have indicated interest to run for President in 2019. Buhari has not done that.
People are saying that Buhari’s visit to South East States of Ebonyi and Anambra recently is not unconnected with his interest on Igbo support for 2019?
I don’t think the visit is all about 2019. I think the visit is about the need to respond to the challenges facing the country most especially the challenge to keep the country one and intact. While in Ebonyi he said that the oneness of Nigeria is not negotiable, so if you look at what he said you will see that the purpose of his visit is not for reelection but to ensure peace and stability in the country. In Anambra he came to campaign for the candidate of his party ahead of the just concluded governorship election. So the purpose of his visit is very clear.
Does it not worry you that Buhari is not doing anything towards addressing the glaring marginalisation of Ndigbo in his administration?
Well, to me we have to do our homework before putting blame on anybody about marginalisation. Overtime, we have told Ndigbo to embrace APGA as a platform to fight for our share of the national cake but no one cares to listen. You could imagine the political prospect of the south east if we have our governors in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo under the platform of APGA. Nobody would dare joke with us because our political force is intact. But when they see that we are scattered like sheep without shepherd, then they decide to do whatever they like with us. The point I am making here is that, it is time for Ndigbo to embrace APGA if we want to be heard.