Prior to 28 March 2015, Ihiala LGA indigenes where left in dilemma of electing one among the three top contenders into the House of Representatives. Each candidate canvassed the length and breadth of the constituency promising realisable and non-realisable democratic dividends if elected. As the judgement day drew near, one of the candidates resorted to personality attack campaign against a fellow contestant who he felt would be a major challenge in the quest. Not forgetting the worst brotherly hatred exhibited by a renowned Billionaire Chief Obiejesi popularly known as ‘’Obijackson’’ on Hon Emeka Anohu despite both coming from the same kindred just because Anohu got the backing of another perceived Billionaire rival in the oil and gas sector in the name of Dr ABC Orjiakor. But all the same, the mantle of trust has fallen on a young vibrant individual to represent Ihiala constituency at the federal level, to take the request of his people to Abuja and see to its implementation. Hence, the task has changed from being a contender/candidate to being under pressure to perform in line with the expectations of the masses who elected him.
As convinced as I was in his ability and desire to bring purposeful representation before joining his campaign team, so were many people who joined the team as well. They were not induced by the perceived monetary gains associated with the family but the desire to see change of statuesque where youths are given the opportunity to occupy any position they so desire as long as they will do justice to the expectations associated with the office. Moreover, who wouldn’t want to be aligned with such generous heart who despite being a member of the State House of Assembly representing Ihiala constituency II, extended his generous hands by providing free medical care worth several millions of naira to the entire local government. I doubt if such has happened in our locality, even from those that have represented Ihiala in the capacity he vied for. A noble idea that has seen thousands of people go through various surgeries for free and drugs worth millions of naira administered to patients. All these where done as a serving State Assembly member, then one can only imagine what he will do next as a member of the Green Chambers. Therefore, given the opportunity to represent Ihiala at the federal level would give room for more good things beyond our expectations to come. As his campaign Director General [DG] Hon Nath Ikwuka, would always say that if his association with Hon Emeka Anohu was monetary motivated then he should have left a long time ago but he stayed put in order to be a part of that success story as one of those who were at the forefront of making Ihiala take its desirable place among its peers through the good deeds of a young destined gentleman with heart of gold and desire for the success of people around him. We graciously look forward to that day. Prior to campaign proper, the rumble and struggle in People Democratic Party [PDP] for who would fly the party’s flag at the polls dampened the hope of people towards his candidacy as rumour filtered the nooks and crannies of Ihiala that Emeka Anohu has lost his mandate to another candidate. But gradually the reality fell into place as he emerged the candidate of the party on both divide of the party’s power bloc. His next step was how to unite the warring groups existing Ihiala federal constituency so the party can achieve victory at the polls. It was no surprise when he perfected with the help of respected political figures in the persons of Hon Nath Ikwuka [his campaign DG] Prince Ken Emeakayi, Fabian Ozigbo and Hon Vitalis Okafor, who all worked spiritedly to see to the success of such noble idea despite their political and personal differences.
Now the ‘’grigri gragra’’ associated with electioneering has come and gone, and Hon Emeka Anohu emerged as the people’s choice, much responsibilities have befallen his doorstep which will either make or mar his political career. Thus, careful and thoughtful approach must be followed for success to come his part or he will follow the footsteps of many before him who have become politically comatose because of their poor performance while wielding the mandate of the people of Ihiala federal constituency. The euphoria of winning the election should be dropped now and careful planning should begin in earnest as the clock begins to tick the day he was announced the winner of the election. It is pertinent to note that four years is just close, so, no time for laxity. One particular attribute of every Nigerian is his/her fast alliance ‘for and against’ at the slightest provocation. The people he represents desire a fast change of statuesque and that’s why the mandate fell on Him, therefore, they expect nothing less than rapid evidence of democratic dividend which is associated with the name ‘’EMEKA ANOHU’’ anything short of that would bring a revolt of trust as seen with the total rejection of his predecessor who resorted to cheap name calling campaign in other to destroy Emeka’s chances of winning the election. Furthermore, the advent of political jobbers trooping around has just begun including those who blatantly or secretly worked against his candidacy, will come in pretence and pledge of loyalty but at the end run will see to his downfall. Many lessons should be learnt from the failure of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the polls as a clear example of what sycophancy and unnecessary sing praising in the midst of little or no need for such can cause. Hence, Emeka’s acquaintances should be with people of clean slate character that are good in the job of legislative duty and community development, individuals who will put the people of Ihiala at the forefront of their thoughts and actions above personal enrichment and aggrandisement. But I believe that the young man I know is above such deceit from inglorious individuals on the prowl.
In conclusion, the people of Ihiala federal constituency expect nothing but a vibrant youthful representation that has always characterised the person of Hon Emeka Anohu as a serving State House of Assembly member to be reciprocated once he proceeds to the Green Chambers in the new political dispensation. His charismatic disposition in speech and actions should be put into positive use at the chambers for the core purpose of legislation and all round development of his primary constituency and Nigeria as a whole.
Ejezie Darlington Elo
Online political analyst
www.ejeziedarlington..com
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