UDENWA’S RETURN TO PDP AND 2015 IMO GOVERNORSHIP RACE

BY

NNAMDI COS-UKWUOMA

The return of the former governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has been unequivocally endorsed by party faithful and a greater population of the people of Imo State as a healthy development in the polity. The people’s position, it has been learnt, stemmed from strategic view of prevailing party politics and governance approaches. Their position is also informed by the need for the state to march towards a new era; a new era of civility, respect for the rule of law, sincerity and transparency, due process, accountability, good and affordable healthcare and wealth creation capped with qualitative education.

Every well-meaning politician in Imo State will always remember with nostalgia how the foundation and pillars that bonded PDP in the state were pushed out of this formidable party, leading to its very poor outing in the last elections. It is our hope that necessary lessons have been learnt by the principal actors.

It will be recalled that these articulate great politicians, with formidable grassroots base left with their vast electoral values, including massive number of loyal, experienced and dependable followers. But all this has become history since these gladiators returned to their root to bring the party back to the good old days when party politics in the state was dynamic, enjoyable and a great fun. When winning elections was no big deal for the party, owing to its formidably organized structure that recognized and respected human persons irrespective of their political, social or economic status.

 This was a time when human capital development was at a high priority, accountability and transparency were held sacrosanct by principal actors in governance. It was also a period when there was no abuse of due process and a time when political ardent followers could safely trust and hold political leaders by their words.

Truly, Udenwa’s return to the PDP is imperative as he is expected to bring back sanity into the state party and usher in the glorious past when government was accountable to the people and government transactions transparent; when there was strict financial prudence and due process in the award of contracts; when contracts were awarded for exigency, not for some self serving reasons.

Given the current state of affairs in the state, it is undoubtedly clear that the majority of the people of the state directly need a change of political leadership. The reason for this cannot be far-fetched. Therefore, he will play greater role of retrieving the baton from Okorocha and his APC folks and wayfarers. Redemption Organization is the Political machinery of Chief Udenwa with which he won governorship elections twice. It still remains the most formidable structure with large followership that cannot be compared to any other in the state, now or before.

Beside the 2015 election victory, which his return will undoubtedly achieve for the PDP at all levels as they relate to Imo state, there is the expectation that Udenwa will assist in stabilizing the Party during governorship primaries which over the years had torn the party into pieces.

Over the two previous governorship elections, experience has shown that Udenwa is a positive influence and adds value to any political party he belongs to. He ensured that Ohakim succeed him in 2007. He also ensured that Okorocha emerged victorious in 2011, when the stakes became too high.

Unfortunately, the tempo of political activities generated by the re-entry of the heavy weights seems to be fast waning. Two months after the pomp and circumstance it looks like the opposition has gone to sleep.

Indeed, political opposition is not a bread and butter affair. It must be honest in intentions. It must have a target. It must be seen to appeal to the interest of the majority. It must be decent and fair in its approach. It must be consistent. It must be funded.

The person occupying the political position in question has greater advantage but he cannot rest anyway, he is not expected to, as a mortal who will be naturally assailed by the fear of the unknown. That spurs him to work harder to avoid a catch-22 situation.

Hence the opposition must think ahead, act ahead, move ahead and harness every variable at its disposal, especially human and material resources. It is evident that the opposition in Imo State is doing so little to harmonize advantages available to it, if any.

And PDP has everything it takes to provide and lead a credible, strong and viable opposition in the state, extend hand of fellowship to other political parties not in sympathy with the government, and take back power which it in its day dream lost 3 years ago. Expectedly, the party has been leading the opposition group in the state, albeit weakly.

What is then the problem? This is a pertinent question that must be satisfactorily dealt with in order to move forward. As a matter of fact, a house divided against it cannot stand. PDP which parades the cream of the political class and elite as well as massive followership, credibility, experience, structure and all what it takes must be united to be able to take back power without much effort.

The seeming desperation and pull-him-down syndrome said to be noticed among the ranks of its aspirants is annoying, especially now that the stakes seem to be getting higher by the day. Subtle moves and dreadful antics, according to reliable sources have become the hallmark of some aspirants. This must be eschewed.

The foregoing facts make it fundamentally pertinent that the opposition should wake from its slumber and take the bull by the horn. The stakeholders, as a matter of urgency should come together to sort out pressing issues starring at the party.

A good measure of political influence blended with wisdom is what PDP needs now to solve its immediate problem. This, Udenwa and many others in the party have aplenty. Consciously addressing all these will no doubt lubricate and strengthen the party to inhibit a repeat of past mistakes.

Importantly, as men of honour and conscience the PDP stakeholders are expected to ensure that political power shifts to Owerri zone by persuading aspirants from other zones to drop their ambition. But we are all aware that power is taken, not given. As such the number of aspirants of Owerri extraction declaring interest in occupying the Douglas House in 2015 is alarming. This will surely play against the interest of the Zone. Hence, it becomes pertinent that they should counsel themselves, come together and prone the number by themselves. If this madness continues till the primaries, the Zone may unwittingly be giving advantage to those of other zones who do not feel the same way.

The political leaders of Owerri Zone should prove themselves worthy by persuading some of these aspirants, especially those who have been tainted by power; those who had occupied or are occupying political positions. Imo people seem to be tired of them. It is a growing public opinion that a green horn will be preferred over and above these too visible politicians. Our people seem to no longer trust them and all they stand for.

Similarly, Imo people now need someone credible enough to earn the trust and confidence of the people. A well groomed professional, with track record seem to have become the appeal of Imo people these days. A core professional who is conscious of his/her professional image and integrity can be trusted than a non professional elite, and worse still, than people who may not appreciate simple decorum, courtesy and decency. Imo people need someone who can create a solid local economy; someone who can create wealth for the people, someone who can generate employment and the legitimate good life for our teeming unemployed youths; a man with clear pedigree, a humble man, a man of few words, a man whose words are his bond, a man not given to frivolities, ephemeral and cosmetic appeal, a man who fears God. This is the kind of governor Imo deserves in 2015.